The sun had long since dipped beneath the horizon, casting the academy's high towers in indigo shadow. Flickering lanterns lit the stone paths between the dormitories and training halls, bathing the campus in golden warmth. The air was still, but charged—as if the elements themselves were holding their breath.
Ashen sat alone in the Elemental Garden, a secluded part of the academy reserved for quiet study and meditation. Each section was tuned to a specific elemental affinity. The section where he sat shimmered with bioluminescent blue flowers that floated gently in the air, suspended by water mana. A small stream babbled nearby.
He watched the water, lost in thought.
The duel with Seraphine had stirred something—not fear, but memory. She reminded him of the firelords of old. Passionate. Powerful. Dangerous. And beneath her storm, he sensed something fragile, something hidden. Just like him.
But she was not the one who lingered in his thoughts.
He sighed and reached for a smooth stone by the water's edge, skipping it across the stream with practiced ease. It bounced four times before vanishing into the gentle current.
"Figured I'd find you here."
Ashen turned.
Kaelin stood at the edge of the path, her silver-blonde hair glowing softly in the lantern light. Her academy robe was loosened at the collar, revealing the amulet she wore—shaped like a leaf, glinting blue and green.
She stepped into the garden and sat beside him on the moss-covered stone bench, the hem of her robe brushing against his.
"You're always running off on your own," she said, not unkindly.
"I like the quiet," Ashen replied.
Kaelin drew her knees up to her chest, resting her chin on them. "You really handled Seraphine well today."
"I didn't do much."
"You frustrated her without even using your element."
Ashen chuckled softly. "Maybe that's why she's mad."
Kaelin smiled faintly, then turned serious. "She's strong. And beautiful."
"She is."
Kaelin looked away. "Do you like her?"
Ashen blinked. "I don't know her."
"But you could."
He turned to her. "Why are you really here, Kaelin?"
She hesitated. "Because I… I worry about you. You always seem like you're somewhere else. Even before we got here."
Ashen looked at the stream again. "Maybe I am."
Kaelin reached out and took his hand.
"You don't have to carry whatever it is alone."
He didn't pull away.
For a long time, they sat in silence, only the sound of the water and the hum of the magical flora filling the air.
Finally, Kaelin broke the stillness. "You know… back in the village, I used to watch you train alone. You always seemed… different."
"Different how?"
"Focused. Like you were preparing for something bigger than the rest of us."
He smiled faintly. "Maybe I was."
Kaelin's gaze lingered on him. "And now?"
"Now I'm trying not to be noticed."
"Too late for that," she said with a soft laugh. "You're already attracting attention."
He sighed. "Yeah."
She nudged him with her shoulder. "Don't worry. I've got your back. Always."
Ashen looked at her, truly looked, and for a fleeting moment, the burdens of both his lives felt lighter.
Then, footsteps echoed from the path.
Seraphine.
She paused when she saw them, her fiery gaze unreadable. "Didn't mean to interrupt."
Kaelin didn't move.
Ashen stood. "It's fine."
Seraphine stepped forward, arms crossed. "There's a mission briefing tomorrow. Instructor Liora says we'll be split into small teams."
"Are we on the same one?"
Seraphine smirked. "Looks like it."
She looked at Kaelin, then back to Ashen. "Don't be late."
Then she turned and vanished into the shadows.
Kaelin let out a long breath. "She's going to be a problem."
Ashen looked at the water again. "Maybe."
Kaelin stood. "Come on. We should rest. Big day tomorrow."
They walked back toward the dorms together, the path bathed in moonlight. As they approached the fork in the path that led to the male and female quarters, Kaelin paused.
She turned to him, hesitated… and then leaned in, placing a soft kiss on his cheek.
"Goodnight, Ashen."
He touched the place where her lips had brushed, stunned.
"Goodnight, Kaelin."
She smiled and vanished into the night, leaving him under the stars.
Ashen stood for a long while, eyes closed.
He had lived a life of war and duty. Now, in this new world, he was beginning to feel something else.
Connection.
And that made everything more dangerous.
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