The tension eased, and the youths were sent back to their various seats. Each of them with varying expressions.
Amarok went out of the Caleod Dome, sitting at the stairs entrance in deep thought. He didn't understand a lot of things. He frankly didn't want to go to the Fire Mountains, not by fear but simply because he didn't see how it will help him find a cure for his curse. For him, it would be a complete waste of time. But at the same time, he wasn't naive to think they will let him go just because he didn't want to.
He started doubting whether entering Alden Academy was the right choice. After all, he didn't find anything for all the times he had gone to the library.
Suddenly, he could hear some footsteps behind him. Tilting his head, a familiar face appeared in his sight.
"It's the first time I see you so pensive," she commented. "Can I," she asked, pointing at the place beside him.
Amarok nodded, dusting with his hands. "I'm not a princess, you know." She smiled in amusement. Who did he take her for? She sat down, not caring about the dirt.
"What happened to you in the Coral Labyrinth?" she suddenly asked. Very few knew, had seen it but her eyes. Amarok was able to contend with Jorah, who was already at the level of a fourth-rank rune Sorcerer, a smith. That had thrown her worldview upside down.
For days, she kept thinking about that; how could it be possible? If she could learn, perhaps she wouldn't have to bow anymore. She might finally get what she had been looking for.
"I really can't answer," he said with a bitter smile. He too was unsure of what had happened.
"It's fine. It's your thing. You don't need to tell me," she hastily said. What was she thinking? She was too naive, she thought. He wouldn't give his secret like that. What's more, she felt it would be too egotistic to ask directly, afraid it might hurt their growing friendship.
"I...if I could help, I would. Actually, I was using the first order mode; it's derived from..." Before he could finish, she placed her hands on her ears. Although her reason was screaming at her to listen carefully, her heart said otherwise. It was illogical, she knew, but who could say he or she always stayed logical.
Amarok didn't continue observing her reaction. A warm smile on his face. He actually didn't care and could tell her the origin of that strength.
Although it was risky, as its connection to dominance might bring him disaster, for an unknown reason, he didn't feel any danger with her. His heart at complete ease. He didn't know why but felt she wouldn't betray him.
Call it blind fate or naivety. That part inside of him told him he could.
Wisdom walked out from behind the trees towards Amarok. Amarok jolted in fright, pulling him into his embrace before anyone could see. This little devil had really followed him here. Was he crazy? If someone saw him, he might get into trouble. Wisdom looked with wronged eyes. Amarok felt a little guilty. Since he entered Alden City, he didn't spend time with Wisdom, mostly because Amarok was scared he would be taken away if found.
Lyra was pleasantly surprised. "Is it yours? It's so cute," she couldn't help but ask. "Yes, we met in Wandleaf," Amarok didn't hide anything. He only then remembered that Lyra had never seen Wisdom. Only the people of Freud, Mist, Neo, and Calder knew about its existence.
"Its mother was killed by Agris," Amarok said with a dark face. Only then did he remember. He had promised Wisdom vengeance. He felt even more guilty; how could he forget such an important thing?
"You mean that day," Lyra's eyes flashed as she remembered the vivid scene. She took Wisdom in her hands. Wisdom was defensive; he could recognize Lyra's face. He bit onto her arm.
"What are you doing?" Amarok cried out, pulling him back. Wisdom's eyes were bloodshot. It was the first time Amarok saw him have such a reaction. Its little paw had grown sharp nails. His two canines protruded openly.
Lyra grimaced in pain but didn't complain. She tried again. Wisdom bit even harder. She refused to let go. Trails of blood trickled down her arm. "I am so sorry. I didn't do anything that day," she said with teary eyes. She could feel his pain. He had to stay and watch, powerless. She felt a pang of guilt sweep through her. If she had known.
She brought him closer to her body in a hug. Wisdom was still biting. Amarok's eyes stared at the two figures. After a few minutes, Wisdom actually calmed down.
"Let's not stay here," she stood up. Amarok followed as they walked along the academy roads. It was very calm. All the students were at the Caleod Dome, and the rest were with their family in town. Their footsteps echoed in the night. Their figure was neither too slow nor too fast.
Lyra slightly trembled, feeling a warm palm taking her arm. She turned to the figure beside. His face was determined but bright. A dazzling smile bloomed on his face. Her heart shuddered.
"You are courageous; never doubt it," Amarok said. He had no idea why he was telling her that. It might be because he could sense the doubt in her, or simply he spoke without thinking. No matter the answer, he didn't care. The duo walked out of the academy as the first rays of the sun shone brightly behind their back.
The Caleod Dome in the distance also shifted. The blue light on it changed to light red as the sun rays struck the emerald blue crystals, recovering it. Creating a mesmerizing spectacle of color.
That was also the reason why many traveled distances to Alden Academy, sometimes purely out of curiosity or envy, to watch the spectacular display.