The atmosphere relaxed little by little.
The Sage seemed strangely… playful.
"So, Zetch," he said, pouring tea. You seem strong. But tell me… is it the earth that supports you, or is it you that begs it?
Zetch almost choked.
— I'm not begging for anything, thank you.
The Sage smiles.
— Hmm. Interesting.
Then he turned to Bella.
"And you, Bella. Does the air obey you… or do you seduce it?
Bella blushed slightly.
— I… I have mastered it.
"Too bad," he replied in a falsely disappointed tone. I would have liked to see someone so graceful seducing the wind.
Caden stiffened.
— She doesn't need to seduce anyone.
The Sage slowly turned his green eyes towards him.
- Oh ? Touch ?
Zetch watched Caden with amusement.
But the Sage did not stop there.
He then looked at Aletha.
— As for you... water embraces everything it touches. It's gentle…but can become devastating. Like some people.
Aletha held his gaze.
— Water also chooses what it submerges.
"Fascinating," murmured the Sage.
Then, deliberately, he moved slightly closer to her.
—If I had known that the current would bring me such a beautiful guest...
Caden abruptly placed his hand on the table.
—That's enough.
Silence fell.
Bella and Zetch exchanged a look.
The Sage inclined his head slightly.
"Would you be jealous, Caden?
- No.
—Then why is your fire crackling under the table?
Zetch laughed.
Aletha tried to hide a smile.
But when the Sage deliberately touched Aletha's hand while serving her tea, Caden almost stood up.
— I can do it myself.
The Sage raised his hands innocently.
— I was joking.
No one commented... but Bella watched Caden with slight incomprehension.
---
Later, everyone went to their rooms.
The night was calm.
Then—
BOOM.
An explosion shook the entire monastery.
Caden sat up with a start. Bella opened her door at the same time. Zetch emerges from the hallway. Aletha came out of her room.
— The entrance! someone shouted in the distance.
They rushed together towards the hall.
Thick black smoke filled the air.
Figures moved in the shadows.
The calm had just been shattered.
And deep in the smoke...
a familiar presence laughed.