Alexei was not ready to become a soldier, but knew it was his duty. His family would be the first at the side of Lady Nyx when she was restored - to sit at her right hand once more.
Alexei was not stupid, and suspected it was not merely the houses that divided the cousins. But he would not bring that up, not when for the moment things seemed pleasant between them. "Being in different houses, as well as NEWT level classes," Alexei offered, "has had an effect... And we are not children anymore either."