After returning to my room, I made my way to the washroom to freshen up, letting the cool water wash away the day's tension. Now that my business at the academy was concluded, there was only one task left—waiting for Alina to be escorted to the castle. Soon, I'd finally leave this place and return home. A surge of anticipation pulsed within me. I missed my mother and sister intensely, more than I'd let myself realize during this extended stay. The academy and the awakening rituals had stretched far longer than anticipated. But now, at last, my time here was ending.

I left the washroom and lay down on my bed, my mind wandering. Over the next few days, I slipped back into the familiar routines, all the while my thoughts were tethered to the promise of returning home. Then, one morning, a letter from my father arrived. The news was clear and precise: the preparations were complete, and Alina was now at the castle.

A flicker of satisfaction washed over me as I stood up from the study table, dressed in my training gear, my gaze drifting to the gallon of the blood which was now empty. My training had refined my lungs to a stark, glistening white—a sign that their purification was complete. The surge of essence in my veins felt potent and new, a testament to the hard work I'd endured. A slight shimmer of satisfaction filled me at this progress, though it also marked the end of the blood supply I'd been rationing. With my lungs transformed and a small part of my liver now partially refined, I'd have to return to a slower regimen of refinement.

I stepped out of my room and found myself outside the training hall. Inside, Lucian was already waiting, poised with an air of calm readiness. The vast training area stretched before us, silent and expectant.

"This will be our last lesson," I announced, watching Lucian's eyes sharpen at my words.

"Does that mean you're leaving?" he asked, already sensing the answer.

"Yes, I am," I replied, my voice steady.

He smirked. "But I don't believe I ever graduated you."

There was a knowing glint in his gaze; he understood I was here by choice, not out of necessity. My lips curved into a faint smile.

"Then let's see if I'm ready to graduate," I said, summoning my essence. A silver stream tore through the air, slicing toward Lucian with raw power. He responded with a conjured wall of ice, which cracked and crumbled under the assault, sending glistening shards in all directions. I sensed Lucian's presence shift behind me, my instincts kicking in as I conjured a silver blade, twisting to meet his assault. His white sword clashed against mine, creating a resonant, piercing sound that filled the hall.

The ensuing battle was a clash of sheer skill—no area attacks, no spells, just the mastery of blade against blade. Each sword I wielded shattered against his, yet for every one I lost, he broke five. His skill was formidable, but I held an advantage he couldn't easily counter: my essence was pure, while his, though powerful, was tied to the element of ice—strong, but inherently limited in resilience against raw essence.

He swung toward my head, and I ducked, letting my blade flash toward his chest. But his other hand intercepted the strike, encased in dense layers of white ice that shattered under impact, embedding my blade in his arm. At the same time, his leg swept toward me, icy spikes extending from his sole, aimed for my heart. I raised my other hand, forming a thick shield of essence that absorbed the blow, and we were both sent hurtling in opposite directions.

Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

Spikes had lodged in my arm, and his was nearly severed, though both our injuries healed quickly, our regenerative abilities kicking in almost instinctively.

Without warning, a hailstorm of ice shards filled the air, each shard razor-sharp and glinting like diamonds. I countered with spears of essence, meeting the onslaught in a storm of silver and white. The clash escalated, our energies filling the hall with a potent chill, a shimmering aura of essence permeating the air.

As the battle reached its peak, Lucian unleashed a spear of ice, thick and deadly, hurtling toward me. Sensing the gravity of the attack, I channeled my essence into a spear of my own, pouring the purest essence I could muster into its core. The silver spear cut through the air, almost warping space around it, meeting the ice head-on.

For a brief, suspended moment, time seemed to freeze. The collision was absolute—one side held in a paralyzing frost, the other crackling with silver bolts of energy that tore at the very fabric of the hall. The ground splintered where the forces met, cracks webbing outward, and the sheer force of the clash sent shockwaves through the room, a deafening sound reverberating off the walls.

Finally, both forces dissipated, leaving only silence in their wake.

"You present quite the challenge," Lucian said, a glimmer of respect in his eyes.

Though my essence was far from depleted, that final clash had drained me more than I'd anticipated. I nodded, catching my breath. "I do try, but I still feel you're holding back."

Lucian smiled faintly, the glint in his eyes knowing. "If I gave it my all, I doubt you'd be standing."

"But pushing me this far only few months after awakening is an unprecedented feat in itself." he said and I could feel his genuine praise.

I couldn't help but smirk in response, though I knew he was only half-joking. "And yet, I don't think this is enough," I continued, letting a note of resolve creep into my tone.

He paused, curious. "Oh?"

"That's why I'm here with a proposal." I gestured for him to sit, sinking down myself to take the weight off my legs. "No need for formalities," I added, waving him down as he started to bow. "Sit."

Lucian took a seat, his gaze sharp and attentive.

"First and foremost, I wanted to let you know that Alina has arrived at the castle and has been settled," I informed him, watching as a light of interest flickered in his eyes.

I continued, "I want you to consider leaving the academy and coming with me back to the castle."

Surprise flashed across his face, followed by a hint of skepticism. I went on, addressing his unspoken question.

"Personally, I feel there's much more I could learn, but staying at the academy has only dulled my edge. It's become tedious, and I'm ready to return. With you at my side, I'd have the guidance I need without the confinement of academy life."

"And what about me?" he asked, intrigued but cautious.

"It benefits you as well," I assured him. "With Alina in the castle, if you stay here, you'll rarely see her. At best, you might meet once or twice a month, maybe even less. But if you join me, you'll both be together. I can arrange for your quarters in the castle, and as my personal trainer, your presence would be welcome."

I watched as his expression shifted, the logic settling into place. He was beginning to see the advantages.

"So, what do you say?" I held out my hand, letting him make the choice.

He studied me for a moment, his eyes assessing, before he finally spoke. "I'm aware you may have your own motives," he said, a faint smile forming. "But you've shown me nothing but respect and trust. You stood by me when even my own family did not. For that, I'm deeply indebted to you."

I shook my head, dismissing the notion. "This isn't about indebting you. Yes, I do have my reasons, but any help you choose to offer in the future is entirely your choice. I'm not here to pressure you—only to extend a hand in good faith."

I stood, extending my hand towards him. "You're the only person outside my family that have earned my trust until now. A friend if you will."

"So what is your answer Lucian Blackwood, do you accept." I said my words laced with finality.

Lucian rose, taking my hand with a firm grip, a bow of respect accompanying his words. "It would be my absolute honor."

A smile spread across my face, slow but looking genuine, as our agreement settled.