After an hour Zenyph got bored. He decided to meditate. It was his favorite activity to pass the time. Meditation was calming and relaxing. He enjoyed the feeling of emptiness.
His mind cleared as he focused solely on the flow of mana throughout his body.
The gentle current washed over him soothingly, bringing peace and tranquility. Meditating allowed him to relax mentally and physically. It was a technique that dragons use to strengthen their souls. As Zenyph sat there concentrating on the energy inside him. Alice shifted in her makeshift bed. She opened her eyes and stared directly at him.
"Why are were you pretending to sleep Alice?" questioned Zenyph.
"Uhh..how did you know?" mumbled Alice.
"Dragons have heightened senses. I heard your heartbeat increase."
"Oh."
"Any reason why you're up? Asura is snoring pretty loudly, isn't she?"
"That's not it. I can't sleep. There are too many things on my mind." admitted Alice.
"Want to talk about it? Maybe I can help." offered the silver haired prince.
Alice hesitated. She glanced at him and bit her lower lip nervously.
"Sure."
Alice scooted closer to Zenyph until they were sitting side by side. Their shoulders brushed against each other lightly.
"I'm listening."
"I'm afraid."
"Afraid of what?"
"Everything. Life, death, failure, rejection, betrayal. Everything."
"Why?"
Alice hesitated. Zenyph patiently waited for her response.
"Because I'm weak. I saw how you and Asura fought earlier. I felt useless. I'm a burden."
"Alice, that's not true. Without you, I would've died when I was unconscious."
"But Asura saved both of us."
"Only thanks to you, Alice. You sacrificed your legs to protect me. You risked your life and safety for mine. I'm indebted to you."
"It's not a big deal."
"Trust me. It means a lot."
Zenyph placed his arm around her shoulder and pulled Alice close. Their bodies touched. He held her tightly.
"You were brave Alice. Braver than most." complimented Zenyph.
Alice didn't reply. Her cheeks reddened and her eyes darted around nervously.
"What else is bothering you?" asked Zenyph as he gently rubbed her back.
"My parents." whispered Alice softly.
"They want me to quit Nexus academy. They think I'm wasting their money.
"Why would they say that? Magic is a useful skill."
"They don't approve of humans learning magic."
"What?"
"The Gryphons were never gifted in the art of magic unlike the royal Pendragon family." confessed Alice.
"Our talent lies elsewhere. That's why my family focuses heavily on potions and herbs. Our reputation is built on providing quality products."
"But surely a basic understanding of magic can be helpful?"
"Not according to the Gryphon elders and my mother. I had to beg her to let me come here, they only agreed because my older brother promised t-to surpass my grandfather." Alice's voice trembled. Tears welled up in her eyes.
"Why do you say that like it's a bad thing? Isn't it good for the younger generation to surpass the older ones?"
"Not when your grandfather is the greatest potion maker alive. His potions are famous throughout Eldrithia. People travel hundreds upon thousands miles just to purchase his creations." Alice lamented.
"He's also a genius inventor. He invented numerous contraptions and devices that revolutionized the way potions are created. His majesty Pendragon respects my grandfather even after knowing-" Alice cut herself off mid sentence.
"Knowing what?" probed Zenyph.
"Nothing. Forget I mentioned anything." denied Alice.
"You can tell me. I won't judge." reassured the silver haired prince.
"I don't want to put you in danger Z-z-zenyph." stammered the ravenette.
"Danger? Are your parents that scary?"
Alice nodded.
Zenyph tightened his arms around the petite waist of the little human and plopped her on his lap.
"Talk to me Alice. Trust me. No harm will come to you." swore Zenyph.
Alice's ears burned. Her face flushed bright crimson. She couldn't help but squirm uncomfortably.
"Promise you won't tell anyone." pleaded Alice.
"Cross my dragon soul."
"Grandfather broke the covenant. He committed treason."
"What covenant? Treason?"
"He made a deal with a pseudo god. My parents never told me what he bargained with but he gained knowledge beyond comprehension and created amazing inventions."
"If it was just that, the Pendragons wouldn't have cared. They probably would've rewarded grandfather."
Alice snuggled closer to Zenyph resting her head underneath his chin.
"So you're afraid that my father and the other kings or queens might found out?"
"No, I never liked grandpa. I'm ww-orried about my brother Fenris. He promised to surpass grandpa." said Alice with tears streaming down her face.
"The only way to surpass him is to make a deal with an even stronger pseudo-god and the price for that is enormous. Fenris is a gentle giant. He'd rather starve then hurt a fly. I'm scared Zenyph. He'd be eaten alive by the pseudo god." sobbed Alice.
Zenyph wrapped his arms tighter around his precious Alice. His heart ached. He hated seeing her cry.
"Don't worry. Fenris is a smart guy right?" consoled Zenyph.
"Very."
"He's probably aware of the consequences and is probably trying to find a loophole or a way around paying the full price."
"B-but pseudo-gods are never patient. They always demand results."
"Tell you what if it ever comes down to it, I'll help your brother. Deal?"
Alice wiped her tears and tilted her head. Her aqua orbs locked gazes with Zenyph's Azure eyes.
"W-why? We only just met." asked Alice.
"Friends help each other out. Besides, you've done a lot for me. The least I could do is help your brother."
"Friends huh..." muttered Alice.
She sniffled and buried her face into his chest hiding the blush that formed on her face.
"Deal." Alice's voice was barely audible.
Zenyph released his grip around her.
"Great. Now why don't try to sleep. We only have a few more hours left.
"Can we stay like this a bit longer please."
"Sure."
Zenyph stroked her hair gently and hummed a song that reminded him of his time in the orphanage.
"Zenyph can I ask you something?"
"Ask away."
"Why did you fight so hard? Why risk your life for Asura and I?"
Alice was curious. Zenyph didn't have to save her. Yet he did.
"Simple. You're both important to me."
"Both of us? Even Asura?"
"Even her. Despite her attitude, she's a kind soul."
"I never expected you'd answer honestly Zenyph."
"People can surprise you."
"Yeah, I suppose."
"Plus Asura bonded us. If she dies then I'm probably dead too."
Alice giggled and pulled away from his chest. She looked at him with expectant eyes.
"What?" asked Zenyph with a teasing grin.
"You're supposed to ask me what my goal is in life. Or if I'm afraid of dying? Or perhaps asking whether I like someone. Like this..."
"Alright then. What's your dream? What are you afraid of? And do you like someone?"
Alice paused to consider the question carefully. Her lips curled upwards into a small smile as she gazed at the dragon prince.
"My biggest dream is dumb."
"Nope. I'm sure it's not."
"Fine. It's to open a bakery in the capital of Eldritha and sell tasty cookies."
Alice looked at him with uncertainty. Her eyes gleamed brightly awaiting his reaction. Zenyph smirked amusedly.
"That's adorable. Goal set, now to achieve it. As for fears..." Zenyph trailed off.
Alice bit her lip. Zenyph chuckled lightly at her cute action.
"I guess being afraid of spiders." Alice said meekly.
"I don't like insects either."
"I love birds!" exclaimed Alice cheerfully.
"Me too." Zenyph confirmed.
"I wanted to have one as a pet but it's hard to raise them if you're not an elf."
"You have to feed them certain seeds and stuff right? It's really hard to get those ingredients for bird food."
"Yep."
The duo continued conversing until sunrise.
When it came time to wake up the vampire princess, they were reluctant. They wanted to talk some more but they couldn't keep her waiting any longer. So Zenyph was the one that woke Asura up.
"What the hell do you want? Can't you see I'm busy sleeping?" snapped Asura.
"Sorry. But we need to go." said Zenyph as he scratched the back of his head sheepishly.
Asura glared at the dragon prince furiously. Her expression changed rapidly from annoyed, confused, frustrated and finally resignation.
"I understand." mumbled Asura.
Asura stood up stretching her muscles lazily. The bones cracked slightly. Her joints popped as she twisted her back and hips.
She rolled her neck cracking her stiff neck. "Alright. Let's go."
The trio stepped out of the cave and searched for an open field where they could perform the magic ritual.
Their search lasted five minutes before they stumbled upon a clearing. There was grass covering every inch of the ground. In the middle of the meadow was a small pond. Water bubbled happily as bubbles floated to the surface. A flock of geese were resting peacefully next to the lake.
Asura waved her hand casting a simple spell, "Omniscience". The words left her mouth slowly yet firmly. The scenery shifted to a black screen in front of Zenyph, Alice and Asura.
Words appeared on the projection. Words written in bold letters:
"Event "Velos 1st year students" will end in 5 minutes."
Asura lowered her hands letting them rest by her sides. The magic dissipated revealing the beautiful scenery of nature once again.
"All we need to do now is wait." remarked Asura.
The trio settled in comfortably under a large oak tree. Asura sat beside Zenyph with Alice leaning onto his side. The sound of wind blowing through the trees filled their ears. Sunlight poured over them warming their skin pleasantly.
"What happens after we leave? We didn't exactly leave a trail of clues to our location." inquired Zenyph.
"Don't worry, I enchanted our belongings, they'll be teleported back to our room with us."
Suddenly, a white vortex appeared in front of Zenyph, Alice and Asura. They exchanged glances before walking into the portal.