Elise's POV

Excitement fizzed outside the academy portals as our group stood chatting amongst piled luggage, wearing cozy sweatshirts against the early chill. I fidgeted anxiously, unable to keep still as our group awaited transport to the fabled Seraphic Haven.

My gut roiled with nerves at the notion of setting foot off Academy grounds for the first time since...well, since the explosion.

Dark memories I worked hard to keep locked away threatened to choke me. But then I felt it, fingertips discreetly grazing the small of my back.

"Breathe easy, snowflake," he rumbled quietly. "I've got you."

I tucked myself gratefully into the shelter of his arm as we awaited transport to our wilderness graduation retreat. And just like that, I practically sagged in relief, leaning gratefully into his solid strength.

"Do you think we'll get to see the magic portals open?" Hannah wondered aloud nearby, absently stroking a honeysuckle bloom wrapped around her wrist.

Her boyfriend Senza hovered silently at her elbow, though a spark of curiosity glinted in his hooded gaze at the notion. Strange phenomena invariably fascinated him despite most things leaving him outwardly unmoved.

I observed the teachers preparing to open the dimensional doorway, curiosity gradually overriding unease.

Suddenly, Sophia bustled up with a clipboard, looking officious. "Alright listen up! I want everyone single file as I take a headcount before the portal opens." Obediently we shuffled into a ragged column, laughter and excitement continuing.

At Sophia's signal, the teachers standing nearest the stone archway raised their palms and projected in unison. The very air seemed to shiver, then split open into a shimmering vortex of otherworldly colors.

I gasped, my spine tingling at the raw magic. Around me, more than one student voiced similar awe. The rippling portal gradually settled into a mirror-like consistency, reflecting our milling forms curiously.

Sophia nodded in satisfaction and waved us forward. "Remember it will only remain open briefly! Step through quickly and mind your footing."

Trent gave my hand a bolstering squeeze and tugged me gently forward. "Together then." His low voice calmed my anxious thoughts. Drawing a deep breath, I closed my eyes, gripped him tight, and took the plunge across the threshold.

Reality seemed to invert and stretch. Disorienting traction yanked us sideways, air pressure spiking painfully in my ears. Then with the force of a giant elastic band releasing, we were through.

I stumbled on arrival, narrowly avoiding cracking my kneecap on an unseen rock thanks to Trent's catlike reflexes catching me against him.

"Are you okay?", he asked worriedly

Blinking woozily I peered up into his tense face inches from my own. Amusement glinted through residual worry seeing I was alive and well, "I'm fine. I'm alright"

As soon as we separated, the sight stole my breath. Around us, towering emerald spires of fir trees stabbed upwards into a dazzling blue sky. Snow still topped the distant peaks but warmth was evident at this lower altitude from rich sunlight dispelling the last nighttime mists.

Everything shimmered as though glimpsed through a crystal ball...except the underlying thrum of power here was unmistakable. This place overflowed with pure energy in the water, earth, and very air currents.

"No kidding, it's...dazzling," I breathed in awe. Words felt hollow describers for such glory. I shook my head, temporarily speechless.

Nearby Hannah gave a joyous shout, "We made it to Seraphic Haven!" Her trilling exclamation echoed everyone's euphoria.

Immediately scampering off to twirl amidst the trees in instinctual celebration. "Do you feel it?" she trilled, laughing breathlessly. "Oh gosh, the energy is incredible!"

Vines spiraled up nearby trunks, ivy leaves unfurling with noisy rustles. She paused at last, pressing both palms reverently to gnarled bark, eyes slipping shut in evident rapture while a carefree smile teased her lips.

I traded amused glances with Trent. That girl acted like she'd mainlined sunlight. Wilderness agreed with some people's temperaments more than others. Though in all fairness, Hannah acted perpetually high on life as it was. Maybe Seraphic Haven's mystical resonance simply amplified that brightness exponentially, like pointing a magnifying lens at the sun.

I gazed at Trent, eyes shining. "Feels like the cliffs are resonating all around us," I whispered. Like our hearts were beating to the same rhythm here. Corny yeah, but true. I flung my arms wide as if to embrace the scope of thrumming power upholding our refuge out of time and space.

Beside me Trent nodded slowly, face upturned with eyes half-lidded as though basking in rare sunlight. Trent hooked his thumbs casually in his pockets, head tilted appraisingly as he continued scanning our surroundings. I watched his sharp features gradually relax, tension seeping away that I hadn't even fully registered him carrying previously.

Though when he turned that considering look on me, I shivered pleasantly under the unconcealed heat kindling there. "It suits you," he murmured at last, eyes lingering on my mouth. "Beautiful and...vibrant."

One calloused thumb traced delicate spirals at the base of my throat. "Radiant as an alpine snowflake at high noon." His assessment made something catch hard in my chest. My cheeks flushed, Trent's simmering focus setting off sparks dancing wildly out of rhythm in my core. I caught my bottom lip between my teeth, abruptly restless.

Impulsively I lifted onto my toes to graze a whisper-soft kiss along his rugged jawline. His arm enfolding to grab my waist conveyed silent understanding in return. No further translation is needed.

Heat swept my cheeks that had nada to do with the sunshine.

Meanwhile, Max and Bri went up the sloping path nearby, heads bent intently over a piece of paper Max was scrutinizing.

"Well," she remarked with a quirked brow, "I agree this beats dusting books in the archives."

"See here on the map where it indicates a library archive chamber?" Max tapped the diagram decisively. "It's located deeper inland near those hot spring pools according to this guide. We should pay a visit soon."

Leave it to our bookworm to stick to educational prospects during a vacation. Squinting sideways I made out Max holding the trail map authoritatively, no doubt plotting the swiftest library access route.

Beside her Bri just smirked, rocking idly heel to toe with an exaggerated yawn. "Or we could just go check out those hot spring pools instead of getting lost in dusty books all day." She winked roguishly. "I mean, we are technically on vacation, bookworm."

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Max pursed her lips in the prim offense. "Research is hardly wasted vacation time! Think of all the esoteric knowledge preserved here about supernatural gifts." She waved a hand airily. "Plenty of days ahead for...frolicking or whatever it is you lots do for fun." A teasing eyebrow lifted smugly.

One shoulder lifted, eyes full of mischief. "Could be great for restoring focus after all this hiking, don'tcha think?"

Max pursed her lips primly, gaze skating sideways. "I suppose adequate rest plays some role in effective information retention overall," she allowed loftily. "We may as well gather reliable data points across a range of conditions, including impacts from... immersion in hot springs."

I bit my cheek unsuccessfully stifling immature giggles. Max arguing the merits of hot tub make-out sessions by citing field research principles? Now I'd heard everything!

Bri just smirked. "I'll grab us some hot spring pool time, bookworm." She winked naughtily. "Guarantee you'll appreciate that chapter."

I had to smother an inelegant snort at Bri's faux-haughty delivery. Max's growing blush signaled she recognized the coy bait for what it was too.

Together we all set off to our appointed cabins before beginning to explore the forest. I trailed behind contentedly with Trent's steadying hand resting low on my back.

***************************************************************

Music and laughter echoed through the fragrant twilit air as our group sprawled on logs and woven blankets encircling the large open-pit fire. Empty plates were scattered about bearing remnants of our outdoor feast. Tonight we celebrated making it halfway through our rare idyll of training and leisure uninterrupted by teachers and classes. A makeshift stage had been cobbled together downslope where several students were demonstrating their varying affinities through a talent show of sorts. But I found myself only half-attentive to their exhibitions.

My head rested comfortably in Trent's lap, eyes fixed dreamily to where his hand rose and fell rhythmically through my pale hair. His body radiated soothing heat all down my shoulders and back despite the flames just yards away.

Someone nearby was idly plucking guitar strings in wandering chord progressions, scattered conversations about lessons learned and goals still hoping to achieve during our remaining time here.

During a lull, Hannah's girlish voice piped up curiously from where she reclined against Senza's shoulder. "What have you guys liked most so far about this retreat?"

I sensed her attention included Trent and me along with Max and Bri in the question.

Max rattled off some answers about invaluable artifacts. I made an agreeable sound without lifting my head. My eyes traveled sideways, drawn helplessly back to absorbing Trent's beloved profile etched golden by firelight as he gazed into the distance.

His thoughts ran adjacent to mine when he responded at last. "Discovering new layers beyond just the supernatural," he acknowledged succinctly, though weighted meaning ghosted the words. His fingers tracing delicate spirals across my collarbone made heat pool low and heavy in my abdomen.

Across the way, Bri gave a soft snort. "Trust you two to take a simple question straight to the gutter," she remarked without rancor. Her tone turned wry then. "Think we could all have figured out that answer on our own."

I felt my whole face redden, doubtless visible even in the firelight. But Trent just slanted a smug look sideways at the girl's knowing sarcasm and said nothing to deny the allegation. His continued caresses declared without words that he would ensure greater truth to the claim before this trip ended. Desire thrilled electrically down my spine at the promise. As I noticed myself slipping, getting colder under his heat, I snapped myself back to the present.

Meanwhile, Max elbowed Bri in reproach, though thinly masking her amusement. Leave it to our cerebral friend to provide a more objective summation. "I've quite enjoyed having unrestricted access to the archives and historical Accounts of rare manifestations," she explained earnestly.

I sighed contentedly giving myself over to forest magic alive on the night air, thankful that within these protected mountain valleys, anything at all felt possible.

**************************************************************

Trent's POV

I flopped back on my quilt bedding, boredom, and frustration mounting. The rooming arrangements had remained the same as they had been in the dorms with me sharing with Tome while Elise was with her friend Max across the cabin quadrant.

Sure we had hung out in group activities all day. But I craved private time together to deepen this new dimension in our relationship awakened last night.

Watching Tome sneak out of the room, I grabbed my phone off the nightstand and typed out a quick message.

Me: Hey snowflake, Tome is at Sanya's. Save me from this tragic existence?

Her response bubble popped up instantly.

Elise: Tragic indeed! 😊

I snorted, picturing her jumping up, equally eager for alone time. My pulse kicked up a notch envisioning that perfect body pressed close instead of distant.

True to her word, Elise tapped softly at my door minutes later. At my acknowledgment, she slipped inside, her silvery braid over one shoulder, shy excitement flushing her cheeks. My chest constricted at her sheer loveliness illuminated by moonlight through the window.

Breaking the ice with sarcasm, "Well, well. Look who decided to grace me with their presence. Must be my lucky day."

As Elise's laughter echoed in the cabin, my heart couldn't help but skip a beat. Taking brief steps away from the door, she fires back with her brand of sharp retorts. "Consider yourself blessed, Trent."

I was definitely blessed to have her as mine.

My eyes were focused intently on her, as she glided across the room. Hers gazed at the interior, fashioned from rough-hewn logs, weathered to a warm, honeyed hue that harmonized with the earthy tones of the forest. "The structure of your room is quite similar to ours"

"Is that so?" I say absentmindedly.

I found myself stealing glances, each one a silent confession of the affection I held for her. Her words, a beautiful melody, filled the air, and my gaze followed every nuance of her expression. There was a tenderness in my eyes, an unspoken acknowledgment of the profound connection we shared.

"Yes, Mr. I'm so lonely" Her fingers glaze the table top, eyes scanning the room.

With a smirk, I play along, making subtle suggestions. "Loneliness is a terrible affliction, you know?".

"You seemed more dramatic in your text. Is this a cry for help?". Her warm voice carried a hint of tease, almost catching me off-guard. She briefly glances at me with a raised brow, before returning to continue her exploration of my shared living space

At this point, her lavender scent had already enveloped the room, filling the room with a comforting energy. With a touch of sincerity, I had to admit that I was glad she was here. Her company makes everything better. "Well, banter aside, I'm glad you're here. It's better with you around."

Finally, for the first time she had stepped into the room, she looked at me properly. "Aw, I knew you'd miss my unparalleled company."

My eyes, drawn to her like a magnet, traced the lines of her face, the curve of her smile, and the sparkle in her eyes.

Elise, playfully taunting, inquires about grand plans for the night. "So, just company, or did you have grand plans for our night of togetherness?"

I must have zoned out while entranced by her face. "Just... company. But your presence makes everything grand."

Her eyes open in shock, taken aback by my bluntness.

I stood, the room's dimensions abruptly too small. Elise halted before me, lips parted uncertainly. Still getting used to this shift between us I guessed. The rustic charm of the cabin seemed to fade into the background.

Time for me to man up and bridge any lingering awkwardness. My hands found the curve of her waist, closing the distance between us.

Cupping her delicate jaw I bent slowly, giving her space to evade. But she sighed into the connection, lashes fluttering shut. I nearly groaned feeling her melt supplely against me. The intoxicating vanilla scent filled my senses, my hands spanning her narrow waist with reverence.

Finally, blissfully alone to explore this awakened need.

"Let's make this lonely night less lonely, shall we?" I whispered, earning a giggle from her. I kept the kisses light at first, giving her room to back out.

"Just company" Her voice held sparks ready to ignite wildly. Soft palms framed my face, tilting upwards as she trailed nibbling kisses along my jaw. I love when she does that.

But soon passion ignited, my tongue delving deeper, claiming more. Elise's nails raked my shoulders urgently. I maneuvered us slowly towards my rumpled bed.

We tumbled onto the mattress in awkward harmony. I braced above Elise, her prim ponytail coming half undone. She was an absolute vision – swollen lips, heaving chest, eyes molten. I burned to feel her shuddering climax under me.

But something in her expression gave me an abrupt pause. Nerves? Fear? I pulled back, pulse hammering for less pleasant reasons now.

"Babe? You okay? We can stop..." I couldn't mask the thread of disappointment though. Surely she wanted this too?

Elise bit her lip, shame flooding her face as she glanced away. "I just...I've never..." She crossed her arms over herself protectively. "You must think I'm such a stupid scared virgin," she whispered miserably.

I exhaled hard. "Hey, c'mere..." Gathering her close I stroked her hair until she relaxed into me. "I'd never think that about you," I murmured into her temple. "We can move at your pace, no judgment."

She peered up, eyes shimmering with relief and gratitude now. "I do want to," she insisted vehemently. "I just panicked and I'm sor–"

I stopped her apology with a fierce kiss, hand cupping her fragile skull. "Nothing to be sorry for," I asserted gently. "I'm just glad you feel safe telling me when something doesn't feel right."

Elise hugged me fiercely with a little hiccupping breath that threatened my composure. I was helpless against this girl, smitten down to the cellular level. Wordlessly I peeled back the covers, keeping her tucked protectively close as we settled together atop sheets strewn wildly just minutes before in the throes of passion.

My fingertips idly combed through Elise's damp hair where she sprawled with her head pillowed heavily on my bare midriff as ownership claimed. My own clever hands traced wandering nonsense patterns over her legs, touch growing gradually softer with care.

She peered down through the tumbled mess of her braid, amused faint exasperation wrinkling her nose. "Thanks for being here, Fire-user" Still I angled obligingly beneath him once more, never quite sated myself.

I nuzzled behind her ear, stoking familiar flames along over-sensitized nerve endings. " Always... snowflake"

Now we traded slow lazy kisses bathed in moonlight as her fingers combed idly through my hair. Gradually our full-body contact stoked familiar embers, but I kept my touches soothing, silently vowing not to breach her trust.

When she finally dozed against my chest, features gone kitten-soft in relaxation, I smiled into the darkness. Even sans sex, this intimacy nurtured an irreplaceable bond I would cherish my whole life.

We had time...

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