The quiet of the infirmary hung heavy in the air, thick with unspoken emotions and the lingering tension from the earlier confrontation. Anya, still slightly flushed from Rhys's unexpected embrace and his sincere apology, her heart pounding in her chest, took a small step back, creating a more comfortable distance between them.
"It's… fine,"
She stammered, a delicate blush coloring her cheeks, her gaze flitting away from his. She quickly looked away, hoping he hadn't noticed her flustered reaction, the unfamiliar warmth that had spread through her at his touch.
"I… I hope that's not how you typically handle… disagreements with women, Rhys."
Rhys, still feeling the lingering confusion and the unsettling echo of the dark energy that had surged through him, managed a weak, bewildered smile, his expression sheepish.
"Definitely not, Anya,"
He assured her, a genuine warmth and sincerity in his voice.
"That… that will never happen again, I swear it. I have no memory of it, but I promise to control the darkness."
Anya nodded, a small, almost imperceptible smile gracing her lips, the tension in her shoulders easing slightly.
"Good. I appreciate that."
She then offered him a hand, her expression softening, her earlier apprehension replaced by a tentative curiosity.
"Come on. You look like you could use some food and rest. It's time for dinner, and I'm starving."
Rhys, surprised and touched by her sudden change in demeanor and the offered assistance, readily accepted her hand, his fingers intertwining with hers.
"I am definitely down for a good meal,"
He chuckled, a hint of his usual enthusiasm returning, his eyes sparkling with gratitude.
"All that… dueling… works up quite an appetite."
As Anya helped him out of the bed, supporting his slightly unsteady gait with a gentle hand on his arm, they walked slowly towards the infirmary exit, the silence between them no longer awkward but filled with a tentative understanding. Leaning against the doorframe, his arms crossed over his chest, stood Jian, his expression unreadable.
"Lady Anya, Stonehand,"
Jian said, his usual calm demeanor holding a hint of something akin to concern and curiosity.
"You were both summoned to Lady Isolde's office. Immediately."
Rhys visibly tensed at the mention of Anya's mother, his earlier relief replaced by a renewed anxiety.
"Her Ladyship? Oh, stars,"
he muttered under his breath, his face paling slightly.
"I'm probably about to be expelled for attacking her daughter. My academy life was over before it even began."
Anya placed a reassuring hand on his arm, her touch surprisingly comforting.
"Don't worry, Rhys. I told you, I'm unharmed. Mother can be… imposing, but she's fair. She won't let this escalate unnecessarily."
They arrived at Lady Isolde's office, a spacious and elegantly furnished room filled with the scent of expensive parchment and polished wood. Sunlight streamed through tall windows, illuminating the intricate carvings on the oak desk behind which Lady Isolde sat, her gaze sharp but not unkind as she observed their arrival. She gestured to the two chairs in front of her desk.
"Please, sit,"
She said, her voice firm but measured, her tone leaving no room for argument.
"Rhys, Anya. Let me assure you, Rhys, that you will not be facing expulsion. Fights between students, while regrettable, do occur, especially during training."
Rhys visibly relaxed, a wave of relief washing over him, his shoulders slumping slightly.
"Thank you, Lady Valerius. I appreciate your understanding."
"However,"
Lady Isolde continued, her gaze now fixed on Rhys, her expression serious,
"what we witnessed in the arena was… concerning, to say the least. That raw power, the darkness that seemed to consume you, the ferocity with which you fought… it is dangerous, both to yourself and to others. Darkness magic is not to be trifled with, Master Stonehand. It is a force that must be respected and controlled."
She paused, her gaze unwavering.
"Therefore,"
she stated, her tone leaving no room for argument,
"I will personally oversee your training and studies in controlling your abilities, particularly your affinity for darkness. Consider it… a way for me to keep a close eye on your progress and ensure the safety of everyone at the academy."
Just then, as if on cue, the door to the office opened, and Kaelen and Li Wei entered, their presence adding another layer of complexity to the already tense atmosphere. They had clearly been waiting nearby, their expressions a mixture of relief and concern.
"Lady Valerius,"
Kaelen said, relief evident in his voice as he saw his brother unharmed, his eyes scanning Rhys for any signs of injury.
"Lady Isolde,"
Li Wei added with a respectful nod, his gaze calm and steady.
"Seeing that Master Stonehand and Lady Anya are both well, and the matter seems to be resolved amicably, we shall take our leave. Safe travels to you both, Jian."
Jian offered a subtle nod in return, his eyes briefly meeting Rhys's with a flicker of understanding. After a few more polite exchanges and assurances, Kaelen and Li Wei bid farewell to Rhys and Jian, heading back towards their respective temporary lodgings in the city, leaving the three young heroes to navigate the aftermath of the duel.
The next day, news of the duel spread through the academy like wildfire, fueled by gossip and speculation. Rumors, as they often do, twisted the events, painting Rhys as a volatile brute who had viciously attacked the innocent Lady Valerius, while others portrayed Anya as either his helpless victim or a surprisingly lenient noblewoman who had shown undue mercy.
Rhys, training alone in one of the academy's private rooms, his frustration growing with each passing hour, found himself increasingly agitated by the whispers and sidelong glances he received from other students, their words stinging like barbs.
Frustrated and angry, he slammed his practice spear against a training dummy with more force than necessary, the impact sending vibrations through the room.
"It wasn't like that!"
He muttered to himself, his voice rough with suppressed rage, the memory of the uncontrolled darkness still unsettling him, the feeling of being a monster.
He exited the training room, intending to clear his head and escape the oppressive atmosphere of the academy, only to find Jian standing patiently by the door, his presence a silent offer of support.
"Stonehand,"
Jian said, his gaze direct but without judgment or condemnation.
"You seem troubled. Do not allow the opinions of others to weigh you down. People will always speak, regardless of your triumphs or your mistakes. Their words are fleeting, like the wind. Regret serves no purpose now; understanding and growth do."
Rhys managed a genuine smile, surprised and grateful for Jian's unexpected words of wisdom and support.
"You're right, Jian. Thank you. I needed to hear that."
Just then, as if summoned by his thoughts, Anya approached, her expression warm and inviting, a small smile playing on her lips.
"Rhys! There you are. I haven't forgotten my promise. Dinner, remember? I'm starving, and I'm ready to put all this behind us."
She glanced at Jian, her smile widening.
"Jian, there's always room for one more. Please, join us. It would be my honor."
Jian, caught slightly off guard by the unexpected invitation from the esteemed Lady Valerius, inclined his head gracefully, his surprise quickly replaced by his usual composure.
"I would be honored, Lady Anya. Thank you for your kindness."
As the unlikely trio, bound by fate and circumstance, made their way towards the bustling academy dining hall, the initial sparks of an unexpected camaraderie began to flicker between them, a fragile bond forming amidst the chaos and uncertainty.
They were unaware of the shared destiny that lay ahead, the trials they would face together, and the shadows that continued to gather beyond the academy walls, threatening to engulf them all.