After the failed rank-up quest setback, Nate was determined to intensify his training. Wielding his dagger, he focused on honing his skills by slashing at the straw dummy placed before him in the training area.
The soft echoes of feminine laughter permeated the air as Nate persisted in his practice. Glancing upward, he observed a group of female students in the spectators' box, their smitten gazes fixed on his training session.
Wearing his most charming smile, Nate casually waved at them, eliciting flushed faces among the girls. One of them went the extra mile, blowing a kiss and delivering a flirtatious wink in Nate's direction.
Lately, Nate had observed a heightened interest from the opposite sex, receiving numerous love letters daily. Unbeknownst to him, his mentality had subtly shifted to be more flirty and accepting of their advances.
As Nate contemplated joining them, Gwen stormed into the arena, shooting an intense, murderous glare toward the girls, causing them to scatter in haste. Her gaze softened a bit as it landed on Nate. "Have you spoken to Professor Jodi about meeting with Meloni again?"
Sighing, Nate approached Gwen and gave her a loving smile. "I have, and she told me that she would send a letter."
"I can't bear watching these girls throwing themselves at you. I might be able to tolerate it and keep chasing them away, but I've also noticed that your personality is starting to be affected."
The last part confused Nate. "What do you mean about my personality being affected?"
"Nate, you've always been popular, but you've always been clueless about it, not noticing all the glances girls give you. Recently, though, you've been receptive and even flirting back." She said flatly, a hint of disdain on her face.
An ache spread within Nate's chest as he looked at Gwen's hurt expression, causing him to pull her into his arms in a tight embrace. "I'm sorry, I have no interest in them. I just feel something inside of me compelling me to pursue them."
Gwen looked up at Nate, her expression unreadable. "I wish I could help you, but I do not know anything about how to control fae magic, which is why you need to get Meloni to help you."
After placing a gentle kiss on Gwen's lips, Nate stepped back from their embrace. "I promise that I will never compromise our relationship. You are beautiful inside and out, and you make my day brighter just by showing your face."
A breathtaking smile graced Gwen's lips. "Well, just know that while I've accepted not being the only woman in your life, I will have no problem castrating you if you go around picking up new women daily."
Nate was about to chuckle but wisely decided to keep his mouth closed when he saw the serious look in Gwen's eyes.
Taking hold of Nate's hand, Gwen led him out of the arena, and the two strolled hand in hand through the academy, engaging in a light conversation about their day.
Gwen's stunning chestnut locks flowed behind her as they walked, occasionally prompting Nate to cast murderous glares at other boys who couldn't help but appreciate Gwen's ethereal beauty.
Just as Nate scowled at another boy, they were approached by Gwen's older brother, Richard. A rather handsome lad, not as good-looking as Nate but still easy on the eyes, with short chestnut hair and dark brown eyes that held hints of a sinister undertone.
Ignoring Nate, Richard's attention was entirely on Gwen. "Father wants you to return home in a month. He found a count who is willing to take you in as his concubine," he stated plainly.
Anger quickly consumed Nate as he listened to Richard's words. Something deep within Nate welled up, sending vivid images of thrusting his hand into Richard's ribcage, tearing out his heart, and then shoving it down his throat.
Shaking his head, he willed the sadistic images to disappear and instead gripped Gwen's hand tighter to calm himself down. Gwen responded with a comforting squeeze of her own. "You can tell Father that I refuse," she declared with determination.
Richard spoke with a sneer on his face, "You're just a pawn to help our family make connections. If that means spreading your legs for an old man, then that's what you're going to do, you little bitch."
Nate, unable to restrain the surging rage within himself, released Gwen's hand and delivered a powerful punch to Richard's face. The force of the blow sent him sprawling, landing flat on the ground.
Richard's face reddened, and an uncontrollable rush of anger coursed through him, but he held his ground. "I will ensure you pay for that, Nate," he growled between clenched teeth.
Nate, on the other hand, felt a strange sensation flow through him as if he had tapped into an unknown power. With a newfound confidence, he stood tall and stared down Richard.
"I won't let you hurt her," Nate declared, his voice calm yet firm. "And if it comes down to it, I will stand my ground against both you and your father."
Gwen, surprised by Nate's reaction, stepped between them, her expression a mix of concern and admiration. "Nate, he's not worth getting into trouble."
Nate nodded in acknowledgment of Gwen's words, yet a seething rage still churned within him, the kind that thirsted for him to bathe in the blood of his enemies.
A warm touch on his shoulder brought Nate back from his murderous thoughts. Looking over, he saw Gwen with concern etched on her face. "Are you alright?"
Her warm gaze and comforting touch brought a smile to Nate's face. "Yes, I just allowed trash to get under my skin a bit." Nate turned to Richard, who was looking at him as if he were a monster.
"I would advise you to stay away from Gwen," were Nate's final words to Richard before walking away, hand in hand with Gwen. They headed towards the garden, their usual sanctuary for alone time. Once they found a comfortable spot to sit, Gwen looked into Nate's eyes with worry clouding her gaze.
"Are you alright? I've never seen you like that before."
"Yes, listening to the way that wretched person talked to you just made me see red for a bit," Nate responded.
Gwen placed her hand over his. "That look on your face was a bit frightening; it seemed like you were getting ready to kill him."
Reflecting on it for a moment, Nate acknowledged that he had been prepared to kill Gwen's brother, but it was only her reassuring touch that halted him in his tracks. "Since I was a child, I've always experienced random bursts of anger, with Sam being the only one around who could calm me down when I get like that," Nate confessed.
"There was one specific instance when I beat another boy, who was about two years older than me, within an inch of his life because he pushed Sam," Nate recounted.
"Well, I'm glad I can calm you down in the same way Sam does," Gwen said, a slight smile gracing her beautiful face.
"I will always protect you," Nate promised as he pulled Gwen onto his lap, showering her with loving kisses all over her face. The two spent a few hours in each other's company, with Gwen slowly but surely extinguishing the fire of hatred that had made its way into Nate's heart.