[Samael Ashwood's POV]
Lincoln nodded, satisfied with my response. "Good. Then let's begin."
"That...can we start from tomorrow as...we just entered the academy and my companions are waiting for ," I said while scratching my head with an embarrassed expression. The intense conversation had taken off guard, and while Lincoln's offer was tempting, I couldn't forget my imdiate priorities. After all, Sionna, Lily, and the others were waiting.
Lincoln's eyes flickered with amusent as he leaned back. "Of course. No need to rush into things, Samael. We'll start when you're ready." His voice was smooth, almost nonchalant, but I could tell that he knew he had already planted the seeds of intrigue in my mind. -mp _yr.
"Thank you, Professor," I said with a nod. "I'll find you tomorrow."
"Actually, I am the horoom teacher of your class. Tomorrow we'll et during the first session," Lincoln added with a smirk, his sharp eyes gleaming in the dim light. "So there's no need to seek out—I'll be waiting for you, Samael."
I nodded, feeling a strange mix of anticipation and wariness as I turned to leave. His presence lingered, even as I stepped into the open hallways of the academy, the weight of our conversation pressing down on my shoulders. It wasn't just the words he'd said, but the way he said them, as though everything was part of so greater design I couldn't yet see.
As I made my way back to the training grounds, the cool night air washed over , clearing my thoughts. Sionna, Lily, and Liliana were waiting under a large tree, their figures illuminated by the soft glow of the academy's enchanted lamps.
Sionna spotted first, her face lighting up with relief. "Finally!" she called out, standing up from the bench. "What took you so long? We were about to send a search party."
"Sorry, I got held up by one of the professors," I said, offering a smile. "He's also our horoom teacher, apparently."
Lily's eyes narrowed slightly. "Professor Lincoln?"
I nodded, surprised she knew. "Yeah, how did you—?"
"Guess, We only know Professor Lincoln. And you would go with anyone associated with a mysterious aura like his," Lily finished, her voice laced with a touch of sarcasm, though there was concern hidden beneath. Her narrowed eyes didn't miss the unease I was trying to conceal.
Sionna folded her arms, glancing at with a mix of curiosity and worry. "What did he want with you? I don't like the sound of this."
"Well, he actually saved from the Academy council. And Lily fear not that the head instructor is going to be punished." I said with a smile as I tried to ease the tension. "Lincoln handled everything. He's got a way with people in power, apparently."
Liliana's expression softened, but her concern didn't completely vanish. "I still don't trust him, Samael. He's always been…different. You should keep your guard up."
Sionna nodded in agreent. "Liliana's right. Just because he helped doesn't an he doesn't have his own agenda."
I let out a soft chuckle, appreciating their concern. "I know, I'm not planning to blindly follow anyone. But I'll be cautious. He's just offering guidance, that's all."
"Just be careful," Raven repeated, her protective side coming through.
"Always," I assured them, feeling a sense of camaraderie in their concern.
"Let's go, we haven't even been to dorms yet. I don't want to sleep outside like a vagabond," Sionna joked, trying to lighten the mood.
"Yeah, let's get settled in before we have to face our first day at this place," Lily added, a hint of apprehension in her voice.
We made our way through the winding pathways of the academy, laughter and chatter from other students echoing in the air. As we approached the dormitories, a sense of anticipation tingled at the back of my mind. Tomorrow would be a pivotal day, the start of a journey that could lead to power and understanding—or danger and betrayal.
Once inside the dormitory, we each claid our rooms. I took a mont to unpack my belongings, setting up my space to feel more like ho. The walls were lined with shelves, and I found a spot for the few books I'd brought with , as well as a small trinket from my past that I always carried—a silver locket from my mother.
After settling in, I joined Sionna, Lily, and Liliana in the common area, where they were chatting and exchanging stories about their hopes for the academy. The atmosphere felt warm and comforting, a stark contrast to the serious undertones of my earlier conversation with Lincoln.
"So, what are you two hoping to learn?" I asked, curious about their aspirations.
"I am fascinated by Runes, So that's it for ," Lily said with a spark in her eyes. "The way they can amplify magic and create intricate spells… it's just so intriguing!"
Raven leaned back, crossing her arms. "I'm more interested in combat techniques. I want to beco a skilled warrior and save Mother as soon as possible."
I could sense the determination in her voice, a fire that mirrored my own ambitions. "You will. I have no doubt about that," I replied, nodding in support.
Sionna glanced at , her expression thoughtful. "And you, Samael? What are you planning to focus on?"
I hesitated for a mont, weighing my thoughts carefully. "I think I might explore a bit of everything," I said, trying to keep my tone light. "But I'll definitely delve deeper into the manipulation of magic. It seems like there's a lot of potential for growth there, especially considering the offer I received."
Lily raised an eyebrow, her curiosity piqued. "What offer?"
I hesitated again, unsure if I should reveal Lincoln's interest in my potential. But the bond of trust we had built over the years made feel comfortable enough to share. "Professor Lincoln offered to guide in harnessing my powers, to help navigate this place."
Liliana's expression shifted, concern etching her features. "That sounds... risky, Samael. He's not soone you can fully trust, even if he helped you."
"I know, but I can't deny the appeal of having a ntor who understands the complexities of this academy," I replied, trying to reassure them. "He sees sothing in , and I'd be a fool not to at least explore it."
Eveline spoke seriously for the first ti, "My fiance, If you need my support or guidance, just ask. We'll be there for you, no matter what." Her voice was soft but resolute, and I could see the sincerity in her eyes.
"Thanks, Eveline. It ans a lot," I said, genuinely appreciative of their unwavering support. I needed their strength now more than ever, especially with the challenges I was about to face.
The conversation shifted as we began discussing our expectations for classes, lightening the mood further. Sionna animatedly described her excitent about combat training, while Lily chid in with her plans to join the alchemy club. Their enthusiasm was infectious, and I found myself smiling more than I had in days.
As the night wore on, we settled into a comfortable routine, sharing stories, laughing, and teasing each other about our various quirks. The camaraderie felt good, a reminder that I wasn't alone in this vast academy filled with unknowns.
Eventually, exhaustion settled over like a heavy blanket. I excused myself, promising to et them for breakfast in the morning. As I prepared for bed, I felt the weight of Lincoln's words still pressing on my mind. His offer was tempting, yet fraught with potential consequences.
Lying in bed, I gazed up at the ceiling, pondering what the next day would bring. The academy was a labyrinth of opportunities and dangers, and I was just beginning to find my way. The thrill of it was intoxicating, even as a twinge of fear lurked in the corners of my thoughts.
I closed my eyes, allowing sleep to envelop , hoping for clarity in the dreams that awaited.
***
The sun spilt its golden rays through my window the next morning, casting patterns across my room. I awoke to the sound of chatter and laughter filtering through the walls, a sign that my friends were already up and preparing for the day.
After a quick shower and a simple breakfast, I t Sionna, Lily, and Liliana in the common area, where they were eagerly discussing the day's schedule.
"We have our first class with Professor Lincoln today!" Sionna exclaid, her eyes sparkling with excitent. "I wonder what he has planned for us."
Lily rolled her eyes playfully. "Just don't get too starstruck. He's still just a professor, no matter how mysterious he seems."
"Who is starstruck by the slly professor? Samael is the only one for ." Sionna pouted with a playful grin, causing a ripple of laughter among us.
"My dear fiance, where is my daily dose of your lovely kiss?" Eveline teased as she raised her arms in mock despair, prompting another round of giggles.
But I still went to her awaiting arms and embraced her tightly, a smile spreading across my face. "Sorry, my lady, but I was busy dreaming of conquering the academy," I joked, earning playful nudges from Sionna and Lily.
"Kiss?" Eveline interjected with a smirk, her eyes gleaming with mischief. "Is that all it takes to conquer the academy? Maybe I should start charging you for every kiss!"
I smiled but still leaned forward and took her inviting lips as I kissed her softly, savouring the warmth of her embrace. A chorus of teasing "oohs" erupted from Sionna and Lily, and I could feel a light blush creeping up my cheeks.
"Alright, alright, we get it!" Sionna laughed, shaking her head. "I want one now!"
She shoved Eveline aside and took her place, her arms embracing and pouting lips in mock frustration. "Co on, Samael! A prince must not deny his loyal subjects!"
I couldn't help but laugh as I obliged, leaning down to place a wet kiss on her glistening lips, which only fueled her delight. "There you go, loyal subject. But you have to promise to behave in class," I teased.
" too," Liliana shoved Sionna aside and took her place in front of , her cheeks flushed with playful determination. "I demand my royal kiss as well!"
I chuckled, leaning down again to et her expectant lips. She smiled at , a spark of mischief in her eyes. "Now you really are going to be late for class!"
But before I could stand up, Lily quietly sat on my lap with anticipation in her eyes and a cute blush on her cheeks. "Don't forget about ," she said, a playful smile tugging at her lips. "I'm the only one who hasn't gotten a kiss yet!"
The playful atmosphere in the room erupted into laughter again. I raised an eyebrow, feigning seriousness. "You all are making it difficult for to focus on my studies. I can't have a reputation as a kissing bandit before even stepping into class!"
"Co on, Samael, just one kiss won't hurt," Lily insisted, her playful deanour matched only by the genuine warmth in her eyes.
With a soft chuckle, I relented, leaning down to press my lips against hers. It was a gentle kiss, sweet and lingering, as though sealing a promise for the day ahead. As I pulled back, Lily's grin was infectious, brightening the room even more.
"There! Now you can all study in peace," I announced, trying to sound official.
But t with silence everyone was looking at Raven who didn't ask for a kiss with teasing eyes. She had been quietly observing the playful exchange, her arms crossed, a faint smile on her lips.
"Well, are you going to just stand there, Raven?" I teased, tilting my head slightly to catch her gaze. "Aren't you going to demand your royal kiss too?"
Raven raised an eyebrow, her expression a mix of amusent and mock seriousness. "Please, I'm not like the rest of you. I don't need a kiss to feel special." But there was a spark in her eyes that suggested she might just enjoy it.
Liliana pushed back to my seat dragged Raven by hand and tossed her in my lap, a playful smirk dancing across her lips. "Co on, Raven! You're just as much a part of this little royal court as anyone else. Besides, it's only fair!"
Raven shot an incredulous look, her cheeks tinged with a hint of pink. "You've got to be kidding ," she muttered, though I could see the reluctant amusent flickering in her eyes.
"Co on, Raven! One kiss for good luck," Sionna chid in, her enthusiasm infectious. "You don't want to miss out on the benefits of a royal kiss, do you?"
With the three of them encouraging her, Raven finally relented, rolling her eyes dramatically. "Fine, but just this once," she said, a half-smile breaking through her usual stoic deanour.
I chuckled, leaning closer as Raven hesitated for just a mont before leaning in. Our lips t, and I felt a rush of warmth—her kiss was different, softer and more reserved, as if she was still unsure about letting her guard down. But as we broke apart, I could see the spark of laughter in her eyes, a sign that maybe she enjoyed the mont more than she let on.
"See? Not so bad, right?" I teased, earning a playful glare from her.
"Don't get used to it," she shot back, though the corners of her mouth betrayed her amusent.
With the playful tension finally dissipating, we all gathered our things, excitent bubbling in the air as we prepared to head to our first class.
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[To Be Continued]
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Stone !, I can take it.
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