It had been a week since Aeneas had fully recovered and was back to training her. A week since that argument with her custodian
Their sessions continued, the woman still trained her like always, but there was tension; both avoided saying more than what was required for her lessons, no snide remark from the Keeper, no retorts from her, just a civil, professional conversation.
It was strange, but she didn't mind one bit, and she sure as hel won't be apologizing for anything. Although she doubted their interaction would remain just as that with the big summit they would be attending in the city.
Luminara held an annual meeting that brought together all its leaders to discuss matters of the realm, and the Keeper, Legate, and Paisios would be attending as prominent figures. Lysander and Aeneas, on the other hand, will be there as the security detail, together with hundreds of other protectors.
Lyla was excited not for the meeting or the hustle and bustle of the city but because of her love for traveling and the thrill of seeing new cities. She supposed it would be part of what she wanted when she intended to take a gap year, of course, except for being the chosen and all that came with it.
Lyla treaded down the steps, just as the sun's rays pierced every direction of the mansion, making the grandeur of it even more prominent. It was a great day to fly. She had tried to forget that. The fact that she would be airborne today and on a Pegasus, no less
She had dreamt of it, to fly on one of them someday, but her dream had come soon, too soon if you ask her. She would be flying with Aeneas, of course, since she had no experience, but the thought still rattled her.
To be so high up in the sky, the wind against her face, with nothing protecting her. She shivered. She would be okay, she reassured. Aeneas was skilled and would never let anything happen to her, and Aurion had been flying for years; he knew the skies, they were his domain. She would be okay.
Aeneas had a bright smile when he saw her, so bright she wondered why he was so excited; he hated the summit, he had said, too much work and all boring, yet there he was next to Aurion smiling as though he had won a prize.
Lysander and Nyx stood beside him, the male had a smirk dangling on his lips as his eyes shone with mischievous excitement.
"I thought you wouldn't be coming with us," she addressed
His smirk turned to a full grin. " I couldn't miss seeing you take this glorious step," he declared, nodding towards Aurion
She glared at him, "Well, fluffy bear, prepare to be amazed."
His grin dropped at the nickname. It was her turn to smirk
He was about to retort when the Keeper came down the steps and instructed them to get to the skies immediately before walking to where a pale blue Pegasus awaited
Lyla took in a deep breath and willed herself up the Pegasus without letting fear get the best of her. Aeneas climbed behind her
"Ready," he asked, and without waiting for an answer, he allowed Aurion to shoot for the skies
She let out a horrified yelp, quickly shutting her eyes. Lysander's laugh followed from below. She flipped him off with her eyes still tightly shut
She could feel the air against her cheeks, feel Aeneas' hands around her waist, and hear the sound of Aurion's wings against the wind. Up they went until they seemed to slow and steady
"Open your eyes, Chosen," came Aeneas' whisper in her ears, his mint cool scent filling her nostrils
He had never addressed her as such; it was enough to make her open her eyes and want to turn and give him an earful. It sounded wrong, especially from him. But the words caught in her throat because what lay before her was enough to shut her up
They were surrounded by low-hanging clouds, bright and beautiful in shades of white and blue from the sky. The sun's rays shone on them, making them sparkle with hits of gold and silver. Birds flew around them, chirping and singing their serene melodies
It was the most beautiful sight she had ever seen, the Pegasus of the protectors around them glided in different shades, adding to the awe of the view. Breathtaking
Lyla smiled, allowing herself to think only of the warmth of the sun and the cool breeze
*
The flight had been smooth with no hiccups, something Lyla was thoroughly grateful for. It had taken them a good part of the day to fly to Luna, the capital city. Her thighs throbbed when she got off Aurion, a familiar feeling from her days racing with Max through fields for hours. She shut down the thought, the ache, and the tinge of guilt that surfaced
They had landed at a luxurious hotel where they would be staying for the days they would be here. All the big important people would be too, so the Keeper had made it a point to warn her for the thousandth time to avoid everyone, to stay out of sight, and keep to herself. Powerful people would be here, not just because of their status or wealth, but because of their exceptional skill in magic, having mastered and refined their abilities. If any of them took note of her, that would be trouble.
Here, she was just a trainee at the Keeper's disposal who was also to act as her personal maid, so she was to keep her mouth shut, not talk to anyone, and above all, not even a hint of her magic should be seen. Even the Paisios had made sure those instructions stuck in her head. She didn't dare argue.
The hotel was large and beautiful; it screamed money and power in the grandest ways. Employees rushed to welcome guests and usher them to their respective rooms, while others handled their luggage. She would be staying in the Keeper's room while the Paisios stayed in the one next to theirs.
The Legate would be on the floor below them while Aeneas and Lysander stayed in another hotel close by. He doubted the two would have much sleep, though, as leaders in the Legion, they had to ensure everything went smoothly, more so Lysander since he held a higher seat.
The summit would be starting tomorrow afternoon, and although she wouldn't be allowed in those chambers, she would be in that building, sitting like an obedient servant, since they wouldn't risk leaving her here. It was absurd, what terrible thing could she do by sitting in a hotel and perhaps taking a stroll, it's not like she would go around showing off her magic like some party trick.
But it had been decided. She sighed, the thrill of adventure that had been drumming in her heart long forgotten.
She better get used to it, the Keeper had told her, for when this world knew of who she was, she would need to attend such a meeting not only to prove her worth but rally enough allies to her side.
One would think they would be eager to help save their world, but she understood that even if they did, it didn't mean they would want a stranger leading them