The Little Palace rose like a frozen giant, gleaming in the pale winter light. Its towers pierced the sky, sharp and imposing. Snow crunched under my boots as I led Alina inside, eyes scanning every corner. Red eyes alert, dreadlocks shifting slightly, I could feel the pulse of magic lingering in the air.
Alina's hands clutched her bag nervously. "It's… bigger than I imagined," she murmured.
"Bigger, and full of danger," I replied, voice calm and serious. "Stay close." My tone brooked no argument. The palace might be stunning, but it was still a battlefield in its own way—intrigue, politics, and powerful Grisha everywhere.
We entered the training halls. Young Grisha practiced their powers: crystals floating, wind bending, fire crackling. My eyes flicked to every movement, calculating. Shadows lay dormant in me, ready for later, but my focus stayed sharp. This wasn't the time for jokes. Survival, observation, protection.
One of the female trainees, a young Grisha with friendly eyes, approached us. "You're her friend?" she asked politely.
"Yes," I said simply. "I'm here to help her through this safely."
Alina's cheeks flared. She shifted slightly, avoiding eye contact. I noticed the subtle tension in her shoulders—jealousy, faint but unmistakable. She was already flustered whenever I spoke to other girls. I kept my tone neutral, measured. Survival and guidance first, social intrigue later.
Training began. Combat drills, magical exercises, and etiquette lessons followed. I stayed near Alina, keeping her safe during sparring, showing her defensive maneuvers when needed. Light flared from my hands only in controlled bursts, harmonizing with her sunlight when necessary. Shadows remained quiet, coiled inside, waiting for the right moment.
During a break, the same female trainee approached again, smiling. I greeted her politely. Alina's golden eyes flared faintly, jaw tightening, cheeks pink. "You… don't have to be so… friendly," she muttered softly.
I raised an eyebrow, tone still serious. "Politeness isn't a crime," I said quietly. No teasing yet. Humor would wait until the danger—or training—was over.
Evening came, and the halls emptied. Alina leaned against a railing, exhausted but glowing faintly. I stood beside her, scanning the palace, ensuring no unseen threats lingered. "Day one," I said softly. "We survived. And we're both still standing."
Alina gave me a small, grateful smile. "Thanks… for keeping me safe."
I let a faint grin slip. "And I'd say we make a pretty good team," I added lightly, tone safe now, humor finally entering the moment.
She laughed softly, brushing snow off her coat. "You really are something, Zac."
I nodded, letting the grin fade. Seriousness returned—training would continue tomorrow, and the palace held more dangers than beauty. But for now, I had kept her safe, noticed her fluster, and survived day one. That was enough.