Bonds Beyond Boundaries
Lucian's POV:
We were all standing in a loose circle—Esme, Calen, Nico, Dante, Kai, Lucian, and me—our attention drawn to the unfolding scene before us. My thoughts raced as I watched Sofia and Lila stand before their newly discovered mates, Zane and Ryker. The air around us was thick with tension and wonder, yet it brought a soft smile to my lips. Seeing my friends find their destined partners felt surreal—like witnessing a fairytale unfold right before my eyes.
Esme’s expression was a rare mix of surprise and happiness, while Calen’s playful grin couldn’t hide his excitement. Nico’s mischievous gleam in his eyes contrasted with Dante’s knowing grin, and Kai stood silently, deep in thought. Lucian stood next to me, his usual unreadable expression now subtly soft. His eyes, usually sharp and cold, were filled with quiet admiration. A faint, almost imperceptible smile tugged at his lips, and for a fleeting moment, I could see it—he was happy for his friends.
I shifted my gaze to Sofia and Lila. Both of them looked stunned, their expressions a blend of disbelief and awe. Zane, usually composed and confident, seemed just as taken aback. His piercing eyes softened as they rested on Sofia. Ryker, standing beside him, wore a similar expression, his intense gaze fixed on Lila as though the rest of the world had ceased to exist.
The silence stretched, heavy with unspoken emotions, until Zane cleared his throat and stepped forward hesitantly. His voice, usually so sure, carried a trace of vulnerability. “What’s your name?” he asked, his eyes never leaving Sofia.
Sofia blinked, as though jolted out of a daze. “Sofia,” she replied softly, her voice barely above a whisper.
Zane’s lips curved into a small, genuine smile. “Sofia,” he repeated, as though savoring the sound of her name. “I’m Zane.”
Sofia’s cheeks flushed slightly, and a shy smile broke through her initial shock. “Nice to meet you, Zane,” she murmured, though the bond between them spoke volumes beyond words.
Meanwhile, Ryker broke the quiet with his deep voice. “And you?” he asked, his gaze unwavering as he looked at Lila.
Lila, ever the bubbly one, seemed uncharacteristically quiet. She looked up at him, her wide eyes reflecting a mixture of awe and nervousness. “Lila,” she said, her voice trembling slightly.
Ryker nodded, a faint smile tugging at his lips. “I’m Ryker,” he said simply. His tone was steady, but his eyes betrayed the storm of emotions within.
For a moment, the four of them seemed suspended in a world of their own, caught in the gravity of something larger than life itself. Then Zane broke the silence, his voice softer now. “I’ve been waiting for this moment for so long,” he said, his gaze locking onto Sofia’s.
Ryker nodded, his voice resonating with quiet intensity. “It’s as if everything in my life has led to this... to you,” he said, his words directed at Lila.
Sofia’s eyes glistened with unshed tears as she whispered, “This... this is so much more than I imagined. The stories don’t even come close.”
Lila nodded, her voice a blend of awe and joy. “They said it would feel special, but this... this is far better than that.”
Ryker smiled gently, brushing his fingers against Lila’s hand. The simple touch sent a spark through both of them, leaving them breathless. “It’s real,” he murmured. “And it’s ours.”
Zane took Sofia’s hand in his, his grip firm yet tender. “You’re mine,” he said, the words carrying a weight of promise. “And I’m yours.”
Watching this unfold, my heart swelled with happiness for my friends, but it also stirred memories of my own. My mind wandered to the moment I realized Lucian was my mate—the rush of emotions, the undeniable pull toward him. That feeling, the mating bond, was still here, thrumming beneath the surface. I always struggled to hide it whenever he was nearby, but the fact that he had no idea about it both comforted and frustrated me.
Lucian stood at a short distance, his arms crossed and his expression unreadable. Yet when our eyes met, it felt as if he could see straight into my thoughts. A flicker of something passed between us—curiosity? Suspicion? Or was it just my imagination running wild?
Quickly, I turned my gaze away, my cheeks heating. Does he know? The idea was ridiculous, but the way Lucian had looked at me made my pulse quicken. I forced myself to focus on my friends, pushing down the whirlwind of emotions that his presence always seemed to stir.
Sofia and Lila were still lost in the whirlwind of emotions, their faces a mix of disbelief and quiet joy. I decided to lighten the moment. I smirked and raised an eyebrow at them.
“So... this is how you react to finding your mates? I was expecting fireworks or maybe a dramatic swoon,” I teased, folding my arms.
Sofia turned to me, her cheeks flushed. “Aria!” she protested, but there was a smile tugging at her lips.
Lila, always ready with a quip, shot back, “Oh, please. Let’s see how you react when you find your mate. I bet it’ll be twice as dramatic.”
I chuckled, but Lila’s playful jab hit closer to home than she realized. My thoughts drifted back to Lucian, and the whirlwind of emotions I had tried to bury ever since I came to the truth about him. Dramatic? If only she knew. If Lucian knew that he's my mate, it would be a whole different kind of drama—one I wasn’t ready to face just yet.
Before I could respond, Lucian’s deep voice cut through the chatter. “Finally,” he said, a sharp edge of humor in his tone. He stepped forward, his arms still crossed but his eyes alight with mischief. “Zane, Ryker... you’ve finally found someone who can shut you up. I was starting to think it was impossible.”
Zane groaned, running a hand through his hair. “Very funny, Lucian,” he muttered, though the corners of his mouth twitched upward.
Ryker, on the other hand, smirked. “Careful, Lucian. Your time might come sooner than you think.”
Lucian raised an eyebrow, his gaze flicking briefly to me. For a moment, my breath hitched, but I forced myself to keep my expression neutral. “Unlikely,” Lucian said coolly, his attention snapping back to the group.
Sofia and Lila exchanged amused glances, the tension in the air finally easing into something lighter. I took the opportunity to nudge Lila gently. “Looks like Ryker’s already wrapped around your little finger,” I whispered conspiratorially.
“And Zane?” I added, turning to Sofia. “I give it a week before you have him agreeing to everything you say.”
Both girls burst into laughter, their earlier nerves melting away. Zane groaned again, though his affectionate smile betrayed him. “Looks like I’m doomed,” he said with mock defeat.
Ryker, grinning, added, “Doomed... but I don’t think either of us mind.”
My gaze flitted back to Sofia and Lila, my heart warmed by their happiness. The gentle teasing between Zane and Ryker with their mates brought a smile to my lips, but it was Nico’s voice that pulled my attention back to my other friends.
“Well,” Nico began, leaning casually against a nearby pillar, his trademark smirk firmly in place. “Looks like Sofia and Lila are off the market. Who knew destiny worked this fast?”
Sofia rolled her eyes. “Oh, stop it, Nico. You’re just jealous.”
Lila grinned, adding, “Yeah, Nico. Maybe your mate is hiding under that smug attitude of yours.”
I laughed, shaking my head. “Oh, I forgot to introduce everyone.” I gestured toward my friends with a warm smile. “These are Dante, Kai, and Nico.” Then, pointing at Sofia and Lila, I added, “And, of course, you already know these two.”
I paused for a moment, my eyes glowing with fondness as I continued. “They’re my childhood friends. We grew up together and studied at Aetheria Academy.”
Zane, who was now practically embracing Sofia into his arms, flicked his eyes to me, his expression thoughtful. “So... he’s not Aiden, is he?” he asked, his tone carrying a hint of amusement.
My brow furrowed slightly, caught off guard by the question. I turned my gaze to Zane, then to Ryker, who was leaning casually with an arm draped around Lila, raising an eyebrow knowingly. Finally, my eyes landed on Lucian, whose expression remained unreadable but intense. My heart skipped a beat under his piercing gaze, but I quickly steadied myself.
“No,” I said firmly. “He’s not Aiden.”
Ryker gave a short nod, his lips twitching into a faint smirk. “Just checking.”
Kai suddenly opened his mouth, a mischievous glint in his eyes. “So, they—knew about Aiden, you—” But I quickly cut him off, my voice sharp. “Yes, they know Aiden is my good friend, but that’s all.”
Kai froze for a moment, realizing he was about to say too much. He glanced at me, a sheepish grin spreading across his face. “Right, sorry. Didn’t mean to—” he trailed off, his hands raised in a mock surrender.
Lucian's expression darkened as soon as Aiden’s name left Kai’s lips. His jaw tightened, and his eyes narrowed, a flash of anger flickering across his face. It was subtle, but enough to make the tension in the air palpable. He didn’t say anything, but his gaze lingered on me for a second longer, making my pulse quicken.
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I took a breath, trying to shake off the unease that followed Lucian’s reaction. I turned back to my group of friends, eager to shift the focus away from the awkward moment.
“And these,” I continued, gesturing toward the others, “are Esme, my roommate, and Calen.” I paused, pointing back toward Zane and Ryker. “You already know Zane and Ryker.”
Finally, my voice softened slightly as my eyes landed on Lucian. “And... he is Lucian Vortex.”
The moment the name left my lips, the air seemed to shift. Nico, Dante, Kai, Sofia, and Lila’s eyes widened in shock. Their gazes darted between Lucian and me, as if they were trying to process something they hadn’t expected.
Kai was the first to break the silence, his voice laced with disbelief. “He’s—”
But before he could finish, I interrupted, my tone firm and knowing. “Yes,” I said, meeting their startled gazes. “He is.”
I knew exactly what they were about to ask—that Lucian Vortex was the five-elemental fire prince, the only one in the world who shared the same rarity as me. My friends, well aware of my powers and the danger of revealing them, exchanged glances, their expressions a mixture of shock and understanding.
Lucian’s expression remained calm, though his sharp gaze swept over each of them. There was a flicker of curiosity in his piercing eyes, as though he were silently piecing together a puzzle. Zane and Ryker exchanged amused glances, clearly enjoying the reactions.
Lucian finally broke the silence, his tone calm but laced with authority. “What, exactly, are you all talking about?” His gaze settled on me, though his words were directed at everyone.
The tension in the room thickened, but before I could respond, Dante, ever bold, stepped in with a smirk. “Nothing,” he said, leaning back slightly as if to feign nonchalance. “We’ve just heard a lot about you—a five-elemental, ruthless fire prince.”
Lucian’s jaw tightened at the word “ruthless,” and his piercing gaze snapped to Dante. His expression darkened, his lips pressing into a thin line. “Ruthless?” he repeated, his tone dangerously low, his presence practically radiating power.
Dante didn’t flinch, holding his ground with a confident grin. “That’s the word going around. Legendary, powerful... and ruthless.” His eyes glinted with mischief, but there was no malice in his words.
I tensed, my gaze flicking between Lucian and Dante. I knew Dante’s teasing nature could easily provoke someone like Lucian. For a moment, the room felt like it held its breath.
Lucian’s lips curved into a cold, humorless smile, but his fiery eyes betrayed his rising temper. “You shouldn’t believe everything you hear,” he said smoothly, his tone sharp and cutting.
Nico, attempting to diffuse the tension, interjected, “Dante has a way with words. Don’t take it personally.”
Lucian’s piercing gaze snapped to Nico, and his expression shifted from cold to outright furious. His dark eyes narrowed, and a vein pulsed at his temple. Nico visibly tensed under the intensity of Lucian’s stare, instinctively leaning back slightly. The temperature in the room seemed to drop as Lucian’s jaw clenched tighter.
For a moment, it seemed as if Lucian might say something, but instead, his gaze flickered back to me. His anger ebbed just enough to allow curiosity to surface. “Your friends seem... loyal,” he said, his voice still edged with tension but now layered with intrigue. There was a challenge in his tone, as though questioning my choices.
I met his gaze head-on, my voice steady and calm. “They are. They’ve stood by me through everything.”
His brow furrowed slightly at my response. He clearly wasn’t expecting such unwavering confidence. “Through everything?” he echoed, his tone quieter now, yet still probing.
“They’re not just my friends—they’re my family,” I replied firmly, my gaze steady and unwavering.
Lucian studied me for a moment longer, his intense gaze lingering on my face, searching for answers that I wasn’t ready to give. The word “family” seemed to resonate with him, but his expression remained guarded, offering nothing but silence in return.
The tension was broken by Esme, who raised an eyebrow, looking between us. “Are we just going to stand here all day on the arena grounds, or are we heading somewhere else?”
Ryker, grinning, jumped in. “We should go to the canteen. That’s where all the good talk happens.”
Zane laughed, nudging him. “Oh, you don’t want to talk. You’re just after snacks.”
Lucian, now grinning too, glanced over at Ryker as he retorted, “Oh, don’t act like you don’t know it.”
Zane gave a dramatic sigh, his tone exaggerated. “Oh, yes, we know all about your obsession with snacks.”
The group burst into laughter, but Lila, still confused, looked between Ryker and Zane. “What’s going on?” she asked.
Zane shot her a playful grin. “You’ll find out soon enough.”
Calen, always the level-headed one, shrugged. “Let’s go then,” he said, and we all began heading toward the canteen. Zane walked beside Sofia, Ryker paired with Lila, and Nico, Dante, Kai, Esme, and Calen were chatting together. Lucian and I walked toward the back, trailing behind.
After a brief silence, Lucian turned to me with a question. “So, Aiden didn’t come with them?” His tone was casual, but there was something sharp in his eyes. “He seemed pretty close to you when you were talking to him on the phone.”
I frowned, confused. Why was he always bringing up Aiden? Was he... jealous? My thoughts raced for a moment, and I couldn’t help but tease him. “I think you’re practically obsessed with Aiden,” I shot back.
Lucian’s eyes narrowed, but a smirk tugged at the corner of his lips. “Maybe. But I’m just curious.”
I gave him a sidelong glance, still trying to figure out what was really going on in his head as we continued toward the canteen.
When we reached the canteen, Calen, Ryker, Dante, and Kai immediately headed to grab some snacks. We found a round table, but since we were a large group, we had to pull chairs from nearby tables to fit everyone. Zane and Sofia sat together, their hands intertwined, looking every bit the perfect pair. Nico sat on one side of me, while to my surprise, Lucian sat on the other. I hadn’t expected him to sit so close, and it caught me off guard.
Nico, ever the easygoing friend, started chatting with me like we were kids again, and we found ourselves laughing and talking easily. But as we continued, I couldn’t help but feel a sudden tension on my other side. I glanced at Lucian, and his expression had shifted—his face now cold, his gaze dangerously intense. I immediately stopped talking, sensing the shift.
Esme and Lila sat beside each other, quietly chatting as they settled into their spots. There was a vacant chair beside Lila, left for Ryker.
After sometime Calen, Ryker, Dante, and Kai came back with the snacks, Ryker carrying far more than anyone else. He placed them all on the table, the pile almost spilling over. Lila looked at him, her eyes wide with surprise.
“Now I realize why Zane was saying you’re obsessed with snacks,” she said, her voice teasing.
Everyone burst into laughter, the sound echoing through the lively canteen. Ryker gave a mock scowl but didn’t bother denying it, instead grabbing a handful of chips and munching away with a satisfied grin.
I reached for a bag of spicy potato chips from the table, my fingers already curling around the crinkly packaging, but before I could even open it, Lucian’s voice cut through the moment.
“You can’t eat that,” he said sharply, snatching the chips from my hand.
“Excuse me?” I asked, taken aback.
“You just recovered from your injuries,” he said, his tone firm. “It’s not good for you. You should’ve eaten something healthy.” With that, he took something from Ryker—a granola bar, I think—and handed it to me.
The whole table went silent, and all eyes were on us, especially Nico, Dante, Kai, Sofia, and Lila. They had no idea what was going on, but the tension was palpable. Only a few of us had seen this side of Lucian before—his protectiveness, his commanding presence.
Esme, sensing the tension in the air, broke the silence with a casual question. "So, how did you all end up taking admission at Vortex Academy? Why here, of all places? This academy is always known for its hierarchy based on elemental powers."
Kai, as blunt as ever, spoke up. “Well, actually, we’re all childhood friends. We’ve always stuck together, no matter where we were—whether it was school, training, or just hanging out.”
Dante’s voice was light as he chimed in, “Yeah, Aetheria was great, but something was missing after Aria left for Vortex Academy.”
Sofia, always so thoughtful, nodded softly. “It just wasn’t the same without her. We missed having her around.”
I felt a warmth spread through me at their words, a mix of gratitude and pride. They cared so much, and they’d gone to great lengths just to be here with me. Our bond was something so special, so rare.
Kai continued, his expression turning serious. “When we found out we could take an exam for admission here, we didn’t think twice. We had to try.”
His next words made me feel even more emotional. “And the matter of hierarchy? We don’t care about it. We just want to study and be together. That’s what matters most to us.”
Dante, with that mischievous grin, added, “Yeah, we didn’t care about the rankings or anything. We just thought, if we’re here together, it’ll make things easier.”
Sofia’s smile was soft and genuine as she spoke. “And we thought Aria would be happy to see us all here. We also worried she might feel alone without us. She’s always been the glue that held us together, and the thought of her navigating this place on her own just didn’t sit right with us.”
A deep sense of gratitude filled me as I looked at my friends. They weren’t just my companions; they were my anchor, the ones who stood by me through every storm. Their loyalty and understanding reminded me that, no matter how uncertain life felt, I was never alone.
Zane raised an eyebrow, clearly skeptical. "So, for Aria, you didn’t hesitate to change academies in the middle of term? You know you’ll have to face a ton of assignments and exams now, right?"
Ryker, who seemed more amused by the situation, chuckled lightly. “Seems like you guys are all about that fun, but the pressure here at Vortex isn’t something to ignore.”
Lucian’s gaze lingered on me, quiet yet intense, his expression unreadable as he scanned each of us carefully. His curiosity flickered in those piercing eyes, but beneath it was something else—a subtle hint of disapproval. It was as if he silently questioned their decision to change academies mid-term, perhaps finding it impulsive or even unwise. Though he said nothing, his demeanor spoke louder than words.
Kai grinned, his usual confidence shining through. “We knew what we were getting into. It’s not about avoiding obstacles; it’s about facing them together. Besides, if we weren’t willing to face some pressure, we wouldn’t be here in the first place.”
Lila, always calm and collected, added, “And it’s not like we’re just here to have fun. We’re here to learn, grow, and support each other. Challenges? We can handle those as long as we’re together. The rest doesn’t matter.”
Their words wrapped around me like a warm blanket. I couldn’t have asked for a better group of friends. As they spoke, I realized how much I needed them—and how much they needed me. It was a bond that could withstand anything.
I turned my gaze toward Zane and Ryker, a smirk tugging at the corners of my lips, but my eyes burned with unwavering determination. My voice rang out with confidence, laced with trust in my friends. “You’ve seen me when I first came here. Most of the students thought I wouldn’t last, especially with my air elemental status. But look at me now—I’m still here. And as for them? Fire, water, and earth elementals? They’ve faced far tougher challenges before. This place is nothing they can’t handle. Assignments and exams? They’ll breeze through them like they always do.”
The room fell silent for a moment, my words hanging in the air like a challenge. Lucian’s gaze flicked to me, his piercing eyes narrowing slightly. His expression shifted—no longer just unreadable, but now tinged with intrigue. It was as if he was reevaluating not only my friends but me as well. His disapproval softened, replaced by a faint flicker of curiosity and, perhaps, a sliver of reluctant respect.
Before the weight of my words could fully settle, Nico leaned in with his trademark mischievous grin, his voice dripping with playful sarcasm. “And we’re not here just for these things, you know. Assignments, exams, and challenges are fun, sure, but there’s more to it than that.”
His tone was light, but I caught the glint of something deeper in his eyes—a shared secret, a silent understanding. I knew exactly what he was talking about: the mission. The one that had been etched into my heart since I first saw those air elementals trapped in that wretched place.
I shifted my gaze toward Kai, Dante, Sofia, and Lila. Their expressions mirrored Nico’s—subtle smirks, a spark of determination, and an unspoken resolve. No one else had any idea what we were planning—this was our secret, our purpose, and ours alone to carry out.
My chest swelled with pride and trust in them. Words weren’t necessary; our shared understanding was clear. The mission wasn’t just an obligation—it was a conviction, a purpose that united us as a team. Surviving Vortex Academy wasn’t our only goal; we were determined to right a wrong and liberate those who had been silenced for far too long.