14th day of the season of death 2448

The whispers of the apprentice dragon riders rose up wherever the silver-haired teenage girl passed, but no one dared to speak to her directly. She was aware that something fishy was going on and her patience had been tested that day. Still, she did her best to appear normal so as not to raise suspicion on herself. She didn't want any attention related to her first mission.

Yesterday after Argoshin's escapade, she had snuck into her room hoping not to be seen, but Jessa Bane, the little blonde with the heart-shaped face from Detmor, had signalled her arrival when she set foot in the common room of the second cycle apprentices. Honestly, the archer had never really had an opinion about her since they didn't interact with each other, but now she found her rude and annoying.

Moments later, the common room was crowded with curious teenagers bombarding Azena with questions. It was Ariella, Fayne and Teriondil who came to her rescue, taking her to her bed so she could rest. Wrapped in her cozy blankets, she discreetly told her three friends about her adventures.

- Master Ruvior is not the man I thought he was, she confessed. I was wrong to judge him.

Fayne's reaction was the most extravagant, especially regarding her blackened arm. The herbalist had shed a few tears in silence. Azena knew she had struggled not to accuse her of impulsiveness and idiocy. She wanted to confirm these thoughts, but she was too exhausted to find the right words. Communication was still not her strong suit.

At the moment, she was on her way to the Great Hall for the usual supper. She had just spent an hour with Leith who examined from head to toe while getting lectured.

- Spicy chicken wings, she whispered as she imagined her delicious meal. I missed you so much.

With a quick step, she crossed the threshold of the hall entrance. She easily spotted Tyrath on one of the perches. He was teasing Ella, played with the decorative pendants that were attached to her wooden horns. She hit his snout with her paw and hissed aggressively.

- What an idiot, the teenager laughed.

Beneath the drake and her companion was the table of the second cycle apprentices. The archer walked towards it, ignoring the prying eyes that followed her. More whispers could be heard.

- They are not subtle, she grumbled to herself.

She estimated that about half of the apprentices, especially the younger ones, kept staring at her. What was going on?

A boy who seemed to be in his early teens approached her in small, shy steps with a rolled scroll in his hands.

- And are you...? Azena asked, raising an eyebrow.

The poor apprentice answered, swallowing hard, showing his embarrassment.

- Okay..., said Azena, accepting the boy's letter.

Before the admiring eyes of her silent interlocutor, she opened the scroll and read it. It was a love letter. No wonder he was paralyzed with stage fright. Out of politeness, she continued reading, knowing that the boy's efforts were in vain.

- Say yes, Girl who stood up to a god! cried one of the apprentices at the third yearers' table.

Azena blinked, confused by the nickname they had just given her. In front of her, the boy's cheeks darkened.

- If not, you can always give me a chance! barked another apprentice.

- What kind of joke is this!? Azena growled, still unsure what was going on.

Most of the apprentices fell silent and now some of them stood up to get a better look at the scene.

- That's your new nickname, explained the young man who had given her a love letter. You stood up to a god and that's a feat that very few people can boast about. You're really impressive, Azena Kindirah.

In turn, the storm girl felt her cheeks overheated, but for a different reason: she was angry. Someone had loosened their tongue enough to share what she had gone through in the last few days. She wasn't looking for attention or fame, not with that kind of brutality she had suffered. Obviously, it was too late.

- Sorry, man, but I'm not interested.

She returned his letter and moved in an angry rhythm towards the table where Ariella, Fayne and Teriondil were seated. She struck the wood of the piece of furniture with a strong fist and breathed hard between her teeth.

- Who's responsible for that!?

- Calm down, Ariella said, putting her spoon in her squash soup. We didn't do it... At least, I don't think so.

Teriondil and Fayne remained silent, seeming to agree with the blonde.

- Sit down, continued the pyromancer, pointing to a free chair.

Azena obeyed, grumbling insults.

- Calm down, Ariella suggested. Look at the bright side of the situation: it's not so bad. Yes, you've earned yourself a nickname and fame. What's the big deal? You're still you and even much more.

- I don't want the "more" part, Kindirah replied with her arms folded. You don't understand, Ariella... I didn't accomplish anything there... nothing spectacular anyway. I was scared then, I just puked up words and all kinds of crap from my big mouth as usual. If that impresses you, then you're naive.

- Do you realize that NO ONE stands up to a deity? That action in itself is exceptional.

Azena grabbed a fork and stuck it into a lonely chicken wing to avoid the gaze of her interlocutor. She didn't know how to express herself; they simply didn't understand the horrors she had had to face in such a short time. It was hard on her mind.

- Hey look at me! exclaimed the blonde with authority.

Azena gritted her teeth, wanting to run away so she wouldn't have to listen to others. Reluctantly, she turned her face towards the Valkirel.

- We are on your side, assured her friend. We are not responsible. I promise you that.

The archer let out a long sigh, and with difficulty, she nodded.

- Good! Eat now! ordered Ariella. You've lost weight again. Be careful, you're going to lose the small amount of muscle mass you've built up during your training.

- That's what I'm going to do, replied the storm girl who could've sworn she was hearing her mother.

As soon as she had her first bite, she got distracted by two apprentices who approached her. The first was the redheaded Renora, who just kept growing and gaining muscle mass. The latter stopped, stared suspiciously at Azena and finally, let her companion get ahead of her. Naeshirie hadn't changed despite her aging through her mid-teens. Azena was surprised to find her delicate physique terribly cute and attractive. Every time she saw the hybrid elf, she remembered how unique and dazzling her celadon green eyes were. It was truly a unique color to her. She had never seen it anywhere else. That was probably due to the crossbreeding of her wood elf and moon elf genes.

- Errmm, she murmured as she tried to repress her emotions. Good evening to both of you.

Naeshirie blushed, clearly embarrassed by the attention Azena paid to her. Had she fallen under the spell of her new title like all the others? At this possibility, the archer had a nasty urge to roll their eyes, but all she did was force a smile, uncomfortable with the two newcomers.

- Go Naesh, insisted Renora, putting her hands on her hips like a parent who disciplines his child.

The hybrid elf pulled a white strand from her soft-featured face and took a scroll out of her uniform pocket to finally give it to Azena. At once, the latter expected to receive another love letter and felt a wave of impatience run through her entire body. Then she calmed down, realizing that it might be from Naeshirie. This possibility made her blush.

The little elf waved at her with a small movement of her hand and then continued on her way to another apprentice: Vorshienn. She handed him a message on paper as well.

- Don't be shocked, Renora ordered him with a mixture of bitterness and severity.

But the young man, who was normally so confident, burst into tears as he read the parchment. He began to hiccup several times and lost his breath momentarily until the redheaded woman hugged him tightly.

- It's going to be all right Vorshienn, she whispered softly as if he was just a fragile child.

Now Azena was worried, especially since Naeshirie had offered her a sympathetic gaze.

- It's not a love letter at all, she realized out loud.

- What? Fayne asked confusedly. What are you talking about?

- Nothing, nothing. Go back to your meal.

She hurriedly unrolled the scroll and almost tore the bottom part off in her carelessness.

Dear Azena of the House Kindirah, Argent's sister and apprentice dragon rider at Archlan's Academy,

This message has come to you through our most prompt messengers; we are extremely sorry that you did not hear from us sooner. Your elder sister, the betrothed of Prince Kiojar, has returned safely to the capital of Rikarn after many days following her disappearance. A group known as the Blood of the Dragon had kidnapped her and according to her, their warlord was a elven shaman named Erurawin. Please beware of this individual; he is powerful and dangerous.

Do not worry for Lady Argent is under our protection and is receiving everything she requires.

Yours sincerely,

The Lenmar royal family of Elthen

Once again Azena fell victim to her rage; she squeezed her hands and struck the table where she was sitting.

- That bastard! she bellowed.

- What's going on? Fayne asked. What bastard?

- Erurawin! It was him that Tish's vision referred to. He attacked my sister just before he attacked me and my squad!

- Argent? Is she all right? the herbalist worried.

The archer nodded, realizing what could have easily happened. At least she didn't have to worry about her anymore, only about the members of her squad who probably wouldn't arrive for a few days.

- You were lucky, remarked Ariella, looking pensive and severe. Vorshienn doesn't seem to have received good news. Whatever happened there was not positive.

- I know, Azena grunted. The two letters probably came from the same messenger... Fucking black shaman... I'm going to offer Tyrath his carcass for dinner. By the way, how do you think the fact that I got in contact with Noktow became public knowledge?

Nobody said a word for a long time. As Azena was about to resign herself, Teriondil spoke:

- It's possible that it was my sister... This morning she interrupted a private conversation between me and Fayne...

The brunette's complexion darkened and she looked down. Ariella winced at the information. The sylvan elf looked sorry, but calm.

- It didn't take her long to spread all this throughout the academy, the archer grumbled angrily. In less than a day... What are the odds? She never comes to talk to you, Teri.

She took a bite of her spicy chicken wing, which was now cold and unpleasant to eat, but she ignored those details. It was not important at that moment.

Silence reigned until Teriondil finally broke the ice:

- Fayne... Azena's sixteenth birthday is approaching...

- And? the herbalist replied, sticking his fork into a lettuce leaf.

- What should I give her as a present? he asked aloud.

The group of friends stared at the elf in amazement. It was so like him to be nonchalant in an awkward situation.

- As I've already explained, the person receiving the gift must not know what it is, Fayne emphasized.

- Oh... But I'd like to know, the young man whispered.

- Well... We'll discuss this later, okay?

As Teriondil's innocence continued to prevail, Ariella tried to distract the aeromancer by putting her arm around her.

- Let's go for a little walk, she suggested.

- All right, grunted the obedient archer.

Anyway, her mind was elsewhere. She was thinking about everything that had happened in the last few days. She had gone from being a clumsy girl who no one cared about to a celebrity because of a tragedy she would have liked to have avoided. It was as if the entire academy had awakened to her presence. She, who had so desperately wanted to get some recognition. Now that she had gotten it, she was not very happy about it.

She and Arialla walked slowly between the tables of the second and third cycle apprentices. The blonde still hadn't removed her arm.

- So... You're almost sixteen... Aren't you interested in one of your admirers?

The gray dragon rider thought about it and noticed quite quickly that these so-called admirers were all boys and that she didn't see the point.

- Not really, she lied, knowing that Naeshirie aroused her curiosity every time she saw her. In any case, we have no right to... to...

- Fornicate, Ariella ended for her. Of course we can...

- Ah but who cares, continued the half elf with a naughty smile. We're victims of our actions despite our oaths.

- Technically speaking, replied the blonde with a dryness that didn't escape her friend.

- And you, don't tell me you don't have feelings for anyone. Even prude Fayne has an unhealthy attraction for wood elves.

Ariella chuckled heartily.

- I'm surprised about Fayne.

Suddenly, her expression darkened and her features hollowed out as if something had just persecuted her straight to the heart.

- Have you seen Serfantor anywhere? she asked with small, bright eyes that betrayed vulnerability.

It was rare to see Ariella in such a state; she who protected herself from others so easily. Azena was stunned for a moment and realized that indeed, she hadn't had the slightest sign of life from her captain since her arrival. It was then she realized that her friend had feelings for the grey elf.

- A-Ahh... ermm...

She cursed herself for not being able to find the right words to console her friend.

- No, but you know he's very reserved so... he's probably gonna come out of his hole for skotar practice tomorrow, right? He doesn't have a choice.

- You're probably right..., said the blonde.

Azena looked up and saw the clock that read almost six o'clock at night. She remembered that she was supposed to meet Argoshin soon and she felt bad about having to leave Ariella to her fate.

- Hey Ari, I'm really sorry, but it's time for me to go see a certain someone if you see what I mean.

- Oh, of course. Don't worry about me, approved the red dragon rider. Go on, get out of here!

They smiled and parted, Ariella returning to the table while Azena rushed to the main entrance with a whistle. The latter glanced in Tyrath's direction to make sure the drake had received her signal. He was indeed taking flight.

Outside, he joined his rider who climbed on his back with ease, carefully avoiding the sharp spikes. The duo headed for the small hill where they liked to watch the stars from time to time, especially for a little privacy. It was far enough away from Atgoren to avoid prying eyes.

As expected, Argoshin was waiting for them there, perched on the only nearby tree. He was crouched down and like a bird, kept his balance with his claws which were stuck deep in a branch. He hardly needed to hide his appearance here; they were alone.

- Ahh there you are, he hissed between his fangs.

He opened his wings and let himself float gently to the ground.

- I was beginning to doubt your commitment, he confessed in his strangely cavernous tone. We have so much to discuss and so little time.

- I'm sorry Master, Azena apologized. We'll try to be more hasty for the next session.

The half-dragon turned his attention to Tyrath and stared at him until the drake finally reacted:

- I will do the same... M-Master, he hesitated.

- The girl who stood up to a god, is that right? mentioned the hybrid to her new student.

Azena's reaction was instinctive: she punched the tree. Under the teacher's unimpressed gaze, she withdrew her hand and noticed that her knuckles were stained with a little blood. Where in Aerinda had he heard that?

- Something wrong? Argoshin asked sternly.

- No, the girl grumbled, shaking her hand in an attempt to relieve the pain.

The hybrid examined her for a long time as if testing her patience or waiting for her to calm down. During this silent torture, Azena felt like hitting him, but she focused her energy on her inner meditation, which had more or less worked. At last he spoke, his voice dragging in the chilly wind breezes:

- Let's begin then. There will be no real exercise today; just a simple discussion. I will first explain how to master the element of life, step by step.

- What about me, Master? asked Tyrath.

- Young dragon, you're here to learn from your rider how the element of life works.

- No offense, but why is that necessary?

- You're connected on a deeper level than any alliance, friendship, or romance; you need to understand each other, especially with the war threatening these lands, explained the half-dragon as he untied his rat-tailed ebony hair and tied it back together again, making it cleaner looking.

The few purple scales on his hands gleamed in the glow of the slowly setting second sun.

- So you confirm this war? Azena asked.

- Absolutely! Argoshin exclaimed coldly. It began about four seasons ago, but in a subtle way... It won't stay that way forever. Time is crucial; you must be ready for it.

He sighed and scratched his hairless chin. There was no hair on the hybrid's face, which was strange for an adult. He settled on the ground and signaled to his students to do the same.

- I must confess that you have learned well as a dragon and rider, but your masters don't know anything about spiritual mastery.

- Spiritual mastery...?, Azena asked. I'm not familiar with that term, Master.

- That doesn't surprise me. You and I are animancers, masters of the spirits, masters of the vhrenghar. The translation is not accurate in aerindian and easily twisted.

- W-what? muttered the archer. But even Turion calls it the element of life and he's a purple wyrm.

- You're doubting me, that's good. Always do your own research. That's what I've been doing, wanting to find an explanation for my presence in this world. As you may have guessed, I am a rather... exceptional entity.

He paused briefly, and it didn't escape Azena's notice that his golden eyes stopped momentarily on her blackened arm. He appeared, for a moment, filled with regret.

- For a long time I tried to find out who I was, where I came from, what was this strange power I wielded. Anyway, a long time ago, information about the elements was translated from the ancient language to aerindian and the original name of the element was lost.

- Can you read the ancient tongue, Master? Tyrath wondered. Only a few people can.

- It hasn't been easy, especially with the obvious lack of support in learning it, but with patience and determination, you can accomplish great things.

The silver drake appeared surprised, even somehow honored by this.

- But why "spiritual", Master? Azena asked confusedly. I don't see the connection.

- What makes every being alive or dead is the possession of a spirit. Truly, someone who has died has simply lost his physical vessel.

- So... It's a simple manipulation of the soul, the shocked teenager realized.

- Among other things, yes.

Azena recalled the few instances where she had had some success with this enigmatic element. The exchange of energy was indeed that, but it would make sense that she was siphoning a small part of the victim's spirit.

- That explains why an overload of this energy was healing me.

- A soul or spirit, depending on the culture, is the very source of a lifeline so it is even more effective than any magic or healing technique. However, don't take this gift lightly. If you abuse it, the consequences can be catastrophic, especially considering the potential that resides within you.

The dragon rider already knew what her master was referring to: one of the most revered wyrm in history. Embarrassed, she felt her emotions take over her reason, blushing hard.

- I am aware of this, Master.

- And you, young dragon, the hybrid continued, addressing Tyrath, bear with her as best you can. She will never have an easy life in her situation, and sometimes you will have to make heartbreaking choices.

- Way ahead of you, Master, the silver drake humbly replied. It's only natural for me to want to protect Azena. She is a part of me, of my being.

The archer's thin lips stretched into a warm smile. She loved that big turnip. There was no doubt in her mind regarding his words. It was the truth in its purest form.

- I expect nothing less, said Argoshin.

Impatient to learn more about Turion, the purple dragonflight and their powers, Azena stretched her arms behind her back and began examining her surroundings in an attempt to muffle her impatience. She didn't want to offend the half-dragon, but damn it, she had a nasty urge to tell him to move on to the next stage of her apprenticeship. The second sun was setting and she was soon to return to her room. There was no time and she disliked it.

- Curfew's up soon, she said, trying to appear nonchalant.

A lingering breeze bit her face and she shivered as she pulled the collar of her fall coat tighter against her.

- Patience, Argoshin said softly.

The teenager heard the word so often that the mere mention of it ate away at her good mood. Nevertheless, she remained calm and waited as her master wanted her to. A second, a minute, a quarter of an hour... She was still waiting.

Finally, the hybrid took a deep breath

- I'll share what I know with you in due time. I know... It's not what you want to hear, but you have to be careful not to walk down the wrong path. It's imperative that you reveal nothing to anyone, you too young Tyrath.

He was absolutely right. The girl had been trying to figure this out for too long and she was running out of patience. She grimaced, slightly irritable.

- Im guessing you have a very limited mastery of the spiritual element, Argoshin guessed.

- Th-That's right, confirmed the aeromancer despite her embarrassment.

She felt as if she was a failure, completely useless in this matter.

- Yet, I have no issues with my wind mastery, she added. It's so frustrating...

- I see, said the hybrid. Realize that mastering a mind is the equivalent of controlling and handling life and death. These actions make even the greatest shamans look like children. Why do you think they're so driven in controlling your powers?

This strange man had caused a bewildered feeling in his student who stared at him with her mouth ajar, not knowing what to say. He was right about everything.

- The purple dragonflight forms the base, the pillar that supports others, for without life and death nothing is possible, the master continued nostalgically. Their absence forms a great void a-and...

He hesitated as if he wished to add something. A glimmer of disappointment could be seen behind his both human and reptilian eyes.

- Are you all right, master? Tyrath questioned with a worried expression.

Argoshin nodded softly. After a brief pause, he continued:

- In short, the purple dragons are charged with balancing life and death, which is more important than any other element. Being partly one of them, I am part of their network, albeit a small one. I feel their presence, their sorrows, their joys who are becoming increasingly rare.

- They're here!?! exclaimed Azena and Tyrath in chorus, unable to hold back.

- The answer to that question is complicated... I must confess that I have no idea where they are, but deep down inside, I feel their presence constantly. One by one, they come apart... Their spirit disappears from this dimension. I think it's suicide. They're heartbroken and I can't find them or talk to them. I've searched for so long... It's like feeling close to someone, but...

- But that you don't know who that person is or where they live, ended Azena by turning her attention to Tyrath. That's how I've felt my whole life. It feels so free and complete when you finally find that special soul.

Like a child, the drake opened and closed his mouth several times without saying a word, his eyes exorbitant and watery. It was very rare that he was affected by such an emotion. He let out a plaintive moan and finally his condition spread to his rider, who began to cry silently.

Even Argoshin was under the spell of this touching scene. He didn't cry, but a glimmer of pride and contentment made his strangely lovely face even more endearing.

- O-one day, you... will also find it, Master, said Azena in a broken voice.

The hybrid bowed slightly as if to thank her student.

- You've discovered one of your soul mates. There are several types of soul mates; it is difficult, if not impossible, to find them all.

- But I thought a soul mate was... well... romantic? replied the dragon rider who was finally recovering from her emotions.

- Not all of them. All it takes is sincere and deep enough feeling towards someone to feel not a desire, but a necessity for their presence in our lives, whether it be good or bad.

At that moment, the archer placed their attention on the golden-eyed person they were talking to and felt a pleasant hot flush wave over their whole body. She felt not drawn towards him, but in complete confidence and as if a deep connection had just been born between them. She realized that this creature, born out of incredible improbability - probably of a miracle - had a heart of gold and surely, she guessed it, a most difficult past and a long life in the cold emptiness of loneliness. She wanted to learn from him and grow up with him as if he had been her own blood. Perhaps she had been too stubborn to see what was right under her nose.

- Help us become strong.

- You already are, the hybrid replied with a smile, revealing his fangs, which at that moment didn't make him look like a predator at all.

✦×✦

Azena had broken curfew again. Rendar was on the other side of the academy; it was now or never. Tyrath set off at insane speed, slicing through the sky like a meteorite to the Tower of Knowledge. Azena silently wished him a good night and then snuck into her room through the window.

Inside, she came face to face with Fayne who had clearly been waiting for her. The brunette was pacing around in the small room playing with a lock of her wavy hair as she did when she was anxious. Something was wrong.

- Fayne...? called Azena, unsure how to approach her.

- Serfantor has been sentenced to death, the herbalist said in a monotone.

Despite the coldness of her tone, her appearance told a different story. She was on the verge of panic, her skin was sprinkled with drops of sweat, her limbs trembled slightly and her eyes were wide open.

- Wait... what? replied Azena, who hadn't absorbed the news yet.

- You heard me! Fayne exploded with a voice as angry as it was sad. He ran away... and now... he-he's out there alone... He wants you to go to him, immediately.

- M-me? But... why me?

The same signs of anguish that were dominating her friend were beginning to appear on her too.

- I don't know, said Fayne. He snuck into the academy and talked to me. I didn't suspect anything until he explained to me... He had a wound on his arm. I healed it the best I could! Anyway, he made me promise not to tell anyone but you. You were gone for so long! I nearly lost my mind!

In a moment of clarity, Azena approached her friend, determined to support her in her crisis, and embraced her tightly. The effect was immediate: the blue dragon rider burst into tears, her face buried in the neck of the archer's. The two fell to their knees without ever letting go.

- Don't worry about it anymore, Azena whispered. I'll go see him and everything will be alright.

For a long time she stroked Fayne's hair until finally the shaking stopped.

- Go! ordered the herbalist, her breathing still difficult. He's waiting for you and he needs you more than I do.

- Where is he?

- Behind the forge of the city.

- Thank you, whispered the gray dragon rider.

She freed her friend from her hold and then smiled at her, placing her hands on either side of her face. Gently, she stroked her soft skin, wondering if she was also one of her soul mates. After all, she couldn't bear the thought of having a life without her, as a friend, as a family, as a sister... perhaps even something that she couldn't explain, something other than all that.

- You're awesome.

And like a gust of wind, without letting her react, she jumped out of their room through the window and stormed out of the tower towards the Atgoren forge. In a rush of adrenaline, she ignored the cold that was biting at her so fragile skin. She didn't care about the rules: she had to to go join Serfantor.

She hadn't noticed she was followed, impulsiveness rooted in her soul.

At last she found the grey elf, wrapped in a hooded coat, huddled in a dark corner between two barrels. He was stroking the back of a small calico cat who ran away at the sight of the newcomer.

- As desperate to see as ever, he joked with a faint smile. Look at you, your uniform all dirty.

Azena honestly didn't know what to answer. He was in a good mood considering his perilous situation. He had a glimmer in his face, a hope, but his body was in a pitiful state. He had dark circles under his eyes, his facial features were hollowed out and his knuckles were bloody as if he had been in a fist fight. Yet he was calm.

- What happened? Azena asked with a fury that made his blood boil.

- It's not important, the elf replied neutrally. Not any more... What's important is that you take care of Ariella.

- W-what? Is that why you brought me here?

The archer was unimpressed. She had had an explanation and a plan of action in mind, not some pathetic request like that. According to her, he should have talked to the blonde himself. She was clearly dedicated to him. She was so hardened and disciplined under normal circumstances; she almost lost her pride every time she mentioned him, worried sick.

Azena clenched her fists and teeth. Her heart began to beat hard enough that she could feel its frantic rhythm in the vein of her neck. A desire to strike seized her once again.

The silence dominated for a very long time. During this time, the archer used all the meditation methods she knew so as not to lose her composure.

Finally, Serfantor was the first to speak:

- I need you to...

- SHE LOVES YOU! barked the aeromancer who could no longer hold back. What an idiot you are!

In a moment of madness, she raised her arm to hit a barrel on her right, but she was stopped. Serfantor had grabbed her limb as she was about to strike her target.

- You're going to have us discovered, he said curtly.

- Coward! Azena growled between her teeth. And to think that I admired you and wanted to be a skotar captain too! Get out of my sight!

She pushed him back, hoping to knock him to the ground, but he just staggered, leaving boot prints in the mud in his wake. From a different angle, she briefly saw the wound Fayne was talking about: a long cut that looked like it was from a blade. She also noticed that there were burns on parts of his gray skin, as she squinted her eyes.

- Promise me, the elf begged, this time with a bitterness that almost broke her interlocutor.

- I, uh... Ugh... I...

She pointed an accusing finger at him as she hesitated on her words.

- Okay, but I'm gonna tell her everything. So tell me what happened. I know you were sentenced to death by the Guardians of Aerinda, but no more than that. And what are these injur...?

A yell choked with emotion distracted her and she lost sight of her thoughts. She turned her head and saw a girl with dark blond hair rushing into the gray elf's arms.

- Ari? Said Serfantor with as much surprise as the half-ef who was witnessing the whole thing.

The latter immediately noticed the use of Ariella's nickname; it was the first time he had used it in front of her. She stupidly stared at the couple who embraced each other for a long time and then, who glanced at each other with both happy and sad eyes. A little uncomfortable, she took a few steps backwards to give them some space. It was strange to see this kind of affection between two apprentices, even more so when it was between her two good friends.

Ariella cried reluctantly while Serfantor vaguely explained to her what he had said to the archer and the herbalist. It was repetitive, but Azena understood why it was necessary. The blonde needed to hear it from Serfantor's mouth, who spoke directly to her.

Meanwhile, the aeromancer was watching her surroundings, trying to distract herself. For some reason, she felt embarrassed. She had never really had a romantic desire for anyone and this was uncharted territory for her. So she didn't know what to do with it. Besides, seeing Ariella so vulnerable bothered her. It was as if she wasn't supposed to be present at such a precious and delicate moment.

Once the tension broke, Serfantor addressed the two girls:

- I have a new destiny to follow. I don't know exactly what yet, but now I am free. Besides, I can't stay close to the Guardians...

- They want you dead. No need to tell us again, Azena vomited with almost disarming frankness.

- That's so like you, replied the prince with a small, blissful smile.

He seemed really happy despite his situation, which was more than unfortunate. His attitude, although cowardly, astonished the archer.

- Yep, that's me, she whispered, her uneasiness persisting.

She looked up to the sky, avoiding the couple's hand holding. Why did she feel like a kid who found romance disgusting? After all, she was past that phase and, what's more, she was working to come to terms with her sexuality, which diverged from the norm.

- Well, I wanted to share a warning with you too, the elf continued, this time in a much darker tone.

At that tone, Azena forgot all her previous feelings and stared directly at her friend. Whatever he was going to say, it was not to be taken lightly.

- That was the second reason why I wanted to meet you, Azena, confessed the black dragon rider. My mother... She's up to something... I don't know exactly what it is. She's very careful that me and Katanor aren't around when she discusses it, but I've heard a few words here and there. She talked about weapons, killing, alliances and war with her advisors. She wanted to use me and Shalith as her supreme weapon... That is why me and Katanor are here. But Katanor is just a kid inside; he doesn't understand what's going on.

Azena and Ariella nodded their heads, understanding where he was going with this.

- Do not denounce him, finished the archer for him.

- He would be in the same situation as me, the prince confirmed. In any case... Be ready. I'll get ready too. This war will overwhelm Aerinda. Sooner or later, I don't know, but a plan is in action. She is already subtly penetrating the Guardians' defenses. Divided, we are nothing but idiots running in circles. Together, we're strong. Please, don't believe what the High Council thinks of me. My mother arranged the whole thing. She was angry because I was weak... I didn't want to be part of her plan... So she tried to have me killed by the people who really mattered to me. That's the typical cruelty of my people.

- They're not your people anymore, Azena reminded him. You are free. Go, find a new life. We'll keep in touch with you through our dragons; they can travel long distances quickly.

The elf turned to his lover and placed his forehead on hers.

- I will wait for you, he whispered tenderly. I promise. We will meet again soon.

Azena rolled her eyes and looked away.

- Be careful, the blonde told him.

Serfantor walked towards the Kindirah lady with a mischievous expression, which was rare for him.

- I know you're angry, but I also know you like me.

- W-what? grunted the archer, frowning and slightly irritated.

- A reaction of hatred is synonymous with love, the elf continued. Otherwise, you'd be indifferent.

- B-but! But! exclaimed Azena who blushed as she searched for a good reply without success. Whatever. Go away.

She folded her arms, sulking in her corner.

Serfantor chuckled, ruffled his friend's silver hair and turned to Ariella.

- I love you, he said tenderly.

- I love you too, replied the blonde, almost purring.

He cupped his lover's face in his hands and with a movement as tender as that of a pirate with his treasure, he approached to finally plant his lips on hers. They kissed warmly for a long time. At last, he detached himself from her, moved away without saying a word, and then melted into the darkness like the master of shadows that he had become.

A rebellious tear ran down Ariella's rosy cheek. She was still under the emotions of that moment of passion.

- Let's go home, Azena said to her.

In turn, as the blonde had done for her that morning, she put her arm around her friend's shoulders and gently led her towards the academy.

- I'm happy to have met you, Ariella told her. You are a good person.

Azena felt her blood warm up her face. She opted for the abstinence of words and gave her a pretentious smirk. This reaction made the blonde laugh, which was her intention.

- By the way, I forbid you to spy on me again, the archer added, giving a friendly blow to the shoulder of the pyromancer.

- Pfff keep dreaming, Ariella grunted and answered by pushing her. I can do what I want! What's more, you were in a panic. I had to keep an eye on you so that you wouldn't set foot where you shouldn't as you have a bad habit of doing.

- That's not going to change!