The amphitheater buzzed with anticipation. Students of all ranks—Gray, Silver, and Gold—filled the stone seats, their chatter mingling with the faint hum of mana lanterns floating above. The banners of Ardencrest Academy, deep blue and embroidered with silver runes, swayed gently in the evening breeze. At the center of the stage stood the Headmaster, Caelith, his gilded robes shimmering in the lantern light. Beside him, Isova Ardencrest, the academy’s dean and queen of the realm, was a figure of striking authority. Her silver attire, adorned with the subtle insignia of her royal lineage, caught the light with understated elegance.
Ayo sat near the back, clutching the hem of his plain Gray uniform. The low murmurs around him were not unfamiliar—snide remarks, whispered mockery, dismissive laughter. He had learned to tune it out, though the weight of his Gray badge still felt like a stone around his neck. Beside him, Eike leaned forward, his golden badge glinting.
“They’re waiting for the headmaster to say something inspiring, but I bet my allowance he starts with something cheesy,” Eike whispered, nudging Ayo.
Before Ayo could reply, Caelith stepped forward, his deep voice silencing the crowd.
“Welcome, students,” he began, spreading his arms wide. “Ascension Week is upon us—a tradition that predates even this great academy. A time to test your mettle, your resolve, and your place among the ranks of Ardencrest.”
A ripple of excitement passed through the crowd, particularly among the Silver and Gold ranks.
“For centuries, this week has shaped the leaders, warriors, and scholars of tomorrow. It is not just a test; it is a crucible where your potential is revealed.” Caelith’s gaze swept across the crowd, pausing briefly on Ayo. “Whether you are Gray, Silver, or Gold, this week is your opportunity to rise beyond expectations.”
Ayo shifted uncomfortably under the brief attention, but Eike grinned. “See? Inspirational, just like I said.”
Caelith’s voice softened, though it carried no less weight. “Remember this: Your rank does not define your worth. Your actions, your resolve—those are the marks of greatness. Show us what you are capable of.”
The students erupted into cheers, some more genuine than others. Ayo’s heart lifted slightly at the words, though the crowd’s energy still felt distant.
As Caelith stepped back, Isova moved to the podium with an air of quiet authority. Her piercing gaze swept over the amphitheater, silencing the cheers almost instantly. Everyone knew who she was—the last heir of the Ardencrest royal family, the name synonymous with this academy and the kingdom itself.
“While my husband speaks of legacy and resolve,” Isova began, her voice cold and unwavering, “let me be clear: Ascension Week is not a celebration. It is a crucible, and crucibles burn away the weak.”
The amphitheater fell into an uneasy silence.
“Deaths have occurred in these trials before,” she continued, her tone unrelenting. “They will occur again. If you fall, there will be no intervention. If you die, you die.”
The students exchanged nervous glances, even among the more confident ranks. Ayo swallowed hard, his grip tightening on the edge of his seat.
Caelith’s jaw tightened, but he said nothing. Instead, he watched Isova with a mixture of admiration and unease.
“This is your reality,” Isova finished. “Ascension Week is not about mercy. It is about survival. Prove that you deserve to be here, or be forgotten.”
For a moment, the amphitheater was silent, save for the rustling of banners in the breeze. Then, with a curt nod, Isova stepped back, and Caelith raised his hand.
“You have heard what is expected of you,” he said, his voice less certain than before. “Now, go and prepare. Ascension Week begins at this evening.”
The crowd slowly dispersed, the excitement tempered with a new tension. Ayo stood, his legs shaky, but Eike clapped him on the shoulder.
“Relax, kid. You’ll be fine,” Eike said, his grin as steady as ever. “You’ve got me on your side, remember?”
Ayo gave him a weak smile, though his heart was heavy with doubt.
The academy courtyard was alive with energy. Rows of colorful stalls lined the cobblestone paths, each offering a glimpse into the academy’s storied history or catering to the students’ growing excitement. Some booths displayed artifacts from the Realm War, their faded runes glowing faintly under glass cases. Others served steaming cups of spiced mana tea or sold charms inscribed with protective wards.
Students milled about in groups, their laughter and chatter filling the air. Sparring demonstrations took place in a large open space near the center, where pairs of Gold and Silver ranks exchanged rapid blows with practiced precision. The distinct clang of steel against enchanted shields echoed across the courtyard.
Ayo lingered at the edge of the festivities, his arms crossed tightly over his chest. He had always felt out of place at events like this, and the vibrant energy only made his Gray badge feel heavier.
“You’re not going to make any friends by standing there like a statue, you know,” Eike said, appearing at his side with a grin. His own golden badge gleamed against his crisp uniform.
Ayo sighed. “I’m fine. I don’t need—”
“Don’t say you don’t need friends,” Eike interrupted, raising a hand. “You’ve been here a whole year, and the only person you talk to is me. And I don’t count—I’m practically your brother.”
Ayo frowned. “I don’t see what’s wrong with that.”
Eike rolled his eyes. “Look, kid, you can’t just float through this place like a ghost. Talk to people. Get to know them. I mean, we’re at a festival! The perfect excuse to—”
“Perfect excuse for what?”
The voice belonged to Tessa Yvareth, who strolled up to them with a playful smirk. Her vibrant blue hair glimmered in the lantern light as she brushed a strand behind her ear. Behind her, Ren Luroth followed, his hands shoved awkwardly into his pockets.
“Tessa, Ren!” Eike exclaimed, his grin widening. “Perfect timing. Ayo here was just about to dive headfirst into making new friends. Weren’t you, Ayo?”
Ayo shot Eike a sharp look but said nothing.
Tessa raised an eyebrow, her smirk growing. “Is that so? Well, we wouldn’t want to miss the show.”
Ren chuckled nervously. “Uh, yeah. We were just looking for something to do, anyway.”
Eike clapped his hands together. “Great! Let’s make this a group thing.” He threw an arm around Ayo’s shoulders, ignoring the younger boy’s protest. “Come on, let’s check out the relic booths. You’ll love it, Ayo. History and all that.”
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The group weaved through the bustling crowd, stopping at a stall adorned with faded banners and ancient artifacts. A glass case at the center held a gleaming sword with intricate runes etched along the blade, its hilt wrapped in worn leather.
“This,” the merchant began, gesturing dramatically, “is a fragment of the Blade of Illidryn, said to have been wielded during the final battle of the Realm War.”
Tessa leaned closer to the glass. “Looks a little rusty for something so legendary.”
“Age adds character,” Eike said with a wink.
As the others examined the relics, Ayo’s attention drifted to the edge of the stall. His shadow stretched unnaturally long across the cobblestones, even though the light above wasn’t angled that way. It rippled slightly, like ink in water, curling along the edges before stilling again.
He frowned, his gaze flicking to the nearby lantern. Was it flickering?
“Find something interesting, Gray?” a sharp voice cut through his thoughts.
Ayo turned to see Kaelen Draeve standing a few feet away, his arms crossed and his golden badge glinting in the lantern light. Flanking him were a small group of Silver-ranked students, their smirks as smug as Kaelen’s.
“Just admiring the relics,” Ayo said evenly, though his grip on the edge of the display tightened.
Kaelen sneered. “Relics like these aren’t meant for the likes of you. Maybe stick to what’s within your reach—like, I don’t know, sweeping the training grounds.”
As Kaelen spoke, he stepped closer, his shoulder slamming into Ayo’s. The force knocked Ayo off balance, and he stumbled to the ground, his notebook slipping from his grasp.
“Watch it, Gray,” Kaelen muttered, stepping past without even a glance.
But as Kaelen’s foot hit the cobblestone, the ground beneath him shifted unnaturally, like the stones were turning to liquid. His footing faltered, and he stumbled awkwardly, just managing to catch himself before falling.
“What the hell?” Kaelen muttered, looking down at the ground. His entourage looked equally confused, but they quickly moved to smooth over the moment, laughing it off.
“Clumsy, huh?” one of the Silver students joked, earning a glare from Kaelen.
Kaelen straightened, brushing off his uniform as if nothing had happened. He cast one final glare at Ayo before stalking off, his entourage close behind.
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Ayo sat up, brushing off his hands as Eike helped him to his feet.
“You okay?” Eike asked, his voice unusually serious.
“Yeah,” Ayo muttered, bending to retrieve his notebook. “What was that? Did the ground—”
“It moved,” Tessa interrupted, her eyes wide. “Like quicksand or something.”
Ren, who had been standing slightly behind Ayo, frowned. “It wasn’t the ground. It was… your shadow.”
Ayo froze, his eyes darting to the cobblestones where his shadow now stretched perfectly normal. “What are you talking about?”
“We saw it,” Eike said, his tone lighter now but still curious. “It was subtle, but your shadow moved in a way it shouldn’t have. Almost like it… reached out.”
Ayo swallowed hard, his fingers tightening around his notebook. “You’re imagining things.”
Tessa exchanged a glance with Ren but said nothing more. Eike didn’t push the matter either, instead clapping Ayo on the back. “Well, whatever it was, it tripped Kaelen, so I’m calling it a win.”
Ayo gave a weak chuckle, though the unease in his chest didn’t fade.
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The dueling arena was a cauldron of noise and energy. Rows of tiered seating surrounded the circular combat field, where mana runes etched into the stone shimmered faintly, holding the air taut with latent magic. Students crowded into the stands, their voices a mix of excitement and jeers.
Ayo stood at the edge of the arena, clutching the hilt of his practice sword. The polished steel felt heavy in his hand, its weight mirroring the knot tightening in his chest. Across from him, Dorian Kael rolled his shoulders, the Silver badge pinned to his chest gleaming. Around his feet, faint traces of mana glimmered—earth magic already responding to his presence.
“You sure you’re ready for this, Gray?” Dorian called out, his voice dripping with mockery. He stomped his foot, and the ground beneath him rippled slightly, as if it were alive. “I’d hate for this to be over too quickly.”
The crowd laughed, and Ayo’s grip on his sword tightened.
“Don’t let him get in your head, kid,” Eike’s voice cut through the noise. Ayo turned slightly to see Eike leaning over the railing, grinning down at him. “Show him what you’ve got.”
Ayo nodded, though his stomach churned. The truth was, he wasn’t sure he had anything to show.
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The instructor raised a hand, his voice booming over the crowd. “This is a standard duel. Combatants will fight until one yields or is incapacitated. Begin!”
Dorian smirked and slammed his foot down. The ground between them cracked and shifted, sending jagged spikes of stone shooting toward Ayo.
Ayo’s eyes widened as he dove to the side, narrowly avoiding the first spike. The next one came faster, chasing him as Dorian stomped again. Each step sent more spikes rippling toward Ayo, forcing him to keep moving.
“Run all you want,” Dorian taunted, his movements casual as he advanced. “You’re only making this easier.”
Ayo’s breathing grew heavier as he dodged another spike, the sharp edge grazing his sleeve. He tried to focus, gripping his sword tightly. He couldn’t use magic—not here, not now. Not after what happened at the Hollow.
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Dorian stepped forward, his smirk widening as he raised his arms. Ayo’s feet sank suddenly, the ground beneath him turning soft and heavy like quicksand.
“Not so fast, Gray,” Dorian said, his voice smug. “What’s the matter? Can’t get your footing?”
Ayo struggled to pull his feet free, his shadow rippling faintly as he strained. The quicksand thickened, holding him in place, and Dorian raised his sword.
“Guess I’ll make this quick after all.”
At the last second, Ayo shifted his weight, yanking his leg free and twisting to the side. Dorian’s blade missed by inches, and Ayo used the momentum to bring his sword up, forcing Dorian to block.
The impact sent a jolt up Ayo’s arm, but he gritted his teeth and pressed forward, landing a quick series of strikes. Dorian parried them with ease, his confidence undeterred.
“Finally decided to fight back?” Dorian said, stepping back and slamming his foot down again. This time, a wall of stone erupted between them, forcing Ayo to retreat.
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Ayo circled the wall cautiously, his shadow flickering along the ground. As he rounded the edge, Dorian was waiting for him. With a sharp motion, Dorian swung his sword, sending a wave of stone shards hurtling toward Ayo.
Ayo ducked, raising his sword to shield himself, but the force knocked him off balance. He hit the ground hard, his weapon skidding out of reach. The crowd erupted in cheers and jeers, their voices blending into a chaotic roar.
“Stay down, Solara,” Dorian said, stepping closer. He raised his foot, ready to stomp and finish the match with another spike.
But as his foot came down, the ground beneath Ayo shifted again. This time, his shadow pulsed outward, stretching unnaturally as if alive. The stone beneath Dorian softened, and his footing faltered.
“What the—?” Dorian staggered, his arms flailing as the ground betrayed him.
Ayo didn’t waste the opportunity. He lunged forward, grabbing his sword and slashing upward in one fluid motion. The flat of the blade struck Dorian’s chest, sending him sprawling.
The crowd fell silent, the noise replaced by murmurs of disbelief.
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Dorian scrambled to his feet, his face red with anger. He slammed his foot down harder, sending a fissure racing toward Ayo. The ground cracked and split beneath him, forcing Ayo to leap aside.
“You’re finished!” Dorian shouted, raising both hands. A massive boulder began to form behind him, its surface glowing faintly with mana.
Ayo’s heart pounded as he watched the boulder take shape. He tightened his grip on his sword, his shadow rippling faintly beneath him. Not now, he thought, forcing himself to steady his breath.
Dorian hurled the boulder with a shout, the massive stone hurtling toward Ayo.
In a burst of adrenaline, Ayo sidestepped, the boulder missing him by inches and shattering against the arena wall. Before Dorian could react, Ayo closed the distance between them. His sword came up, the flat edge connecting with Dorian’s wrist and sending his weapon clattering to the ground.
Dorian stumbled back, his hands raised defensively.
“Do you yield?” Ayo asked, his voice steady despite the adrenaline coursing through him.
Dorian glared at him for a long moment before spitting on the ground. “I yield.”
The instructor stepped forward, raising a hand. “The winner: Ayo Solara!”
For a moment, the crowd was stunned into silence. Then the noise erupted—a cacophony of cheers, groans, and confused murmurs.
“Did that Gray just win?”
“Against a Kael?”
“No way. Dorian must have let him!”
Ayo let out a shaky breath, lowering his sword. His arms felt like lead, his legs trembling as he stepped back from the center of the arena. The thrill of victory was overshadowed by the rush of fatigue and the lingering sensation of his shadow pulsing beneath him.
He glanced toward the stands. Eike was leaning over the railing, his grin stretching ear to ear.
“That’s my little brother!” Eike hollered, cupping his hands around his mouth. His voice carried over the noise, prompting a few scattered chuckles and eye rolls from the crowd.
Tessa was clapping, her smile somewhere between impressed and smug. Ren, meanwhile, gave him a small but genuine nod, his expression thoughtful.
But not everyone was celebrating. Dorian’s entourage of Silver-ranked students wore a mix of shock and disbelief, whispering among themselves.
“Can you believe it?” one of them muttered.
“He must have cheated,” another hissed, though the words lacked conviction.
Ayo turned to Dorian, who was still kneeling on the ground, clutching his wrist. For a moment, their eyes met. Dorian’s usual smugness was gone, replaced by something darker—a simmering anger that made Ayo’s chest tighten.
“You got lucky,” Dorian spat, his voice low enough that only Ayo could hear.
Before Ayo could respond, Dorian shoved himself to his feet and stormed off without a word to the instructor. His followers scrambled after him, their expressions uneasy.
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As Ayo turned back toward the stands, his gaze caught on a familiar figure. Lirien was perched in one of the higher rows, her arms crossed. She wasn’t cheering or clapping like the others, but her usual smirk was gone. Instead, her expression was thoughtful, almost calculating.
For a brief moment, their eyes met. Lirien inclined her head slightly, as though acknowledging his victory. Then, just as quickly, she turned away, disappearing into the dispersing crowd.
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“You did it, kid,” Eike said, clapping Ayo on the back as he joined them near the arena’s exit. His grin was infectious, and for the first time since stepping into the ring, Ayo felt the faintest flicker of pride.
“Thanks,” Ayo muttered, though his voice lacked the enthusiasm to match Eike’s. His hand tightened around the hilt of his sword, his knuckles white.
Tessa nudged him with her elbow. “Not bad for a Gray. Though I have to admit, you scared me for a second there. That quicksand trick? Dorian’s no joke.”
Ren nodded, his brow furrowed. “Yeah… but that last part. The ground moved weird, didn’t it? Right before you landed the final blow.”
Ayo’s stomach churned. He opened his mouth to brush it off, but Eike cut in.
“Did you see his shadow?” Eike said, leaning forward. “It stretched. Like it was alive or something.”
Tessa frowned, her teasing tone gone. “I thought I imagined that.”
“Guys, stop,” Ayo said quickly, his voice sharp. “It was nothing. Just the way the light hit.”
Eike raised an eyebrow but didn’t push the matter further. “Whatever you say, kid. Still, you made Kael look like a fool out there.”
The mention of Dorian brought Ayo’s thoughts back to the match. The memory of his shadow pulsing, of the ground shifting beneath Dorian, lingered in his mind like a weight he couldn’t shake.
“Yeah,” Ayo said quietly, forcing a weak smile. “Guess I got lucky.”
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As they walked away from the arena, Ayo glanced over his shoulder. The crowd had mostly dispersed, but a few students still lingered, whispering and casting curious glances his way. Some looked impressed, others wary.
Dorian was gone, but Ayo could still feel the heat of his glare. He knew this wasn’t over.
And then there was his shadow.
It had moved on its own. Again.
Ayo clenched his fists as they walked back toward the dormitories, the hum of the festival fading behind them. He told himself he wouldn’t use magic. That he wouldn’t let Nyvra take hold.
But the shadow didn’t feel like magic. It felt like something else entirely.
Something he didn’t understand.
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The sun dipped low over Ardencrest Academy, casting long shadows across the grounds. The noise from the dueling arena had faded to a distant hum as students scattered to various parts of the campus, their conversations buzzing with speculation about the day’s matches.
Ren Luroth found himself on a quiet balcony overlooking the arena. The view from here was breathtaking—the sprawling campus framed by the towering spires of the Golden Tower in the distance. But Ren’s gaze wasn’t on the view. It lingered on the now-empty dueling field below, where Ayo Solara had stood only an hour ago, victorious against Dorian Kael.
The Gray had won. Against Dorian Kael, no less.
Ren leaned against the stone railing, his brow furrowed. He replayed the fight in his mind, every strike and counter, every moment of hesitation and resolve.
“He’s reckless,” Ren muttered to himself, his fingers drumming against the cool stone. “Wild. Like he doesn’t care if he wins or loses, as long as he fights.”
It wasn’t entirely true, Ren knew. Ayo cared—probably more than anyone else in the arena today. That was what made the duel so… unsettling.
Ayo had fought with a desperation that Ren couldn’t fully understand. It wasn’t just about proving himself or climbing the ranks. It was something deeper, more primal.
“That shadow…” Ren whispered, his voice barely audible.
He had seen it, just like Tessa and Eike. The way it moved, like it had a will of its own. For a moment, Ren had thought it was some kind of trick, maybe a fragment of Nyvra’s chaotic influence. But the way Ayo reacted afterward—the tension in his shoulders, the way he refused to meet anyone’s eyes—it didn’t feel intentional.
It felt like Ayo was afraid.
Ren frowned, his brow furrowing deeply. “What is he scared of?”
His mind raced with possibilities. Shadow magic wasn’t unheard of—it was rare, yes, but not unmanageable. Even if Nyvra was the source of Ayo’s power rather than Mana, he should still be able to control it, shouldn’t he? Other students with unusual affinities found ways to master their magic.
“Is it too unstable?” Ren asked himself, his voice tinged with doubt. “Or… does it make him unstable?”
The thought sent a chill down his spine. He shook his head, trying to brush it off, but the unease lingered. Whatever it was, Ayo wasn’t just struggling with raw power. He was battling something deeper, something that clung to him like a shadow.
Ren’s thoughts drifted to himself. To his own matches. He wasn’t bad—he knew that much. His control over air magic was precise, his technique refined. But that was the problem, wasn’t it?
He was precise. Refined. Predictable.
Every time he stepped into the arena, he felt like he was playing by a script, following rules that no longer mattered. Watching Ayo fight had been like watching a storm—chaotic, unrelenting, and impossible to look away from.
Ren clenched his fists. “I fight smart. I don’t take risks like that because risks get you killed.”
The words felt hollow, even as he said them.
Ayo’s fight against Dorian had been messy, full of mistakes and missteps. Yet somehow, in the chaos, Ayo had found an edge. Ren couldn’t deny it—the sheer force of Ayo’s resolve had been enough to topple someone like Dorian Kael.
And then there was the shadow.
Ren’s fingers tightened against the stone railing. He didn’t understand it, and that made it worse. In the academy, everything about magic was supposed to make sense. Elemental affinities, Mana flows, Nyvra’s chaotic potential—they all had rules, even if they were difficult to master.
But Ayo’s shadow didn’t follow any rules.
Ren exhaled slowly, his chest tightening. It wasn’t jealousy—at least, that’s what he told himself. But he couldn’t shake the feeling that something was shifting, something that would leave him behind if he didn’t find a way to keep up.
“Ayo fights like someone with nothing to lose,” Ren said softly. “That kind of resolve can make you a hero—or a monster.”
The breeze picked up, tugging at his hair. For a brief moment, Ren closed his eyes, letting the cool air calm the storm in his mind.
When he opened them again, his gaze was sharper, more determined. Whatever this week brought, he wouldn’t be left behind.
A faint breeze rustled through the balcony, carrying with it the sounds of laughter and chatter from the festival below. Ren’s gaze shifted to the Garnet Tower in the distance, its dark silhouette stark against the evening sky.
He had heard the rumors—whispers of the headmaster granting special access to students who showed “unusual potential.” Ayo’s name had already started circulating among the crowd.
Ren exhaled slowly, his chest tightening. He wasn’t jealous. At least, that’s what he told himself. But he couldn’t shake the feeling that something was shifting, something that would leave him behind if he didn’t find a way to keep up.
“Ayo fights like someone with nothing to lose,” Ren said softly. “That kind of resolve can make you a hero—or a monster.”
The breeze picked up, tugging at his hair. For a brief moment, Ren closed his eyes, letting the cool air calm the storm in his mind.
When he opened them again, his gaze was sharper, more determined. Whatever this week brought, he wouldn’t be left behind.
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THE GRAY TOWER WASN’T KNOWN FOR ITS GRANDEUR. ITS WALLS WERE PLAIN AND UTILITARIAN, BUILT FOR FUNCTION RATHER THAN BEAUTY. THE STAIRWELLS CREAKED UNDERFOOT, WORN SMOOTH BY COUNTLESS STUDENTS OVER THE YEARS. THE DORM ROOMS WERE EQUALLY UNINSPIRING—SIMPLE BEDS, SCUFFED WOODEN DESKS, AND SMALL BALCONIES THAT OVERLOOKED THE SPRAWLING ARDENCREST CAMPUS.
This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.
Ayo sat on the edge of his balcony, his elbows resting on the cool iron railing. His sword leaned beside him, its edge glinting faintly in the moonlight. The distant hum of the Courtyard Festival had faded, replaced by the occasional rustle of wind and the low chirping of night birds.
He stared out at the Garnet Tower glowing in the distance, its ruby light a stark contrast to the muted grays of his surroundings. His thoughts churned as the memory of his duel with Dorian played on repeat in his mind—the clash of blades, the roar of the crowd, and the raw surge of his shadow.
His hands clenched against the railing as he muttered to himself, “That wasn’t all me. Was it?”
The thought sent a shiver through him. The power he had felt in that moment—uncontrolled, overwhelming—still lingered like a phantom at the edges of his mind. He sighed, running a hand through his hair.
The creak of his door startled him from his thoughts. Ayo turned sharply, his brow furrowing as the door opened just enough to reveal a familiar figure stepping inside. Lirien’s crimson hair was the first thing he noticed, catching the dim glow of the mana lantern. She carried two steaming cups, the rich aroma of Aetherleaf Tea drifting between them.
“There you are,” she said, her smirk widening as she stepped onto the balcony. “Brooding doesn’t suit you, Solara.”
Ayo blinked, caught completely off guard. “What are you doing here? And how did you even get in?”
Lirien handed him one of the cups, forcing him to take it as she leaned casually against the balcony railing beside him.
“A beautiful girl like me doesn’t need to explain herself,” she teased. “I asked a few of your fellow Grays where your room was. They practically tripped over themselves to help.”
Ayo frowned, glancing down at the tea in his hands. “You asked? That’s it?”
“Of course,” Lirien replied smoothly, taking a sip from her own cup. “Being a Silver rank has its perks. Higher ranks can go wherever they please. Not that we usually bother with the Gray Tower.” She glanced around the modest room with mock disdain. “I can see why.”
Lirien raised her cup, her smirk growing playful as she made a mock toast. “I knew you’d handle that jerk. Dorian’s always looking at my chest, anyway.”
Ayo choked on his tea, sputtering as his face turned crimson. Lirien’s grin widened, her eyes gleaming with mischief.
“I mean, I know my chest is... noticeable,” she continued, her tone teasing but with a hint of irritation. “But the way Dorian stares at me makes my skin crawl. He’s not a real gentleman like you are, Ayo.”
Ayo froze, completely caught off guard. His mind scrambled for a response, his eyes darting anywhere but toward her. Despite his best efforts, his gaze flicked downward for a split second before snapping back up.
Lirien caught him immediately, arching an eyebrow as her grin stretched wider. “Did you just—”
“I didn’t!” Ayo cut in quickly, his voice cracking slightly as he waved his hands defensively. “I wasn’t looking! I swear!”
Lirien burst into laughter, setting her tea down on the railing to steady herself. “Relax, Solara,” she said, wiping a tear from the corner of her eye. “I’m just messing with you. Mostly.”
Ayo groaned, his face practically glowing with embarrassment as he buried it in one hand. “You didn’t come all the way to the Gray Tower just to humiliate me, did you?”
“Why not?” Lirien teased, reclaiming her tea with a smirk. “You’re fun to mess with. But no, I didn’t. I came to congratulate you—and maybe give you some company. It looked like you could use it.”
She took another sip of her tea, her smirk softening slightly. “You should be proud of yourself, Solara. Not everyone gets to knock Dorian Kael down a peg.”
Her teasing faded as she leaned back against the railing, her gaze shifting out over the courtyard below. The glow of the Garnet Tower reflected faintly in her eyes, giving her an almost uncharacteristically serious air.
“You did good today,” she said softly, her tone sincere.
Ayo glanced at her, his earlier embarrassment replaced by mild surprise. “Thanks, I guess.”
She didn’t look at him as she continued. “Back at the Hollow, when we fought... you caught me off guard. Not a lot of people can do that.”
Ayo tilted his head, frowning slightly. “I thought you said I was predictable.”
Lirien smirked faintly, though her expression remained thoughtful. “You were. Until you weren’t. It’s frustrating, you know?” She turned her cup slowly in her hands as she spoke.
“I fight to win, Solara. Always have. It’s how I was raised. Her voice dipped slightly, a shadow of something darker flashing across her face before she masked it with a shrug
“But you... you fight like someone who doesn’t care about winning. Like someone who’s got nothing left to lose. It’s unnerving.”
Her voice softened further, a note of vulnerability creeping in. “It’s rare to see someone fight like that—not out of pride or ambition, but because it’s the only way they know how. I didn’t expect it from you.”
Ayo stared at her, the weight of her words sinking in. He hesitated before responding, his voice quieter than usual.
“Maybe I don’t care about winning,” he admitted. “But losing… it reminds me of things I’d rather forget.” he said after a moment, his voice quieter than usual.
Lirien turned to him then, her expression unreadable. For a moment, the silence stretched between them, the unspoken weight of the conversation settling in the air. Then, as if deciding the moment had gone on long enough, she leaned in slightly, her smirk creeping back.
“You know,” she said, her tone lighter now, “you’re not as boring as I thought you’d be, Solara. Still frustrating. But not boring.”
Ayo raised an eyebrow, unsure whether to take that as a compliment. “Thanks, I think?”
Lirien shrugged, setting her cup aside. “It’s true. Don’t let it go to your head, though. One good fight doesn’t make you a legend.” She paused, glancing at him with a playful gleam in her eye. “Oh, and just so you know, I have a terrible habit of not being able to sleep alone.”
Ayo blinked, confused. “What does that have to do with—”
“I need cuddles,” she said, cutting him off with an exaggeratedly sweet tone. “It’s the only way I can sleep. So don’t get too comfortable on your balcony, because I’m staying here tonight.”
Her smirk lingered, but for the briefest moment, something flickered in her eyes—a shadow of emotion Ayo couldn’t quite place. It was gone as quickly as it came, leaving him to wonder if he’d imagined it.
The quiet stretched between them, the soft hum of the mana lantern blending with the faint rustle of wind outside. Lirien hadn’t said anything since her last words, but Ayo could tell she was still turning them over in her mind. For a moment, he wondered if she regretted opening up.
Ayo leaned back against the railing, his tea cooling in his hands as his gaze shifted back to the distant glow of the Garnet Tower. Her earlier vulnerability still lingered in the air, mixing with the tension that always seemed to follow her.
Finally, Lirien broke the silence, her tone lighter now, though he could tell she was shifting back into her usual teasing self. “You know, for someone so annoying, you’re not the worst company I’ve had to deal with.”
Ayo glanced at her, his lips twitching upward faintly. “High praise.”
Lirien smirked, standing and brushing imaginary dust off her skirt. “Don’t get used to it, Solara. I wouldn’t want you thinking I actually enjoy this.”
Ayo raised an eyebrow but didn’t respond. Instead, he turned back to the railing, sipping the last of his tea.
She’s joking. She has to be joking, Ayo thought, watching as she flopped onto his bed with all the grace of someone who clearly wasn’t. Nope. Definitely not joking.
“It’s late, and the thought of walking all the way back to the Silver Tower sounds awful. Your bed looks comfortable enough,” Lirien said.
Ayo raised an eyebrow. “You’ve really thought this through, huh?”
“I wasn’t joking earlier,” she said, patting the spot beside her on the bed. “I’m staying. I can’t sleep alone.”
Ayo blinked at her. “You what?”
“You heard me. I can’t sleep without company. And it’s either this, or you find me a lifesize plushie to take your place,” she added nonchalantly, stretching out as if daring him to argue.
“Well, that explains a lot,” Ayo muttered. “You must have a hoard of lifesize plushies back in the Silver Tower. No wonder you’re so well-rested all the time.”
Lirien’s smirk widened, but there was the faintest flicker of something in her eyes—a shadow of emotion he couldn’t quite place. “Let’s just say I prefer the real thing. So, are you sharing, or should I start making myself at home?”
“Sure,” Ayo replied dryly. “Just let me grab my teddy bear. Wouldn’t want you feeling out of place.”
Lirien swatted his arm, her cheeks faintly pink. “Keep it up, Solara, and you’re sleeping on the floor.”
The room settled into a comfortable silence, broken only by the soft hum of the mana lantern and the occasional rustle of wind through the open balcony door. The chill from the night air crept into the corners of the room, contrasting with the warmth beneath the shared blanket.
Ayo lay on his side, staring up at the ceiling, his thoughts swirling with the events of the day. Lirien’s earlier words lingered in his mind—the rare vulnerability she’d shown, the flicker of something deeper beneath her teasing exterior.
It was hard to reconcile the fiery, confident rival he thought he knew with the person now adjusting the blankets beside him, her presence quieter but no less commanding.
She shifted, pulling the blanket tightly around herself, and her breathing softened. For a moment, Ayo thought she might have already fallen asleep. Then, without warning, she moved closer, her head resting lightly against his shoulder.
“What are you doing?” he asked, his voice laced with confusion.
“You’re hogging the warm side,” she muttered, her words muffled as she burrowed slightly under the covers. Her arm draped over his chest, and her hair, fiery red in the dim glow of the mana lantern, tickled his jaw.
“I thought you said you were too tired to care,” Ayo said, his voice edged with a mix of amusement and nervousness.
“I am,” she replied, her tone slow and drowsy. “That’s why I’m not putting up with freezing over here.”
Her fingers grazed his side as she adjusted her position again, settling more fully against him. Her warmth was unexpected, and the steady weight of her arm felt… comforting.
“Don’t overthink it, Solara. It’s not like I want to cuddle you,” she added, though her voice lacked its usual sharpness.
“Right,” he said slowly, staring up at the ceiling as if it might offer answers. “So this is purely survival.”
“Exactly,” she murmured, her voice trailing off as sleep began to claim her.
For a moment, Ayo lay rigid, unsure of what to do. Her hair spilled across his shoulder, its faint scent—something floral and sweet—filling the air around him. He could feel the soft rise and fall of her breathing against his chest, the rhythmic warmth drawing him into an unintentional calm.
His gaze drifted down to her face, framed by a cascade of red locks. Her green eyes, now closed, were striking when open, a shade that seemed to pierce through anything and everything.
Against her pale, flawless skin, they had a way of making her look... elegant, almost unreal. Even now, with her expression softened in sleep, she looked undeniably beautiful.
Ayo exhaled slowly, his mind racing. What am I even doing right now? he thought, glancing back at the ceiling. Lirien Veyra, the academy’s untouchable warrior prodigy princess, is sleeping on me like it’s the most natural thing in the world. If any of the other guys saw this…
He almost laughed at the thought, though the sound caught in his throat. They’d probably kill me if they knew.
But it wasn’t just that—her beauty, her confidence, the way she commanded attention. There was more to her than that. The way she had opened up earlier tonight, even briefly, hinted at a vulnerability she rarely let anyone see. It made him feel… chosen, in a strange way, like he’d been granted a glimpse of something private and rare.
Her arm shifted slightly against his chest, and he felt her fingers curl faintly against his shirt. The small movement stirred something deeper in him—a mix of protectiveness and awe. He had faced her in combat, seen the fire in her eyes, the sheer determination that made her nearly impossible to beat. And now, here she was, vulnerable and completely at ease, trusting him enough to let her guard down.
She’s impossible, he thought with a faint smile, shaking his head slightly.
The weight of the day began to settle in his bones, and Ayo allowed himself to relax. His arm, hesitant at first, moved to rest lightly around her shoulders, careful not to wake her. Her warmth seeped into him, melting the tension he hadn’t realized he was holding.
The room felt smaller now, cozier. The cold breeze from the balcony no longer seemed to reach him. All he could hear was the steady rhythm of her breathing, her presence grounding him in a way he didn’t entirely understand.
“Good night, Lirien,” he whispered softly, though he knew she couldn’t hear him.
Closing his eyes, he let his thoughts fade, the strange comfort of her presence lulling him to sleep. For the first time in what felt like forever, the room didn’t feel empty.
When Ayo woke the next morning, the bed beside him was empty. The room was quiet, save for the faint chirping of birds outside and the soft glow of sunlight filtering through the balcony door. He sat up slowly, blinking the sleep from his eyes.
On the pillow where Lirien had been sleeping was a small note:
“You’re lucky I didn’t kick you off the bed. Thanks for not hogging the blankets. – L”
Ayo sighed, running a hand through his hair as a faint smile tugged at his lips.
“Impossible,” he muttered to himself, though there was no irritation in his voice—only quiet amusement.
----------------------------------------
MEANWHILE, DOWN IN THE BUSTLING COURTYARDS OF ARDENCREST ACADEMY, THE MORNING SUN CAST ITS GOLDEN LIGHT ACROSS THE COBBLESTONES, MAKING THE SPIRES OF THE GOLDEN TOWER GLEAM LIKE POLISHED JEWELS. THE CRISP AIR CARRIED THE EARTHY SCENT OF DEW-DAMP GRASS MINGLED WITH THE FAINT AROMA OF WILDFLOWERS BLOOMING ALONG THE PATHS. STUDENTS HURRIED THROUGH THE CAMPUS, THEIR CHATTER BLENDING INTO A LIVELY HUM.
BUT BENEATH THE USUAL RHYTHM OF ACADEMY LIFE, SOMETHING SIMMERED. AN UNUSUAL ENERGY RIPPLED THROUGH THE CROWDS—A SPARK OF SPECULATION IGNITING LIKE WILDFIRE.
“Did you hear?” a girl whispered near the training yard, clutching a mana-bound book to her chest. Her wide eyes darted nervously toward the Gray Tower as though expecting someone to emerge.
“Lirien Veyra, the Silver Princess herself, was seen leaving the Gray Tower this morning,” replied another, her tone tinged with disbelief.
“With him.”
“Who?”
“That Gray rank. Ayo Solara.”
“No way. Why would someone like her—”
“Maybe it’s some noble game,” a tall boy cut in, his voice sharp with derision. “You know how the Veyra family is. Always pulling strings behind the scenes.”
A shorter boy leaned against the training yard railing, a sly grin spreading across his face. “I bet it’s not a game. I bet they—”
The words dissolved into muffled snickers as a passing group drowned out the rest of his sentence.
“Mentoring?” a girl scoffed as she perched on the library steps, adjusting the loose straps of her satchel. “Lirien doesn’t mentor anyone. She barely tolerates people.”
“I heard they’re secretly engaged,” someone else chimed in from a nearby bench, their voice dripping with sarcasm.
“That’s impossible,” a boy cut in firmly. “Ayo isn’t royalty. He doesn’t even have parents. Everyone knows Eike’s family took him in. Why would someone like Lirien waste her time on him?”
Theories twisted and turned as they traveled, growing more colorful with every retelling. By the time the morning bell rang, the academy was alive with whispers. From the cobblestone paths to the polished halls of the Golden Tower, Ayo’s name was on nearly every tongue.
----------------------------------------
INSIDE HIS ROOM IN THE GRAY TOWER, AYO REMAINED BLISSFULLY UNAWARE OF THE CHAOS UNFOLDING OUTSIDE. THE FAINT SCENT OF PARCHMENT AND POLISHED METAL LINGERED IN THE AIR, MIXING WITH THE CRISP BITE OF MORNING WIND DRIFTING THROUGH THE CRACKED WINDOW.
He stood by his desk, the rough leather of his practice sword straps scraping against his fingers as he fumbled with the knots.
His thoughts were elsewhere, replaying fragments of the night before. Lirien’s teasing smirk. The flash of vulnerability she’d let slip for just a moment. The quiet weight of her presence beside him, grounding yet impossible to pin down.
His gaze flicked to the pillow where her note still rested, neatly folded, the edges sharp. Her handwriting was bold, almost aggressive, and as distinct as the woman herself.
“Thanks for the hospitality. Don’t let the rumors bother you. Or do. It’s more fun that way. – L”
Ayo groaned, running a hand through his hair. “Why does everything with her feel like trouble?” he muttered.
A sharp knock jolted him from his thoughts.
“Ayo! Open up!”
Before he could respond, the door swung open, and Eike strolled in with the confidence of someone who owned the place. Ren followed behind, leaning casually against the doorframe. His dirty blond hair fell just past his ears, and his piercing blue eyes gleamed with mischief.
Small diamond studs glittered in his earlobes, catching the light whenever he turned his head. Silver jewelry adorned nearly every finger, from chunky rings to delicate bands, and a thin chain looped around his neck.
Tessa stormed in last, her boots thudding against the floor. Her arms were crossed tightly, her brow furrowed in obvious irritation.
“Morning, kid,” Eike said, his grin widening as he flopped onto Ayo’s bed without hesitation. His hand swept across the pillow, gathering a few stray strands of fiery red hair. He held them up triumphantly. “Looks like royalty left you a little souvenir.”
Ayo froze, his face flushing a deep red.
“What are you talking about?”
“Oh, come on,” Eike said, dropping the strands back onto the pillow with an exaggerated flourish. “Half the academy saw her leaving this morning. Lirien Veyra, the Silver Princess, spending the night in your room? That’s got to be some kind of record.”
“What?” Ayo blurted, his voice cracking.
Ren smirked, adjusting one of his rings. “It’s true. Even the Gold Tower knows. And trust me, they don’t usually care about Gray ranks.”
“And I’m here to find out if it’s true,” Tessa snapped, her voice sharp. She stepped closer, her dark eyes narrowing. “Please tell me this is some ridiculous misunderstanding.”
“It’s not what guys think I swear!” Ayo groaned, throwing up his hands as heat crept up his neck. “She just—”
“—slept in your bed?” Eike interrupted, his grin widening. “Because that’s what they’re saying.”
“She didn’t!” Ayo snapped back, his voice rising an octave. “I slept in the same—” He froze mid-sentence, his eyes widening as realization struck. “I mean, I slept on the couch!” he corrected, his voice cracking under the weight of his own panic.
Ren let out a quiet snort of amusement, while Tessa threw her hands in the air with a groan.
“Why would Lirien—” Tessa started, cutting herself off mid-sentence. She glared at Ayo, muttering under her breath. “You know what? Let’s just find her and get this cleared up. This is ridiculous.”
Eike swung his legs off the bed, clapping Ayo on the back with a hearty laugh. “Relax, kid. You’ve just become a legend. A Gray rank with a Silver spending the night? That’s the stuff of academy myths.”
Ayo buried his face in his hands, groaning. “Shut up, Eike.”
But Eike’s laughter only grew louder, and even Ren couldn’t suppress his smirk. Tessa, meanwhile, looked seconds away from dragging Ayo out the door herself.
Left to his embarrassment, Ayo’s eyes drifted to Lirien’s note one more time. Her words echoed in his mind, teasing and impossible to ignore:
Don’t let the rumors bother you. Or do. It’s more fun that way.
Trouble. That’s what she was.
And yet, despite the chaos she’d caused, he couldn’t help but smile.
----------------------------------------
The group made their way through the academy grounds, but wherever they went, whispers followed.
“I heard they spent the whole night together.”
“They must’ve been up to something.”
“What could she possibly see in him?”
Ayo’s face burned with embarrassment, and he kept his head down, his fists clenched tightly at his sides. Eike, on the other hand, seemed to revel in the attention.
He even waved cheerfully at a group of students who were talking particularly loudly. When they realized they’d been overheard, they fell silent, their faces turning crimson.
“Eike, stop,” Ayo hissed under his breath.
“What?” Eike replied, still grinning. “I’m just being polite.”
Ren chuckled softly, shaking his head. “You’re handling this better than I expected, Ayo.”
“What else can I do?” Ayo muttered.
“Deny it,” Ren offered.
“That’ll just make it worse,” Ayo replied, sighing heavily.
Tessa, walking ahead of the group, muttered darkly under her breath. “I can’t believe this. Of all the people to start rumors about…”
The group found Lirien lounging in the Silver Tower courtyard, perched on the edge of a fountain with the effortless grace of someone who knew every eye was on her.
A few Silver-ranked students hovered nearby, clearly captivated by her every move, though they kept a respectful distance.
Her crimson hair caught the sunlight, gleaming like polished copper, and the light breeze made her pristine uniform flutter ever so slightly.
She looked every bit the noble she was—radiant, confident, and completely unbothered by the world around her.
When she noticed Ayo and the others approaching, her smirk widened. She picked up her cup of Aetherleaf Tea and sipped leisurely before speaking.
“Well, well,” she said, her voice smooth as silk. “If it isn’t my favorite Gray.”
“Lirien!!” Tessa snapped, not bothering with pleasantries. “Care to explain what everyone’s talking about?!”
Lirien tilted her head, her expression the picture of innocence. “And what’s everyone saying, exactly?”
Tessa glared at her. “D-Don’t play dumb. People are saying you spent the night in Ayo’s room.”
Lirien’s grin widened. “Oh, that? Well, I did.”
Ayo groaned audibly, burying his face in his hands. Eike burst out laughing, leaning against a nearby column for support, while Ren’s smirk grew slightly wider.
“Wha--?” Tessa sputtered, her voice rising. “Why would you—”
“Why are you so upset, Tess?” Lirien interrupted, her tone light and teasing. “You wouldn't happen to be madly in love with Ayo, would you?”
Tessa’s face turned crimson. “Of course not!”
“Too bad,” Lirien said with a mock pout. “Because he’s already mine.”
Ayo’s head shot up, his face even redder than Tessa’s. “What?!”
Before anyone could react, Lirien stepped forward and threw her arms around Ayo, hugging him tightly.
“After all,” she said, glancing over her shoulder at Tessa with a sly grin, “we did share a bed together.”
Tessa’s jaw dropped. “You— What—”
Eike was doubled over, laughing so hard tears were streaming down his face. Even Ren, who usually kept his cool, let out an incredulous chuckle.
Lirien held the pose, her arms draped around Ayo as she smirked at the others. Her boldness was enough to freeze the group in place.
Tessa, her face still burning, finally found her voice. “You’re messing with us. You have to be messing with us.”
Ren, who had been watching the scene unfold with mild amusement, crossed his arms. “If you are, this is a little extreme, even for you.”
Lirien pulled back from Ayo, giving him a playful pat on the head. “Extreme? I think it’s called being thorough.”
“Thorough?” Ayo repeated, exasperated. “This isn’t funny, Lirien!”
“It’s a little funny,” she said, grinning. “But fine, fine. I’ll explain for all you poor, confused souls.”
She turned toward Tessa and Ren, one hand on her hip and the other holding up a single finger like she was about to deliver a lecture. “It was late. I didn’t feel like walking back to the Silver Tower. Ayo—being the gentleman that he is—offered to let me stay in his room.”
Her smirk widened as she added, “Of course, I did offer to share the bed, but…”
“Lirien!” Ayo snapped, his face practically glowing red.
“All right, all right,” she said, holding up her hands in mock surrender, a teasing smirk playing on her lips. “Nothing happened. I needed a place to crash, and Ayo was kind enough to let me use his bed. Completely innocent... although, we could, just say it was cozy enough for the both of us.”
For a moment, no one spoke. Tessa glared at Lirien, her arms crossed tightly. Ren’s expression softened slightly, though he still looked skeptical. Eike, however, was grinning like he’d just won a jackpot.
“That’s it?” Tessa said finally, her voice sharp and disbelieving, her wide eyes fixed on Lirien.
“What were you expecting?” Lirien asked, tilting her head, her smirk playful. “Some scandalous tale of passion?”
“No! Of course not!” Tessa sputtered, her face turning crimson. “It’s just… I mean, you… sharing a bed with someone? Lirien, seriously?”
Lirien raised an eyebrow, clearly amused. “What, you think I’m made of ice or something?” She shrugged nonchalantly. “It wasn’t a big deal. Ayo was comfortable, and I don’t like sleeping alone. Seemed like a win-win to me.”
There was a beat of stunned silence before Eike broke into a low whistle. “Sharing a bed? With someone? You really know how to shock people, Lirien. I didn’t think that was even in your vocabulary.” He leaned back with a grin, looking between her and Ayo. “Though I have to say, our boy here looks like he’s still recovering.”
Tessa’s jaw dropped. “This… This has to be a joke, right? Lirien doesn’t even let people sit next to her at lunch without a death glare!”
“What can I say?” Lirien replied with a wink. “Ayo’s different.”
Ayo, caught in the middle, turned several shades of red as the room exploded into chatter, half disbelief and half laughter. “Can we not make a big deal out of this?” he muttered, his voice barely audible over the chaos.
Eike slapped his shoulder with a grin. “Oh, no, this is definitely a big deal, my friend. You just rewrote the rules.”
“Shut up, Eike,” Ayo muttered, his face buried in his hands.
Lirien laughed, leaning casually against the fountain with her arms crossed, her smirk radiating smug satisfaction. “You should be thanking me, Solara,” she said, her tone light and teasing but with a sharp edge of truth.
“Do you even realize what you’ve done? Sharing a bed with me? You’re not just the most talked-about Gray in Arden—”
She paused deliberately, her lips curling into a wider grin. “Actually, scratch that. You’re the most talked-about boy in all of Ardencrest. Period.”
She pushed off the fountain, taking a slow step forward as her eyes gleamed with mischief. “The academy’s star pupil, its most beautiful girl—me—choosing you of all people? It’s like a dream come true for half the guys here, and the other half hate you for it. Congratulations, Solara. You’re officially living in everyone else’s head rent-free.”
Lirien gave a soft, amused sigh, as if reflecting on her own impact. “You’ve managed to turn the whole academy upside down just by being yourself. I mean, I knew I’d be making waves, but I didn’t expect you to handle it so well. You’re welcome, by the way.”
Ayo opened his mouth to protest, but nothing came out. He could feel the heat rising to his face as her words sank in.
“This is ridiculous,”
he muttered, running a hand through his hair, though it did little to hide his embarrassment.
Eike chuckled from the sidelines, clearly enjoying the show. “Ridiculous or not, she’s right. You’re all anyone can talk about. The guys want to be you, the girls are curious, and the Golds? They don’t know whether to laugh or feel threatened.”
Tessa gasped, her eyes wide. “You’re kidding! Even the Golds are talking about this? Oh no, Ayo, you’re doomed!”
Ayo groaned, rubbing his face with both hands. “Doomed is an understatement. This is going to follow me forever.”
Lirien tilted her head, her smirk softening just slightly, though the playful glint never left her eyes. “Relax, Solara. Fame suits you. Besides…” She leaned in, lowering her voice just enough for Ayo to hear. “You’ve already survived worse, haven’t you? Enjoy this while it lasts. You earned it.”
She straightened with a wink, leaving Ayo torn between exasperation and a flicker of gratitude he didn’t dare voice.
As they walked away from the Silver Tower courtyard, the buzz of whispered conversations followed them like an unshakable shadow.
Every glance, every smirk from passing students felt like a deliberate jab at Ayo’s already frayed nerves. He kept his head down, his shoulders slumped, and his fists clenched tightly at his sides, wishing he could disappear into the ground.
The faint scent of blooming wildflowers carried on the breeze did little to soothe him, and the sound of boots clacking against cobblestones only seemed to amplify the chaotic murmur of voices trailing in their wake.
“Could this day get any worse?” he muttered under his breath, his words barely audible over the constant whispers.
“Oh, don’t be so dramatic,” Eike said, throwing an arm around Ayo’s shoulders with a grin that practically screamed trouble. “You’re practically famous now. Think of all the Grays who’ll look up to you as the guy who scored a night with Lirien Veyra.”
Ayo’s face burned as he whipped his head toward Eike. “I didn’t ‘score’ anything!”
“Exactly what someone who scored would say,” Eike shot back, his grin widening.
Ren, walking just a step behind them, chuckled softly, his diamond studs catching the sunlight. “You know, you could always deny it outright. That might kill the rumors.”
Ayo shot him a skeptical look, his brows furrowing. “And make them worse. That’s how these things work.”
“Exactly,” Tessa interjected sharply, her tone cutting through the air like a whip. Her boots hit the cobblestones with a little more force than necessary as she marched ahead. “You should’ve stopped her from staying in the first place.”
“She doesn’t exactly take no for an answer,” Ayo muttered, his gaze flicking over his shoulder toward the Silver Tower as if expecting Lirien to emerge and somehow make the situation even worse.
Tessa spun on her heel, her glare so sharp it made Ayo flinch. “You’re unbelievable, you know that? If you just stood your ground, we wouldn’t be in this mess!”
“What was I supposed to do? Drag her out of my room?” Ayo shot back, his voice rising with exasperation.
“Yes!” Tessa snapped, throwing her hands up in frustration. “Maybe then we wouldn’t have the entire academy whispering about you two!”
Eike let out a low whistle, clearly enjoying the chaos. “Wow, Tessa. You sound almost jealous. Don’t tell me you’re starting to fall for our boy, too.”
Tessa froze mid-step, her face flushing a deep crimson. “I am NOT jealous!”
Eike raised an eyebrow, the playful glint in his eyes impossible to miss. “Sure, sure. That’s why you’re so worked up, huh?”
Tessa’s jaw tightened as she clenched her fists at her sides, her gaze narrowing. “I’m not jealous, okay? I just don’t like seeing someone being used.”
Eike blinked, momentarily thrown off. “Used? What are you talking about?”
“Lirien’s clearly just messing with Ayo!” Tessa snapped, her voice rising with barely contained anger. “She’s toying with him because she can. It’s all a game to her, and Ayo’s too nice—or too blind—to see it.”
Ayo stopped in his tracks, staring at her. Behind him, his shadows shifted subtly, flickering at the edges of his feet like restless tendrils. His chest tightened, and an unspoken weight pressed on him.
“That’s not fair,” he said softly, his voice barely above a whisper. “She’s not—”
He trailed off, his gaze dropping to the ground. His eyes darkened, the color shifting to a deep, stormy blue that glowed faintly in the dappled sunlight filtering through the trees.
The hue was rich and haunting, like the depths of an endless ocean, carrying a weight of sorrow that words couldn’t express. Ren, walking just behind, paused briefly. His sharp eyes caught the flicker of movement from Ayo’s shadows and the subtle shift in his gaze.
He didn’t say anything, but his brow furrowed slightly, a flicker of curiosity crossing his features.
“How do you know?” Tessa interrupted, stepping closer. Her glare didn’t falter, but her voice softened, tinged with frustration. “Do you really think someone like her cares about someone like you? She’s a Silver, Ayo. A Veyra. You’re just... convenient for her.”
Her words hit harder than Ayo expected, the accusation striking somewhere deep. His breath caught, and for a moment, he didn’t know how to respond.
The shadows at his feet rippled again, faint and almost imperceptible, like the flicker of an unseen flame. Ren’s eyes darted down, catching the movement again, but he kept quiet, falling back into step with the group.
Eike let out a low whistle, breaking the tension. “Wow, Tess. That’s harsh, even for you.”
“I’m not being harsh,” Tessa muttered, crossing her arms tightly over her chest. “I’m being realistic. Someone has to be.”
Ren sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose as if the whole scene was giving him a headache. “This is exhausting.”
“You’re telling me,” Ayo muttered, his voice quiet as his gaze stayed fixed on the cobblestones. The edges of his shadows calmed, retreating into their usual stillness. Slowly, his eyes faded back to their natural hue, the deep blue glow extinguished.
Eike clapped him on the back, the playful force nearly knocking Ayo off balance. “Oh, come on, Solara! Live a little! This is your big moment. Half the academy thinks you’re a legend now.”
“And the other half probably hates me,” Ayo mumbled, his words heavy with resignation.
“Well, that just makes it more interesting,” Eike replied with a laugh, though his usual mirth didn’t quite reach Ayo this time.
Tessa stormed ahead, her boots clicking sharply against the stones, leaving the rest of the group to trail behind.
Ren, still walking beside Ayo, glanced over with a faintly amused expression. “For what it’s worth, you’ll survive. Lirien might’ve started this mess, but you’ve got a knack for pulling through worse.”
Ayo sighed heavily, running a hand through his hair. “I really hope you’re right, Ren. Because I’m pretty sure my life just got a lot harder.”
THE SILVER TOWER COURTYARD EXUDED QUIET ELEGANCE, A TRANQUIL OASIS WITHIN THE BUSTLING ACADEMY. MANICURED HEDGES FRAMED COBBLESTONE PATHS, AND THE SOFT MURMUR OF WATER CASCADING FROM THE MARBLE FOUNTAIN IN THE CENTER FILLED THE AIR. SUNLIGHT DAPPLED THE GROUND, FILTERING THROUGH THE TREES TO CAST DANCING PATTERNS OVER THE POLISHED STONES.
PERCHED ON THE FOUNTAIN’S EDGE, LIRIEN VEYRA LEANED BACK AGAINST A SUN-WARMED COLUMN, HER POSTURE EFFORTLESS AND REGAL. SHE HELD A PORCELAIN CUP OF AETHERLEAF TEA, THE STEAM CURLING UPWARD IN DELICATE SPIRALS. ITS RICH, EARTHY AROMA MINGLED WITH THE FAINT FLORAL SCENT CARRIED ON THE BREEZE, A PRIVILEGE RESERVED FOR SILVER AND GOLD RANKS.
Her smirk lingered, even though Ayo and his group had long since disappeared into the crowd. The echoes of the whispers trailing behind them, however, remained. Students lingered at a respectful distance, their hushed voices carrying words of speculation and disbelief.
“Lady Veyra,” a hesitant voice broke through the soft chatter, drawing her attention.
She turned her head slightly, her crimson hair cascading over her shoulder like a ribbon of fire. A Silver-ranked boy approached cautiously, his polished insignia glinting in the sunlight as he adjusted the cuffs of his uniform nervously. His tailored jacket, trimmed in silver thread, fit snugly over the crisp white shirt beneath, the emblem of his rank embroidered proudly on the lapel..
“Is it true?” he asked, his voice wavering. “You… stayed the night in the Gray Tower? With him?”
Lirien’s emerald eyes flicked to him, gleaming with amusement. She raised an eyebrow, letting the silence stretch just long enough to make him squirm. Then, taking a slow, deliberate sip of her tea, she lowered the cup.
“And what if I did?” she replied, her tone light and unbothered, as though discussing the weather.
The boy’s face reddened, his confidence faltering. “I-I mean… It’s just… surprising. That’s all.”
“Good,” she said simply, her lips curling into a faint smile. She set her cup down on the fountain’s edge, her gaze lingering on him just long enough to send him retreating. He muttered something unintelligible before scurrying back to his group of friends, their curiosity unfulfilled.
The courtyard fell quiet again, save for the gentle burble of the fountain and the distant chirping of birds. Lirien leaned back, her smirk softening as her gaze drifted toward the Gray Tower spires piercing the horizon.
What are you doing, Ayo Solara?
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Most students at Ardencrest were predictable—their ambitions, insecurities, and rivalries worn on their sleeves. Lirien had spent years honing the art of reading people, of knowing exactly which strings to pull to unravel their carefully constructed façades.
But Ayo?
He was different.
Her thoughts wandered back to their duel at the Aether Hollow. The raw, untamed power he’d unleashed had shaken her, though she’d never admit it aloud. It wasn’t just his strength that unsettled her—it was the wild, chaotic nature of it, the way it seemed to lash out in every direction, untethered.
And yet, beneath all that chaos, there was something else. A hesitation. A vulnerability. Like he was holding back, not because he lacked the skill, but because he was afraid of what might happen if he didn’t.
Her fingers brushed absently over the porcelain rim of her cup as another memory surfaced. Last night, on the balcony of the Gray Tower. She hadn’t planned on staying. But the way he’d sat there, staring out at the horizon with that same faraway look in his eyes, had stopped her.
It was that look—the one that hinted at something deeper, something fractured—that stayed with her now.
What is it you’re so afraid of, Solara?
Her gaze flicked to the fountain. The water sparkled in the sunlight, droplets scattering like fractured diamonds. They reminded her of his magic—beautiful in its chaos, but dangerous, too. Beauty like that always came at a cost. What price had Ayo already paid?
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Her thoughts turned inward, to her own place within Ardencrest. The so-called “princess” of Avarion, she had long grown used to the admiration of her peers. Her mother’s name carried weight, and her own skill in battle ensured her reputation among the academy’s elite.
But that same status came with an invisible wall—one she had felt her entire life.
Most people wanted something from her. They sought her favor, her protection, or her influence. Even those who admired her rarely sought to know her for who she truly was. They saw the title, the rank, the legend—but not the person.
But Ayo?
He didn’t want anything from her. In fact, he acted as though he’d be happier if she left him alone.
A quiet laugh escaped her lips, the sound soft and fleeting, carried away on the breeze. She shook her head, her fiery hair catching the sunlight. “Impossible,” she murmured to herself.
She thought back to the balcony, to the way he’d stumbled over his words when she teased him, how his embarrassment had been so genuine it was almost endearing. For someone with such raw power, he was surprisingly easy to fluster.
He was refreshing. And maddening.
And maybe that was why she couldn’t stop thinking about him.
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Lirien reached for her tea again, only to find the cup empty. She set it down on the fountain with a soft clink, her emerald eyes narrowing slightly as a thought crossed her mind.
“You’re full of surprises, Solara,” she said quietly, her voice carrying just enough weight to feel like a promise. “Let’s see how many more you’ve got.”
The whispers of nearby students grew faint as she stood, brushing off her uniform with practiced ease. Straightening to her full height, she cast one last glance toward the Gray Tower before turning back toward the Silver Tower.
The day was still young, and there was plenty of time for mischief.
If the rumors made Ayo’s life a little harder? Well, that was just a bonus.