Sitting on the ground with her back against a tree, Alice played with my hair while my head rested on her lap. It was a constant struggle not falling asleep as it was so damn comfortable. Her touch gentle and soothing. Just what I needed after a long hike.

Professor Dark gave us a bit of free time before the lessons started. The trip exhausting many of the students. At least it was a hot summer day, nothing unusual for this time of year. The lake cooling the area.

Only regret that I had was that we were told not to go for a swim as I imagined they were probably worried about some underwater mana beast jumping us. Stories of lake monsters go far and wide.

However, even now, as I glanced toward the breathtaking saltless sea with its full expanse hidden from view, I considered ignoring their warnings and just diving right in. But if not Alice, Penelope surely would’ve killed me for it.

Surprisingly though, it wasn’t exactly what we expected. The place not as swarmed with life as I thought it’d be. There were only these creatures Penelope so appropriately named Bunnybears. Though, they weren’t as cute as the name suggested.

Sporting a beak for a nose, their bodies resembled an oversized rabbit. And their ears were just like that of a bear, wiggling back and forth. Ron, like many, hesitated petting one, fearing they’d bite. After all they were still wild beasts.

Rose on the other hand had a slightly different approach. She went as far as rolling on the ground with them, ignoring the concerned looks many of her fellow students were giving. Something about the whole thing reminded me of Ellie and the twins, making me all the more eager to go back home for her upcoming birthday.

But my peace couldn’t last forever as Alice started muttering.

“He’s staring at us again,” she said. Her narrowed gaze cast in the distance.

I yawned. Made my whole body tense up before I let out a moan, exhaling slowly. My head sank deeper into her soft thighs, a smile etched on my face.

Light breeze swept over us as I glanced toward Alice’s gleaming eyes. So mesmerising to look at.

“Who?” I finally asked, few names immediately coming to mind. Although only one would’ve sparked such annoyance him her voice.

“Aymon. Who else?” She sighed.

His name alone was enough to annoy me. But I enjoyed knowing he could do nothing but watch.

I watched as Alice dropped her head. The loose strands of hair she intentionally left loose in the front dangling in front of my face while the rest was tightly packed in a high ponytail.

“Caught him doing it ever since the party last night. The creep even watched us dance,” she continued. “Like can’t he just take a hint and go bother someone else?”

She chuckled. But in an exhausted kind of way.

“Why haven’t you told me?” I asked, but also wondered how I hadn’t noticed it myself. Then again, Alice was just about the only thing on my mind the last couple of days.

“And what? Get us kicked out of the Academy? Absolutely not,” she said, then sighed shaking her head. “Maybe I should report him to the headmaster or something. Perhaps he’ll kick him out for being a creep.”

“Imagine. . .” I laughed.

“What? You never know. . .” Alice smirked, her fingers still fidgeting with my hair.

Silence then followed as we just kept looking at each other. Neither about to look away.

“God, you’re beautiful,” I whispered. Couldn’t help it really.

Her cheeks flushed red, and she gently reached to cover my eyes. I could hear her giggle.

Then followed another moment of silence. Eventually her hand moved and we both just enjoying the moment. But there was something I wished to talk to her about. Something that weighed on my mind and I felt like I wanted to do. Her support would prove invaluable.

After all – we’re a team.

“Hey. . .” Hesitant, I was still thinking how to bring it up. There was no doubt in my mind she’d be up for it, but I knew– Ah, just say it, I thought. “You know all that talk about not making trouble for ourselves? Well, there’s actually something I wanted to talk to you about.”

“Uh-oh. . .” Alice snickered. “So much for that I guess.”

“You don’t even know what I’m about to say,” I scoffed, smiling as her comment was well deserved.

“Uh-hum.” She couldn’t help acting smug.

Then she just kept looking at me. Her gaze insisting I continue.

Made me sigh. I even shook my head a little. But still, I couldn’t figure out how to start.

I wasn’t going to mention what happened with Aymon, but after everything – and the whole scene with Dustin, I thought there was a need for a change.

“Stop overthinking. Tell me as it is,” she insisted, her voice calm as she listened intently. “Did something happen?”

“Sort of–” I muttered. “Nothing important.”

“Something wrong?” she asked, looking curious as I wasn’t looking worried.

“Maybe. . .” I vaguely answered.

“You going to keep me guessing, or. . .” Alice furrowed her brows.

“No,” i chuckled. “It’s just that it goes against everything we talked about before coming here. You know – me keeping a low profile and all.”

“Think you already failed at that,” she giggled, kindly point out. “But what? You want to show off a bit?”

“Not exactly. I mean, kind of? I don’t know. . .” I sighed again, resting both hands on my chest. “Showing off for the sake of looking good ain’t exactly what I had in mind. But I want people to respect me. For them not to feel as if they can mess with me every chance they get. To think I’m weak.”

“Who thought you were weak?” she looked confused.

“Aymon? And so did Dustin before getting his ass beat,” I said, dropping my gaze. “And if I’m being honest, I know others do as well. Egon for example.”

“You care what Egon thinks?” she asked, furrowing her brow.

Me mentioning his name sure took her by surprise. Rightfully so, seeing as I hardly ever brought up his name before. But that didn’t mean I hadn’t thought about him either. Hell, I considered all the nobles we met so far as potential rivals. Each one a potential enemy in the future.

Life was just funny that way. Politics and all.

“Yeah, I do.” I couldn’t believe what I was admitting. “But there’s no way I’d ever say that to anyone else.”

“And still you tell me, huh?” she muttered, smiling to herself.

“Look. Many will judge our relationship, and I know we’re in this together, but I don’t want to ever be someone who’d weigh you down. Someone who people could use to talk down to you. No, I want my presence to never be questioned. For no one to dare question it, be it through bonds we make or the strength they’re forced to recognize. Arrogant as that sounds. . .”

I couldn’t look up. Felt heavy on my chest just willingly letting out my intrusive thoughts. Thoughts that plagued my mind ever since the day I first imagined us being together. The idea of what needed to be done for her to become mine had she not been so brave.

But even before then. Even before I’d met her, I had these thoughts. Dreams of being powerful. Dreams of being respected.

Most men did, I thought. Made me feel all the more guilty when I found out so many were here just to learn; hoping to perhaps one day make a difference in the world.

This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

And then there was me. No such aspirations came to mind.

Even as a kid I always imagined becoming someone great. Like an adventurer, or a knight. Trained my ass off to get good with the sword and studied hard to understand the world.

Being a mage was out of the question. But I wondered if the dreams I had were somewhat responsible for the way I thought. Or was it just the mistreatments others showed. Like what my other half of the family did while I was still really young.

Perhaps I always acted like I cared not what others thought. And I always tried my best to keep my emotions in check, but there was no denying them. Truth was, more than anyone, I cared. No, I cared so much that it became overbearing at times.

I wasn’t ashamed to admit that I enjoyed being liked. Relished whenever acknowledged by others, and most certainly loved when treated with care and respect. It’s part of the reason why I fell in love with Thysa, as weird as it sounded for a human to say.

Even back home there were always either the knights or the nobles. Always someone with something to say to me. It pissed me off. Hell, I’d even walk around imagining fighting everyone. One of many ways I vented my frustration.

“It’s not arrogant,” Alice said, then cupped my cheek with her right hand. Drew my gaze toward hers. “Not sure I like the thought of you feeling the need to prove yourself. But I get it. I really do.”

She paused. Gently rubbed my cheek.

I didn’t know what to say next. Too many things on my mind at the same time.

“So?” she asked. “What’s next? How are you going about this?”

“You agree?” I questioned, a bit sceptical she was fully on board with the idea.

“Well, I’m certainly not going to hold you back,” she chuckled. “Besides, I think I’ll enjoy watching you shock the world.”

Her comment made me laugh. She was so lighthearted about the whole thing.

“You know it’ll be dangerous, right?” I asked. “All those eyes on us at all times?”

“Think it’s a bit too late for that as well. The Headmaster shot you in the foot the second he put you at the bottom of the rankings. Makes me think he did it on purpose.”

“Right?!” I said, letting out another laugh. “No way I ranked lowest.”

“Now that’s arrogance,” she teased.

“Right,” I smiled, able to lay there and look at her all day.

“Seriously, though. If you have nothing planned, might I suggest something?” she asked. Though it didn’t seem as if something just randomly crossed her mind.

“Always,” I said, listening curiously.

While I didn’t have a plan myself, just setting my sights on a goal willingly gave me the motivation to try. But I really wanted to know what idea popped into that pretty little head of hers. Always full of ideas.

“What about books?” Alice asked.

“Books?” I repeated.

“Yeah, books.” Alice giggled.

“What about books?” I asked.

“You were always on about how you love reading books, yet I hardly ever catch you with a book in hand,” she said, stating an outright fact. “Perhaps we could sit down together and go through a couple of them after classes. Dive into all the spellbooks Penelope showed me. Might even motivate me to look at them myself.”

“Surprised you haven’t already,” I said. Alice always being so diligent back home. “Don’t tell me it’s my fault?”

“Nah, I just can’t be bothered sitting in a room doing what I could’ve done back home. Not when there’s so much to do around here. But if we do it together. . .” Her eyes pleaded for me to say yes.

“Yeah, I get it. More fun that way,” I smirked. No way was I going to tell her no.

“Yes! And maybe we could make it a competition or something. See who learns more spells or something,” she suggested.

“And the prize?” I asked.

“We’ll think of something. But I wouldn’t get your hopes up. After all, I have an advantage,” she giggled.

“How so?” I asked.

“You’ll figure it out.” She smiled, then playfully pointed her tongue at me before glancing toward the lake. There was a moment of pause for her to take a deep breath. Looked so happy, muttering, “Ah. . . And now I’m really looking forward to it.”

“Me too,” I smiled, turning my head; looking in the same direction.

“Hey, let’s sneak off for a bit,” Alice said, glancing at the professors.

“Aren’t the lessons about to start?” I asked, glancing up.

“So? We’re suspended, remember?” Alice argued, a mischievous smile on her face. “Besides, aren’t you curious where all the mana beasts went? Surely they must be around here somewhere. Come on, it’ll be fun.”

I took a second to think, then chuckled thinking how I just wasn’t destined to attend another lesson ever again. But there was only one right answer–

“Sure.”

----------------------------------------

“You know what I’ve realised?” I asked, stepping over a root sticking from the ground.

Was following Alice. She took the lead a few steps ahead of me.

“What?” she asked.

“Your parents - They'll kill me for sure.” I laughed.

“You’re only realising that now? Jeez, you're slow sometimes,” she chuckled.

“No, but like now I’ve said it.” I smirked, catching up to her.

We kept quite the pace. Her eyes darting everywhere, analysing our surroundings. She was so aware. So in tune with her surroundings, it felt natural.

“Nah, my parents approve. Otherwise dad wouldn’t have trained you,” she said, then stopped in place. “I think.”

She paused, putting a finger on her chin. Her body language so expressive.

“You think?” I chuckled, grabbing her hand and looking down at it. “But yeah. . . not what I was talking about.”

“Hmm?” she turned curiously.

“I’m talking about the attention we’re about to get,” I explained. “And after all that trouble your mother went through to hide my core.”

“Well, it wasn’t for nothing. Still gives you an advantage, so I’m sure she won’t mind,” she pointed out as our gaze met. “As for my Dad, I know deep down he’d rather you crush everyone at the Academy so he could gloat how great his student is.” She laughed. “Where do you think my competitive side comes from? Mom hates any and all forms of confrontation.”

“If you say so,” I mumbled, noticing Alice’s ears twitch.

She quickly turned following the noise she heard. Such a low sound I couldn’t even pick it up. But then I sensed it, and my gaze naturally followed.

That’s when we saw them; grey-furred dire wolves.

They were so majestic. The ten of them just roaming the forests. However, their demeanour suggested they had their eyes set on us for a while, sneaking up as close as they could before beginning to growl. Encircled, we had little chances of escaping.

“Well, I think we found them,” I jokingly pointed out, sizing them up as I pulled Alice closer.

I couldn’t have known if one was going to foolishly lunge.

“More like they found us,” Alice agued, remaining calm and carefully observing.

Their piercing gaze was quite intense. Light blue eyes glowing in the shades. Each step they took silent, taking up more and more space while baring their razor sharp teeth.

And just as Alice was about to say something, my fear came true as the closest one charged. Took his chance and broke off from the rest.

But before he could do anything, let alone bite us, a loud howl echoed from the back. Forced him to halt.

“Stop!” Commanded an older wolf with roughened up fur. He was perhaps even bigger than a horse. “I thought I made it clear not to approach.”

But his words were met with growling protest, hackles raised on the aggressive wolf’s back.

“Think they’d show us mercy?” He was angry, a scar hiding underneath his left eye. “I’d rather just rip them apart!”

“Are you defy my orders?!” the old wolf stood up straight, showing off his magnificent size.

“Maybe it’s time for fresh blood to lead, old man. You’re getting soft,” he argued, his mouth drooling as he glanced back specifically at Alice.

“Enough!” the old wolf howled again.

However young blood didn’t listen. Instead, he saw Alice’s focus lacking as she was too busy looking at the old wolf in the back, so he decided to attack. Too bad for him that a single word was going to be enough to put him in his place.

“Grovel,” I commanded; the wolf immediately tumbling across the ground, squealing.

Shocked by the sight, the rest of the pack immediately started growling aggressively, ready to jump to his rescue. But even then they hesitated. Forced to watch as one of their own helplessly crawled on the ground in fear just because he was told to do so.

“Alex!” Alice quickly turned, pulling on my hand. “Stop. There’s no need for that.”

But training made it hard for me to willingly look away from the threat, especially while surrounded.

“Hey, it’s okay. Trust me,” she reassured me, her hand cupping my cheek and guiding me to meet her gaze. “Just let it go.”

Immediately I dropped the effect, stopping the mana from flowing through my body as it resonated with my voice.

Set free, I fully expected the wolf to run back to his friends, but he seemed too freaked out to move. Preferred to stay low and not escalate the situation. Must’ve been quite confusing being overwhelmed with confidence one moment and consumed with fear the other.

Nothing about this made me happy, but it sure beat fighting all of them.

“Sorry about that.” Alice stepped forward, letting go of my hand. “He gets a bit defensive when I’m around. Should’ve seen him when he first met our cat. He really can’t help it.”

Referring to Noir as a simple cat was an understatement of the year. But whatever, I thought. . .

“I promise we mean you no harm,” she insisted, getting closer to the wolf lying on the ground.

“Alice. . .” I muttered with worry, watching as she exposed herself to unnecessary risk.

Still, it was stronger than her. Her desire to work things out.

“It’s okay, Alex. I got this,” she insisted, putting her hand out. “You can trust me. I'm Alice. Alice Kelthyra.”

Chapter End.

Thank you for reading.