Every move has its consequence. Every word, its weight

Lucian's POV:

I was getting ready for class, but my mind kept circling back to that damn dream. Aria was also hiding many things, and now Celeste was after her. I couldn’t make sense of it, and it was driving me mad. My frustration simmered as I tried to focus, but nothing seemed to click.

Suddenly, a knock on my door shattered the silence.

"What?!" I snapped, irritation lacing my voice.

From the other side, Zane’s voice rang out, casual as always. "What's up, dude?"

I swung the door open, and there they were—Zane and Ryker, standing side by side, both with curious expressions.

Zane raised an eyebrow, taking me in for a moment before he smirked. "Why do you look like someone stole your last slice of pizza? You seem way too upset for a morning like this. Did something happen last night?" He teased, a mischievous glint in his eye.

I wanted to snap back, tell them everything that had been gnawing at me, but I didn’t. No way I was telling them about the damn dream or what I was feeling.

"Nothing happened," I muttered, forcing a half-hearted smirk. "Just had a rough night."

They both exchanged a look, but thankfully, they didn’t press further.

"Alright, man," Ryker said, "Just don’t let it mess with your mood for classes." He grinned.

I didn't respond, just gave a half-nod, hoping they'd take the hint.

I was still lost in my thoughts as they both walked beside me toward the mess hall. The weight of my dream and the unknowns about Aria kept swirling in my mind.

Ryker, sensing my distraction, shot me a look and spoke up. "You thinking about Aria again?"

I shot him a glare, my warning clear. "Don’t even start."

Ryker raised his hands in mock surrender. "No, no. I mean, are you worried about her? If Celeste does something? After all, she’s an air elemental, and Celeste’s fire, and pretty strong, too."

I exhaled sharply, keeping my gaze forward. "I gave her a warning last night. She knows better than to do something reckless. But if she does, she knows exactly what I’ll do to her."

Zane nodded thoughtfully. "Yeah, you’re right. But still, we need to be careful."

"Always am," I muttered, but my mind was still elsewhere.

Then, I turned to them, trying to push away my thoughts. "Where are your mates? Last night, you two were practically glued to them, acting like you couldn’t breathe without them. And now you're just strolling around alone?"

Ryker shrugged, a playful smirk tugging at his lips. "Actually, we wanted to check on our best friend—make sure you weren’t feeling too lonely without us. So, we told them to manage without us for a bit."

I narrowed my eyes, crossing my arms. "Seriously? Do I look like an idiot to you?"

For a moment, silence hung between us—then we all burst into laughter, the tension melting away as we reached the mess hall.

I scanned the room and noticed everyone at their usual table—everyone except Aria and Esme. Strange. They weren't here yet.

After grabbing my breakfast I sat down at the table, I remained silent, my mind still preoccupied with thoughts of Aria. Zane and Ryker had already taken their seats next to Sofia and Lila, their usual banter filling the air, but I didn't engage.

Nico leaned over, glancing at me, his voice casual. "You good, Lucian? You look like you’re about to storm the castle or something."

I didn’t look at him. "I’m fine," I replied curtly, not in the mood for small talk.

Ryker caught the tone in my voice and shot me a sideways glance. "Someone woke up on the wrong side of the bed this morning."

I ignored him, my eyes scanning the room. The empty seat across from me, where Aria usually sat only seemed to heighten my frustration.

Nico’s voice cut through the silence again. "Seriously, man, if you're still brooding about last night, it’s time to let it go."

I turned my head slowly, meeting his gaze. "I’m not brooding," I said coldly, my words laced with a quiet authority. "Just thinking."

The others at the table seemed to sense the shift in atmosphere and fell quiet, the usual chatter momentarily dying down.

Just then, my gaze fell on the entrance, and I saw Aria and Esme walk in. My gaze immediately locked onto Aria. The sight of her stirred something deep within me, but I kept my face unreadable

As soon as they both sat down, their banter started. The teasing quickly turned to Zane and Ryker, and for once, I found myself amused. Watching them struggle under the relentless jabs and playful taunts was oddly satisfying.

Those two had an uncanny ability to get under my skin, always pushing my patience. But now? Seeing them on the receiving end for once—it was almost gratifying.

The table erupted into laughter, and I allowed myself to indulge in it for a moment. The carefree nature of them was something I didn’t get to experience often, and for once, I didn’t mind being a part of it. It was… refreshing, even if just for a moment.

Then, my gaze shifted.

Aria reached for her drink, her fingers curling around the glass as she brought it closer. The movement was unremarkable, yet my eyes remained fixed on her. She seemed unaware at first, focused on the conversation around her, but then, as if sensing the weight of my stare, she glanced up—straight at me.

For a brief second, neither of us looked away. Then, just as quickly, she turned back to her drink, as if the moment had never happened.

But then I noticed it—her face looked exhausted, like she had barely slept last night. Something was bothering her.

“Did you even sleep last night?” I asked, keeping my voice low enough that only she could hear.

She blinked, clearly surprised. “Yeah. Why?”

I narrowed my eyes slightly. “You don’t look like it.”

She scoffed. “Wow, thanks.”

I didn’t break eye contact. “I’m serious.”

She sighed, tapping her fingers on the table. “I just... had a lot on my mind.”

I tilted my head slightly, contemplating whether to press further, but before I could, Calen cut in loudly.

“Lucian, don’t tell me you’re actually interested in small talk now.”

I shot him a warning glance, but Esme smirked. “Oh, let him be. Maybe he’s just worried about someone.”

Aria rolled her eyes. “Not even me. You all look like you didn’t sleep last night.”

Her sharp gaze flickered to Kai, Dante, Nico, Calen, and Esme. The shift in their demeanor was immediate. It didn’t take a genius to figure out they were avoiding something—something from last night in the courtyard. Maybe they didn’t want to talk about whatever was weighing on their minds, or Maybe they didn’t want to get others involved. Either way, the tension in the air was palpable.

Dante chuckled nervously. “Uh... well, you know... new place, new atmosphere. It takes time to adjust, right?”

“Yeah,” Nico jumped in quickly. “And, uh, the beds. Not as comfortable as I expected.”

Kai nodded too fast. “Exactly! I was so restless.”

Aria crossed her arms, raising a brow. “Really? Because I seem to recall all of you looking wide awake last night in the courtyard.”

Calen coughed. “Uh, technically, we weren’t awake—more like... in a trance?”

Esme clicked his tongue. “Okay, okay, moving on! So, Lucian, what exactly brings you to breakfast so early? You’re usually the last to show up.”

I leaned back in my chair, watching them with mild amusement. “Nice try, but I’m not the one deflecting here.”

Esme shrugged. “Hey, worth a shot.”

Calen sighed in relief, whispering to Aria, “We barely dodged that one.”

She gave her a look. “Barely.”

Before they could relax, Zane, who had just caught the tail end of the conversation, raised an eyebrow. “Courtyard? What were you all doing in the courtyard?”

I exhaled sharply before smirking. “Oh, actually, some idiots got stuck there last night. It’s an interesting story—I’ll tell you later.”

Then, I turned my gaze directly to Aria. She stiffened under my stare, and I could see the way she tensed as if preparing for some sort of battle. She wasn’t used to being caught off guard. Interesting. She narrowed her eyes at me, clearly daring me to say more.

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Zane and Ryker exchanged glances, intrigued but deciding not to push—for now.

As we finished breakfast, I stood, adjusting the cuff of my sleeve. “It’s time for our classes.”

“As seniors, we can’t afford to be late,” Ryker added, stretching. “Our reputation has to be perfect in the final year.”

Zane smirked at Sofia. “I need some good luck for the day.”

Then I watched my so-called friends, completely lost in their ridiculous, lovesick haze. Kissing their mates as if the world revolved around them. It was excessive. Unnecessary. And yet, something about it made my chest tighten.

I scoffed, forcing my attention elsewhere—only for my gaze to land on her. Aria.

She rolled her eyes at their public display, crinkling her nose in feigned disgust, but there was amusement in her expression, a lightness that made her… distracting.

My eyes flickered downward, just for a second, catching the curve of her lips. Soft. Tempting.

I had never been the type to stare, to let my mind wander into places it had no business being. But at that moment, I found myself lingering—just a second too long, a breath too deep.

What would she do if I kissed her right now? Would she push me away? Or would she taunt me, smirk against my lips, and make some insufferable remark just to prove she wasn’t affected?

A sharp, unwanted heat coiled low in my stomach.

Tch. What the hell was I doing?

I clenched my jaw and looked away, irritation curling in my gut. This was meaningless.

And yet, my mind betrayed me, lingering on the way her lips parted slightly, the way her gaze held mine for just a second too long. The thought of closing that distance—of tasting the smirk she so often threw my way—sent an unfamiliar heat surging through me.

No. This was not me. I didn’t crave. I didn’t want.

Across the table, Nico fake gagged. “Ugh, get a room, will you?”

I blinked, my thoughts shattering like glass.

Damn it.

Tearing my gaze from Aria, I schooled my features into cold indifference. Whatever just happened in my mind—it was nothing. It had to be.

Dante smirked. “Nah, let them be. They’re just expressing their love—so inspiring.”

Kai snickered. “Yeah, makes me wanna throw up my breakfast.”

Calen chuckled. “At this rate, they’re gonna set a new academy record for Most Unnecessary PDA.”

Zane shrugged nonchalantly, glancing at the others. “Hey, if we don’t keep the academy entertained, who will?” He shot a teasing look at Ryker. “Besides, someone’s gotta show them how it’s done.”

Ryker laughed, adjusting his collar with a smug grin. “Oh, absolutely. We’re basically setting the standard for what love should look like.”

Aria scrunched her nose in exaggerated disgust. “Seriously? Right in front of us?” she muttered. “You two do realize we just ate, right?”

I scoffed as I adjusted my cuffs. “Pathetic. Can’t even say goodbye without making a whole scene.”

Aria raised a brow at me. “Oh? And what about you? Too ruthless to ever kiss someone in public?”

I turned my head slightly to look at her, meeting her gaze with unreadable intensity. “I don’t waste my time on unnecessary displays.”

She smirked. “Ah, so you do have a soft side. You’re just too proud to show it.”

My jaw tightened slightly, but I kept my expression impassive. “You talk too much.”

“Hey, someone has to keep things interesting,” she teased before turning back to her plate.

Behind her, Nico snickered. “Ooooh, did Aria just get the last word on Prince Lucian?”

Dante laughed. “Mark the date—history has been made.”

Ryker smirked. “Guess that’s our cue.”

Zane chuckled. “Lucian’s not used to someone giving him a run for his money.”

I let out an exasperated sigh. “Idiots,” I muttered, turning to leave, Zane and Ryker trailing behind, still chuckling at the exchange.

As I walked away, their laughter fading behind me, my mind lingered on her words. Too ruthless to ever kiss someone in public? She said it so casually, like she had me all figured out. The others never questioned my ways—not like she did. They feared or admired me, but Aria? She challenged me.

The way she smirked, the way she met my gaze without hesitation—it was infuriating. And yet, it didn’t make me want to put her in her place. It made me want to know what she would say next.

I scoffed under my breath. This was ridiculous. A waste of thought.

Zane and Ryker, of course, didn’t let it slide.

“Lucian, you looked really focused back there,” Zane drawled, barely suppressing his grin.

Ryker smirked. “Yeah, you sure you don’t wanna go back and—”

I shot them both a glare sharp enough to cut steel. “Will you stop by yourselves, or should I personally make sure you do?”

Zane raised his hands in surrender, still grinning. “Alright, alright, no need to get violent, Your Highness.”

We finally reached our math class, slipping into our usual seats in the last row.

Professor Aldric wasted no time diving into the lesson, scribbling equations across the board. My eyes were on the numbers, but my mind was somewhere else.

No. Not somewhere.

On her.

Aria.

It was frustrating—this hold she had over my thoughts. No matter how much I tried to push it away, it crept back in like a shadow I couldn’t shake.

The way she spoke to me, like I was just another person and not the feared Prince of Kaeloria. The way she smirked, her lips curling with just enough challenge to make my pulse spike in irritation—or something dangerously close to it.

Damn her.

I tapped my fingers against my desk, trying to focus on the lesson. But then I thought about her laughing, that teasing glint in her eyes. What would it take to wipe that smirk off her face? Would she look just as smug if I—

I clenched my jaw, cutting off the thought before it could form.

No.

The class moved too fast. One moment, Professor Aldric was writing a complex equation, the next, he was erasing it. I barely registered the transitions. Time had never slipped past me like this before.

And it didn’t stop there.

Every other class that followed seemed to blur together in a haze of distractions. I was there, but my mind wasn’t. The lectures, the discussions, the assignments—they all flew by, unnoticed and unimportant.

Because all I could think about was her.

How she looked when she challenged me. The way her lips parted in amusement. The fire in her eyes when she spoke.

Now, sitting at the table in the canteen, I stabbed my fork into my food, doing my best to tune out the incessant chatter of Zane and Ryker.

Frustration burned through me as I scanned the area, my jaw clenching. Where the hell is she now? I could already feel the headache forming at the thought of her getting into more trouble. Was she reckless or just completely unaware of the consequences?

Trying to push my thoughts aside, I turned to Zane and Ryker, keeping my voice casual. "Where are your mates? Aren’t they coming, or will you both have to survive the day without them?"

Zane raised an eyebrow, smirking. “Are you asking about our mates… or about Aria?”

My muscles tensed, caught off guard by his question. Damn it. I should’ve known he’d pick up on that.

I forced a scoff, leaning back in my chair. “Just making conversation. Thought it’d be interesting to see how you two handle a day without them.”

Zane chuckled but let it slide. “Sofia messaged me earlier. They’ve been buried under a ridiculous amount of assignments. Looks like they won’t be around much today.”

Ryker let out a dramatic sigh. “Yeah, and guess who’ll end up helping them? Us. Because, apparently, being their mates means we signed up for unpaid tutoring.”

Normally, I’d roll my eyes at their banter, but my mind wasn’t here. My thoughts kept circling back to last night.

Zane’s voice cut through my haze. “Speaking of things people are avoiding…” His gaze locked onto me. “What exactly were you all talking about in the mess hall earlier? Something about the courtyard?”

I exhaled sharply, my frustration growing. “I caught all of them there last night. And I know they’re hiding something. Their excuses were so weak, they might as well have just admitted it.”

Zane’s smirk faded, his expression turning serious. “That bad, huh?”

Ryker leaned forward. “What exactly did they say?”

I shook my head, rubbing my temples. “Nothing convincing. Just a bunch of half-baked excuses, like they weren’t even trying to lie properly.”

Zane and Ryker exchanged a glance, their easygoing attitudes shifting into something more thoughtful. They knew something was off too.

And then there was that dream.

It had unsettled me more than I wanted to admit. My mind felt off today, like I was stuck in some fog I couldn’t shake.

I ran a hand through my hair, exhaling slowly. “Aria is hiding more than we thought. And I’m starting to worry that her recklessness… or whatever she’s keeping from us…is going to get her and the others into serious trouble."

The weight of my own words settled in my chest, heavy and unshakable. Everything was spiraling out of control.

No matter how much I tried to grasp the situation, it kept slipping through my fingers. The uncertainty, the secrets, the damn unease gnawed at me, and I had no way to stop it. My irritation was only growing, simmering beneath my skin, pushing me closer to the edge.

And then—a voice cut through the air, sharp and taunting.

"Looks like the Fire Prince isn’t with his favorite toy today."

The simmering irritation turned molten.

Slowly, I set down my fork, the scrape of my chair against the floor ringing in the sudden silence. My gaze locked onto Owen, who stood there smugly, flanked by Mira and Charles.

"You’ve got three seconds to explain why you're breathing in my presence." I said, my voice dangerously low. Zane and Ryker also pushed back their chairs, standing beside me without a word. Their usual easygoing demeanor was gone, replaced by something sharp and unyielding.

Owen smirked. "Touched a nerve, did I?"

Mira crossed her arms, eyes gleaming with amusement. "He’s not wrong, you know. You and your little air goddess have been practically glued together."

My jaw flexed. "Say one word about her again, and I’ll make sure you choke on it."

Charles, ever the diplomat, sighed. "There’s no need for this. We were just passing by."

"Then keep walking," Zane snapped, his usual playfulness gone.

Ryker chuckled darkly. "Unless you’re asking to get your ass handed to you."

Owen, of course, didn’t take the hint. He tilted his head, smirk widening. "Though I must say… your girl has terrible luck, doesn’t she?"

Something inside me snapped.

Owen continued, his tone laced with mock innocence. "That night at the gala… What were the chances? A chandelier, crashing down just as she walked beneath it? Almost like… someone planned it."

Everything clicked.

The chandelier. The near accident. The fire elemental behind it.

It was him.

I looked at Zane and Ryker. Their faces hardened, coming to the same conclusion.

Silence thickened the air.

Then, I exhaled sharply, my patience—my restraint—shattering entirely.

Darkness swirled around me.

Before Owen could react, I lifted a hand, and the air around him twisted violently. A sharp gust coiled around his body, lifting him off the ground. His smirk vanished as his feet left the floor, his body suddenly weightless.

Then the shadows came.

They slithered up his limbs like living things, tightening around his wrists, coiling around his throat—not choking, not yet. Just enough to make him feel their presence. Enough to let him know he was utterly, completely powerless.

Owen’s breath hitched, his usual arrogance cracking. He struggled, but the shadows held firm.

The air grew heavier, pressing down on everyone.

Mira took a step forward, her smirk gone. "Lucian, stop! What the hell are you doing?"

Charles paled. "Are you insane?! He’ll die!"

I tilted my head, my voice eerily calm. "This was between you all and me. He shouldn’t have involved her in this, but he did. Now he has to face the consequences."

Owen jerked in midair, his limbs twitching against the force binding him.

I took a step forward, shadows rippling around me. "Do you really think I’m stupid enough to not catch on to what you’ve done?"

Owen opened his mouth, but no words came out.

Zane and Ryker remained silent, watching.

Charles took a sharp step forward. "He gets the message. Let him go."

I flicked my gaze to him—cold, merciless. "Do I look like I’m in a forgiving mood?"

Charles clenched his jaw. "You kill him, and it won’t just be an issue between you and him. His family won’t let this go."

I smirked. "Then they can come find me."

Owen made a strangled sound, his lips parting as if to beg. No words came out.

Mira turned to Zane and Ryker. "Are you two seriously just going to stand there?"

Zane shrugged. "I mean… it’s kind of deserved."

Ryker smirked. "He did mess with the wrong girl."

Charles stepped forward, anger lacing his voice. “Enough! You’ve made your point! Put him down before you do something you can’t undo.”

I turned my head slightly, locking eyes with him.

“Undo?” My voice was calm, too calm. “What makes you think I want to?”

Owen gasped for air, his body convulsing against the force holding him up. His face was turning pale now, panic setting in.

Zane exhaled from his seat. “Damn.”

Ryker didn’t even try to hide his amusement. “Didn’t think he’d actually do it.”

Mira spun toward them, disbelief and frustration lacing her voice. "Stop him. Say something to him, for once."

Zane shrugged. “It’s not our fight.”

Ryker smirked. “And honestly? He deserves it.”

Mira turned back to me, her voice sharper now. “Lucian, stop! He’s going to pass out!”

I watched him carefully.

The power surged through me, dark and relentless. The shadows twisted around him, the air obeying every flick of my will.

This was control. This was power.

Owen wasn’t smirking anymore.

For once, he wasn’t running his mouth.

He was just—hanging there, helpless.

And I?

I wasn’t done.

How dare he harm her?

The voice from my dream echoed in my mind, sharp and unforgiving. I was still holding Owen up, but all I could hear was that voice. I pressed harder, shadows tightening around Owen until his life was completely in my grip.

A promise I had made to myself.

I will not let anyone harm her.