Under the moonlight, fate sparks an undeniable connection

Arvanya's POV:

With my phone in hand, I made my way out of the room, closing the door gently behind me. The hallway was dimly lit, and the silence was almost calming as I padded down the corridor, my footsteps muffled against the carpeted floor.

I descended a narrow staircase, taking each step slowly, feeling the coolness of the wooden railing beneath my fingertips. When I reached the bottom, I saw a small door marked "Vortex Dormitory Courtyard." Carefully, I turned the handle, stepping outside into the fresh, crisp night air.

The grounds were blanketed in shadows, but a soft glow from the moonlight cast a silvery sheen across the paths and trees. I walked through the courtyard, where a faint breeze rustled the leaves. A path led me through an archway covered in ivy, past a small garden, and down a few stone steps that opened onto the main grounds.

In the center of the grounds stood a statue dedicated to Nature herself—a graceful figure carved from smooth, pale stone, her arms outstretched, hands open as if embracing the earth. Vines and flowers were entwined around the statue's feet, and a small fountain bubbled at its base, filling the air with a soft, tranquil sound.

I moved closer to the statue and settled myself on a low stone bench nearby, looking up at the gentle expression on the statue's face. There was something about her, this embodiment of nature, that brought me a sense of calm.

I took a deep breath, letting the cool air fill my lungs, and unlocked my phone, opening my friends' group chat—"The Elemental Goofs." Seeing their names, a warmth blossomed in my chest, as if they were right there beside me.

I glanced down, seeing a message from Nico in the group chat, followed by others from Sofia, Kai, Lila, and Dante. They had all seen my last message, and their responses came quickly.

Nico's message was first: "Wait, strange feeling? That's gotta be some weird academy magic or something. You know how these places are. But seriously, miss you too, Arvi. Vortex is so not ready for you. You'll totally crush it, just like always😉."

Dante's message came through next, full of his usual humor: "Already missing us, huh? Told you we'd be the best part of Aetheria! 😂 As for that strange feeling, maybe it's just Vortex's vibe—it is a little intense. You got this, Arv! Just let us know if you need backup and we'll storm the place."

Sofia's reply was quick too: "Hey, Arvi! We miss you too! The quiet must be so weird for you. 😆 And a strange feeling? Now I'm curious! Maybe it's just the new place vibes. You're going to be amazing there; just remember we're all here if you need anything. Sending you all the love! 💙"

Lila's message was thoughtful, with a touch of concern: "I know it feels strange now, but new places always take some time to get used to. I'm sure you'll find your way. Just remember, we're with you, no matter the distance. Keep us posted on how things go, alright?"

Kai's message was gentle, thoughtful, and filled with quiet reassurance: "Arvi, just imagine us with you, like we're your imaginary cheer squad, hyping you up every day. And yeah, if it feels strange, maybe it's just Vortex adjusting to you! Keep us posted on everything. You'll settle in no time. Proud of you! 💪"

I sat there for a few moments, reading their words again, letting the warmth of their friendship fill the hollow space in my chest. My friends, even from afar, always knew the right thing to say to make me feel better. No matter where I was, I would never be truly alone with them by my side.

I typed back quickly, my fingers flying over the keys as I replied: "Thanks, guys. I'm sure I'll get used to it soon. I guess the strange feeling is just part of this crazy journey. But I'm really glad I have you all to talk to. Miss you tons already! Let's talk soon, okay?"

I hit send, and as the message was delivered, I leaned back on the bench and stared at the stars again. It was comforting, in a way, to know that no matter how much distance there was between us, I still had them to rely on.

I glanced up at the sky, at the stars that seemed to shimmer with their own quiet strength. My thoughts drifted to my parents—the way they loved each other, with a bond that seemed unbreakable, bound by something deeper than just words or actions.

They were mates, soulmates, and watching their love growing up had always made me dream of my own mate, a partner who would look at me the way my father looked at my mother, with such adoration and devotion. I thought of my brothers, and a gentle smile touched my lips.

Each one of them was so different, yet each carried the same hope—that they would one day find the person meant for them, a mate who would love and cherish them.

But now... my heart ached. I had always held my own dreams, quietly fascinated by the idea of my mate, of the person who would be my other half. I'd wondered what he would be like, how he would look at me the first time we met, what it would feel like to have someone who knew me on that level.

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But fate, it seemed, had dealt me a cruel hand. The man who was supposed to be mine, who was meant to share my soul, didn't even believe in the bond that tied us. And worse, he was with someone else, someone who already held a claim to his heart.

I took another deep breath, trying to soothe the hollow ache that lingered in my chest. The night sky was vast and endless, filled with stars that had witnessed countless stories, countless hearts like mine. I let myself stare at them, hoping that maybe they would offer some guidance, some sense of peace.

As I was staring at the sky, lost in my thoughts, something stirred behind me. A voice reached my ears, faint and distant at first, then louder, followed by the rustling of leaves. My heart skipped a beat as I turned instinctively toward the sound.

I stood up quickly, my eyes scanning the darkness. There, just beyond the Vortex Dormitory Courtyard, was a deep forest that bordered the academy grounds. The shadows between the trees seemed to shift, almost as though something—or someone—was moving within them.

I took a hesitant step in that direction, my curiosity drawing me closer despite the unease that began to creep up my spine. The night was still, save for the whispers of the wind and the soft rustle of branches.

I squinted into the shadows, trying to make sense of what I thought I saw. There was something there, but it was too dark, too unclear for me to be sure. I took another step, my breath catching in the air, when suddenly, a voice broke through the silence, startling me to the core.

"What are you doing out here?"

I jumped, the shock sending a wave of adrenaline coursing through my veins. I spun around quickly, my heart racing, only to come face-to-face with none other than Lucian Vortex—the fire prince, the ruthless, untouchable one, and, as it turned out, my so-called mate.

His voice felt like sparks were running through my veins. His voice alone seemed to ignite something inside me, making every inch of my skin tingle with an unfamiliar energy. It was as if he carried a flame within him that was sparking a fire inside me, even without a single touch.

His piercing amber eyes locked onto mine, his presence overwhelming in the stillness of the night. The tension in the air was thick, and for a moment, I couldn't speak.

It felt like the world had frozen around us, his gaze burning into mine, and everything else seemed to fade away.

I opened my mouth to say something—anything—but the words refused to come. There was something about him standing there, so close, yet still seeming so far away, that made my stomach twist in ways I couldn't fully understand.

was it that he was here, now, at this very moment, after everything that had happened earlier with Celeste? How was it that he was my mate?

A thousand questions swirled in my mind, but all I could manage was a breathless, "I... I was just getting some fresh air."

Lucian's gaze didn't soften, but there was a flicker of something—maybe curiosity—behind his intense eyes. He didn't move, just stood there, his silhouette dark against the backdrop of the night. "Fresh air?" he repeated, his voice low and almost... knowing.

His voice was even lower this time, like he was savoring the words, and I felt a strange spark run through me again. It wasn't just his words; it was the way he spoke them. As if each one carried its own fire, igniting something within me that I didn't want to acknowledge.

I nodded, forcing myself to stay still, but the pulse of heat within me only grew stronger. The world around us felt distant, as if the night was holding its breath, waiting for something to happen.

He took a step closer, the air between us now practically crackling. His presence was overwhelming, like he was the sun and I was being pulled into his orbit. "It's not safe for you to be outside of your room at this hour," he said, his voice low, almost like a warning. "This isn't Aetheria Academy. This is Vortex Academy, and things are different here."

His words made my heart race. Vortex Academy was far more dangerous, the students far more ruthless. But it wasn't the warning that made my pulse quicken.

It was the way his voice seemed to ignite something deep within me, something I couldn't control.

My irritation flared. Who did he think he was, telling me where I could and couldn't go? I wasn't some helpless princess to be watched over. But instead of holding back, the words slipped out before I could stop them. "I'm perfectly capable of taking care of myself, thank you very much."

There was a brief flicker of surprise in his eyes, and then a look I couldn't quite read. It was almost like I had caught him off guard, and for a second, I thought I saw something—vulnerability? But it was gone in an instant, replaced by his usual icy demeanor.

I froze. The questions swirled in my mind, but the air around us grew thick, the tension unbearable. My heart beat wildly in my chest.

I wanted to say something, anything, but the words felt stuck, caught somewhere between the strange pull I felt toward him and the frustration building inside me.

Before I could respond, I turned abruptly, needing to escape the charged atmosphere. I walked away, each step quickening as the feeling of his presence behind me lingered.

I could feel him there, not saying a word, but somehow, his shadow was right behind me, like he was attached to me, always close, always watching.

When I reached the door to my dorm, I looked back over my shoulder for a moment, almost expecting to see him standing there. But there was nothing—only the empty corridor and the quiet shadows stretching across the hallway. I opened the door and clicked it shut softly behind me. Yet, even without seeing him, I knew he was still there. And despite myself, I felt the sparks from his presence still crackling through my body, lingering, refusing to fade.

I walked over to my bed, my body feeling heavier with every step, as if the weight of everything pressing on me was too much to bear.

Sighing, I collapsed onto the bed, the soft sheets offering little comfort. My mind raced, images of Lucian flickering in and out of my thoughts.

I couldn't afford to let my feelings for Lucian, or the fire that burned whenever he spoke to me, get in the way of my mission. I had a duty to them, to the dragons who had entrusted their lives to me.

The connection between us—between me and the dragons—was my responsibility, not some fleeting emotional reaction to a prince who seemed to be as unpredictable as he was powerful.

Focus, Arvanya, I told myself firmly. Focus on what you're here for.

I closed my eyes, allowing myself a moment of silence. The dragons' voices, their pleas for help, echoed in my mind, pushing everything else out of the way. They needed me. I couldn't afford to be distracted. Not now, not ever.

Tomorrow will another day, another chance to take one step closer to helping the dragons—and a step further away from getting tangled in the web that Lucian was weaving around me.

I couldn't let him win. Not like this.