"So you messed up big time, and now you're scared to face him," Ariana summed up Annabelle's long explanation in one sharp sentence.

It was late in the evening. Ariana had just wrapped up her work and was about to head back to her room to pack her bags. After all, she had to report to the main event tomorrow.

But an unexpected guest changed her plans.

Annabelle had arrived in a panic. And not without reason.

She had threatened two Towers.

To stop them from digging up the site where she and Adrian once lived, she almost started a massacre.

In the end, she held herself back—but not before agreeing to a shady deal.

She signed a vow.

A promise made by the strongest Warden that, no matter what, she would come to their aid if they called for her.

Suspicious? Very.

What if, one day, Adrian stood against the Tower? It was unlikely—her gentle, peace loving Adrian, picking a fight with the Towers. Doesn't sound believable.

But even if there was a sliver of chance… what if the Tower used her against him?

"I'd kill myself before even thinking of hurting him," Annabelle said instantly, as soon as Ariana voiced the thought.

Ariana let out a tired sigh. "Say that to his face, and I wouldn't be surprised if he slapped you."

Annabelle's shoulders dropped, crushed by those words.

The silver-haired woman rose from her chair and slowly walked around the table. She stopped in front of Annabelle.

"What did Ruby say about all this?"

Annabelle lowered her head and whispered, "She was angry. Left me in the Wasteland."

Ariana wasn't surprised.

Leaning against the edge of the table, she crossed her arms and said, "You want to know how to talk to Adrian? Honestly, just tell him everything. Don't hide anything."

Annabelle looked up at her with teary eyes, her voice soft and small. "But… won't he be mad?"

Ariana shrugged. "He will be. He'll scold you for sure. But once he calms down, he'll give you the best advice on what to do next."

Annabelle asked hesitantly, "Will you… be there with me?"

Ariana raised an eyebrow and smirked. "Why should I help you?"

Flustered, Annabelle huffed, "H-How rude! You're supposed to help people in need!"

Ariana let out a low, mocking laugh. "Oh please. I see you more as an obstacle. Shouldn't I use this chance to let things fall apart between you two?"

Annabelle glared at her. "Does Adrian know you're this vicious?"

Ariana's grin widened. "He finds this side of me hot."

"Guh… You always have a comeback, don't you?"

Ariana shook her head with a small chuckle, then stood up. As she walked to the door, she threw a few words over her shoulder.

"I'm heading there tomorrow. If you can convince me on the way… I might consider helping you out."

….

Adrian now understood why Gilbert always dreaded coming here.

The place was crawling with people who loved nothing more than to show off.

Students from the four major academies, their teachers, managers, and even Tower staff—all dressed to impress. The entire hall shimmered with polished shoes, glimmering jewelry, over-the-top gowns, and an overwhelming mix of expensive colognes that made Adrian feel lightheaded.

Everyone seemed to be flaunting their wealth rather than attending an official gathering.

The students, at least, weren't allowed to join in the fashion parade. They wore their standard uniforms, each bearing a mantle with the crest of their academy proudly stitched over the shoulder.

"Alright, students. Go and greet the others," Adrian urged.

But no one moved. Not even Aries. That was…unexpected.

Norma added with a polite smile, "We'll be staying here for ten days. Don't waste the chance to build some connections. Go on."

There were a few reluctant groans before the group began to shuffle forward, clearly dragging their feet.

Noticing Altia fidgeting in place, Norma leaned closer and offered gently, "Come with me, Altia. I'll introduce you to a few participants."

The girl nodded quickly and stepped closer to her.

Elana, however, didn't move an inch. That prompted Aries to tug at her sleeve. "Come on. Don't be stubborn."

"You go ahead," Elana said softly. "I'm not feeling well. I'll stay here."

Adrian's brows rose slightly. "Not feeling well? Is something wrong?"

The frost around her quietly melted under the warmth of his gaze.

In a hushed voice, Elana admitted, "My stomach hurts a little…"

Adrian hummed thoughtfully. "Want me to bring you something warm to drink?"

Before she could answer, Aries chimed in, "Ah, don't worry about that, sir. I'll get it for her."

She offered a secret wink to Elana and walked off, leaving the two alone—exactly as planned.

Of course, Aries knew all too well about her friend's quiet crush on the professor. So, doing this much? Consider it sisterhood.

With the others gone, Adrian leaned back against the wall, relaxed. Elana, unsure at first, took a small step closer.

Her cheeks were slightly pink as she stole glances at him.

It was the first time she'd seen him in a white suit—and it looked far too good on him. The crisp lines, the way it fit his tall frame, how well it paired with his complexion—she couldn't look away.

He had also trimmed his brown hair.

At first, she'd frowned—she liked it longer. There was something soft and thoughtful about his old look.

But now… he looked sharp. Too sharp. The kind of sharp that made her heart flutter.

When he wore glasses, he had this calm, collected aura that made her feel safe. But without them… he made her heart skip. As if she were always on the edge.

Caught somewhere between comfort and danger.

Noticing her gaze, Adrian spoke, his tone light, "That look might make people misunderstand."

He chuckled at the end to ease the tension, but the effect was immediate.

Elana quickly looked away, her neck growing warm with embarrassment.

After a brief pause, he asked, more gently this time, "Are you really not feeling well… or?"

"No, I promise," she said quickly, almost too quickly. "My stomach does hurt."

Adrian gave a small, reassuring nod. "I'm sorry to hear that. If it gets any worse, let me know, alright?"

She nodded quietly, her lips pressed together.

Silence settled between them—not uncomfortable, just quiet. The kind that lingers when words aren't needed.

They stood side by side, casually observing the bustling venue. People chatted in clusters, laughter rising and falling through the air. The glimmer of crystals overhead reflected off polished shoes and shining fabrics. It was loud, colorful… but strangely distant from their little corner.

Still no sign of Aries.

Adrian briefly considered going to get something warm himself—for both of them—when footsteps approached.

A voice interrupted their quiet moment.

"It's been a long time, Professor Adrian."

Adrian turned, immediately recognizing the robes.

It was someone from Blackthorn Academy.

A senior professor led the group, flanked by a few sharp-looking students dressed in their academy's signature dark-blue uniform.

Adrian straightened slightly, the polite smile already forming.

'Great,' he thought. 'Let's just hope this doesn't ruin my evening entirely…'

°°°°°°

A/N:- Thanks for reading. I am back in full health and will upload multiple chapters from now on. Drop a comment.