(Serena's POV)
My tears wouldn't stop flowing since yesterday. I ran all the way to my room as soon as I saw Alex leave. I didn't eat or sleep much since I entered my room. I missed Alex so much. He was my first friend, probably even more than that. It was the first time I felt this type of feeling. I didn't know what to make of it. I felt so happy whenever I was around him. My three brothers came to visit me from time to time to check on me. They tried to calm me down, but I didn't want to give up this feeling. I turned and stared up at the ceiling, imagining all the training we went together. Even though I didn't awaken yet, he would tell me how to meditate. He taught me how to be strong and cheer me up whenever I felt sad. I was so happy with him, but now it ended.
I held out my hand towards the ceiling and looked at my pinky. I remembered the little promise we made, but when will we see each other again. My face heated up when I thought about the hug. I cover my eyes and let out a squeal.
"Honey, are you okay?" It was my father. I got off my bed and stood up.
"I am fine. I'm just tired." I wasn't completely lying. I was tired of crying.
"Well, I was thinking about something for a while." Father paused for a minute and continued. "There is a royal meeting between King Tyson and me next week so that we could stop by Alex's house and-" I didn't wait for him to continue.
"Yes. Yes, please!" I couldn't contain my happiness. Father backed away as I surprised him from suddenly shouting from excitement.
"Serena, do you-" I looked at father, waiting for him to continue. "No, nevermind. I am probably overthinking things." Father let all alone in my room.
~~~
(Alex's POV)
Diana and Anne hugged me. Diana gave me a little kiss on my cheek, which was pretty awkward for me. Aston gave me one hell of a pat on the back, while Galtero just stayed behind and watched. Jeremy just stood there, staring at me. It took him a moment for him to come over and give me a very tight hug. I felt Ari's four legs getting smashed into my back.
"Ow." Jeremy quickly took his hand away and caressed his hand gently. "Something bit me."
I felt Ari jump off of my back and walked over to my side. She shook her body and yawned. She didn't look sorry at all. I was about to apologize on her behalf, but I got cut off by gasps.
"Jake, is that what I think it is?" Everyone's eyes were on Ari. What?
"I'm pretty sure that is a dragon, but that's impossible." All of them went into a huge shock state. Was she discovered?
"Guys, it's not a dragon. I had the same doubts too when I first saw Ari, but she isn't one. You know dragons have been long extinct." I remembered Ariella saying something like that. Ari' is the last direct descendant too.
"I know, but still." Aston looked at me. I gave out a sigh.
"Ari is a salamander, but she has wings. I think she is some kind of mutated mana beast." Dad tried to explain it to them as simple as possible. "Plus, there is no such thing as a white dragon."
"You know a white dragon is one of the four legendary mana beasts, but then again, the last dragon has been extinct for centuries." I looked at Ari with astonishment, but I tried not to show it out.
'Baba, does that mean I am powerful?'
'I think so.' Ari let out a sound of excitement.
'So that means I can protect baba.' I smiled at her with awe. I guess she really likes me, even though she only has known me for a day and night. Aston and the group gave up on the thought after dad kept on explaining to them. They went out together with Arthur. Dad turned to me.
"Arthur, is she a dragon? Please answer me honestly." I looked at Ari, and she looked back at me.
'Ari, do you know any transformations or anything like that?'
'I can make people see me transform.'
'Do it when I give you the signal.' I turned back to my dad.
"Dad, do you know the Class D manabeast that looks like a fox. The one that transforms into any beast it wants."
"Yeah..."
"Ari, transform." I watched as Ari stayed as Ari. She didn't even try to transform or use her illusionary trick. Wait, she didn't cast it on me, so that's why I see her in her true form.
"Wow, she really is a fox, but why didn't she hatch out like a fox."
"I think she was using it as a self defense. You know babies are self-conscious." I gave dad a smile. I know it wasn't a great thing to lie, but it's better for only me to know. If she really is a legendary mana beast, it's best to not let people know about her.
'Ari, do you think you can do this for the majority of the time?'
'Yes, I can do this for a year without resting. probably even forever.' Wow, she was probably really powerful.
'How did you know you could do that?'
'I just know.' I guess it was instinct. Dad left out of the door. It was time to go on our little adventure for today. I looked round to see if anyone was watching me and snuck out through the front door to see dad getting into the carriage. There was a little box outside on the back of the carriage. I looked around again and quickly ran to the storage box. It looked more than big enough to fit me. The carriage started to move as I reached the storage box. I quickly opened it up and put Ari inside. I jumped in to land right on her She let out a little yelp. I quickly moved and picked her up. I put her on my stomach and enjoyed the bumpy ride. Little did I know that after this little trip, I would witness something I never want to remember.