Chapter 15

15

ZEPHYR

A s I made my way back to the communal area, my mind was buzzing with questions. The events of the night had taken an unexpected turn, and I couldn't shake the image of Ossian's fierce protectiveness over Aria. His declaration of protection was no small matter - it was an ancient vampire custom, one that carried significant weight in their society.

But why? Why would Ossian, a centuries-old vampire, extend such a powerful gesture to a human he'd known for mere weeks? Was it to keep the peace amongst the factions here? To protect their standing? Or was there something more going on?

I reached the communal area, half-hoping to find Ossian still there. I had questions, and for once, I was in no mood for games or misdirection. But as I stepped into the room, I found it empty. Both Ossian and Marcus were gone, leaving behind only the lingering tension in the air.

Sighing, I sank into one of the plush armchairs, my gaze drawn to the spot where Aria had been sitting earlier. It wasn't the first time I'd found her here late at night, deep in conversation with Ossian. I'd overheard them once, their voices low and intimate, discussing history and art and the weight of immortality. When I'd entered the room that night, Ossian had left abruptly, but not before I caught the look that passed between them.

It was clear there was a friendship forming there, a connection that went beyond mere curiosity or convenience. But was that all it was? A frown creased my brow as I considered the possibility of something more.

The thought sent an unexpected pang through my chest. Why should it bother me if Aria and Ossian were growing close? It wasn't as if I had any claim on her. We were friends, comrades in this strange new world we'd been thrust into. Nothing more.

And yet...

I couldn't deny the way my heart had raced when I'd sensed she was in danger earlier. The protective instinct that had surged through me, driving me to cast a warding spell - something I'd never done before. The warmth I felt when she smiled at me, the way her laughter could brighten even the most grueling training session.

"Oh, Zephyr, you fool," I muttered to myself, running a hand through my hair. "What are you getting yourself into?"

It was absurd, really. I was a fae, with centuries of life ahead of me. Aria was human, her life a mere blink in the grand scheme of things. Not to mention the complications of our current situation - trapped in another realm, preparing for a trial that could determine the fate of two worlds. Surviving it wasn't guaranteed, either. Hardly the time or place for romantic entanglements.

And yet, I couldn't shake the feeling that there was something special about Aria. It wasn't just her beauty, though she was certainly lovely. It was her spirit, her determination in the face of overwhelming odds. The way she approached this new world with a mix of wonder and pragmatism that I found utterly charming. Along with how fascinating and wonderful she found everything. How she'd lit up when I'd shared my magic that night, thoroughly entranced by it. She saw all the beauty and wonder around her despite the weight on our shoulders.

I stood up, pacing the length of the room as I tried to sort through my jumbled thoughts. This was unfamiliar territory for me. In the fae courts, relationships were often political maneuvers, alliances formed and broken with the changing seasons. Even my dalliances in the human world had been fleeting, never meant to last beyond a night or two of mutual pleasure.

But with Aria, I found myself wanting more. Wanting to protect her, yes, but also to make her laugh, to see her eyes light up with wonder at some new bit of magic. To be the one she turned to when she needed support or comfort.

I paused by the window to gaze out at the breath-taking landscape of Dracaria, still not the same as the fae plane I so loved. The moon hung low in the sky, casting an ethereal glow over the strange, twisted trees and shimmering fields. It was beautiful, in its own way, but in that moment, all I could think about was how much I wanted to show Aria the wonders of the fae realm, to see her reaction to the ever-changing forests and glittering palaces of my home.

I shook my head, trying to clear it of such fanciful thoughts. There were more pressing matters at hand. The vampire situation, for one. Marcus's attack on Aria was likely just the beginning. If the other vampires were growing restless, dissatisfied with their current diet, it could spell trouble for all of us.

And then there was the matter of Aria's dormant magic. I'd seen the frustration in her eyes during our training sessions, the way she pushed herself harder and harder, trying to awaken the power that seemed to come so easily to the rest of us. It pained me to see her struggle, to watch her confidence waver with each failed attempt. Chris tried to be there for her, their closeness obvious in how they sat by each other over meals, or how he sought her out after training and spent time with her. But even he couldn't seem to guide her with her magic.

Perhaps, I mused, I could find a way to help her. Fae magic was different from Dracarian magic, true, but there might be some techniques, some exercises that could help her tap into her latent abilities. It would give me an excuse to spend more time with her, at least.

"Listen to yourself," I chuckled ruefully. "Making excuses to be near her like some lovesick mortal."

But even as I chided myself, I knew I would do it. I would find a way to help Aria, to support her through the challenges ahead. Not just because of these newfound feelings, but because she deserved it. Because she was strong and brave and utterly remarkable, and I wanted to see her succeed.

I stilled, watching as the silhouette of a dragon touched the sky outside. Was it one of the Dracarian shifters? It had to be, but the sight was still incredible nonetheless. I made my decision in that moment. I would keep a closer eye on Aria, yes, but also on the vampires. If there was more trouble brewing, I wanted to be prepared. And I would offer to help her with her magic, friend to friend. Nothing more.

If these feelings grew, if they became something I couldn't ignore... well, I'd cross that bridge when I came to it. For now, there was work to be done, a trial to prepare for, and a darkness to be stopped.

I left the communal area, my mind clearer than it had been all night. As I walked back to my quarters, I found myself smiling.

I'd always felt out of place with my own people, an outsider. My parents had trained me to wield my magic and be a jester of sorts, but I'd wanted more in life.

As I settled into bed for rest before our morning training session, my last thoughts were of Aria. Her smile, her determination, and her sweetness.

"Sweet dreams, Aria," I murmured into the quiet of my room. "May your magic awaken soon, and may you find the strength you seek."

And with that, I drifted off to sleep, my dreams filled with images of shimmering magic, ancient dragons, and a pair of brown eyes that seemed to hold all the mysteries of the universe.

The next morning, I awoke feeling more refreshed and focused than I had in days. As I made my way to the training area, I couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation. Today would be different, I decided. Today, I would start taking a more active role in helping Aria unlock her potential.

I arrived early, hoping to catch Elowen before the others arrived. The Dracarian woman raised an eyebrow as I approached, clearly surprised by my uncharacteristic punctuality.

"Zephyr," she greeted me, her tone cautious. "Is everything alright?"

I flashed her my most charming smile. "Everything's fine, my dear Elowen. I was just wondering if I might have a word with you about our training methods. Specifically, about helping those who might be... struggling a bit."

Elowen's eyes narrowed slightly, but she nodded. "Go on."

As I outlined my ideas for incorporating some fae techniques into our training regimen, I couldn't help but feel a spark of hope. Maybe, just maybe, this would be the key to unlocking Aria's dormant magic. And if it brought us closer in the process... well, that would just be an added bonus.

Elowen nodded and worked with me on how to make the techniques fit with Dracarian magic, going over ideas with me. She appeared rather pleased with my thoughts and suggestions, and her wisdom definitely helped in shaping to work with Dracarian magic.

The sound of approaching footsteps cut our discussion short, but we'd come up with a few strategies and techniques. I turned to see Aria entering the training area with others, her face set in a determined expression that made my heart skip a beat. Our eyes met, and she offered me a small smile that seemed to light up the entire room.

Yes, I thought to myself. Today was going to be different indeed.