Celeste's smile grew wider and she took a step closer to me. "You know, Arlie, I've been studying you for a while now. I know your strengths and weaknesses. And I have to say, your temper is your biggest weakness."
"You see, Arlie, when you're angry, you're predictable. You lash out without thinking. And that's when you're most vulnerable."
Celeste raised her hands towards me and a gush of strong wind pushed me so far back in the training arena that I hit my body on the hard wall
At this point I felt unimaginable pain throughout my body, I heard her footsteps approaching me and when she got close, she bent down towards me and whispered, "Like now, I can Just do this"
With a swift motion, Celeste summoned a creature that snatched tightly around me like a snake, it wrapped it's slimy body tightly around my waist and legs and it kept getting tighter with each passing second, I was running out of breath.
I was so scared that my bones were gonna break but I was too weak to do anything, Celeste was right.
I could feel my eyes slowly going up and everywhere began to get dark, Just when I thought I'd collapse Celeste released me from the creature's grip, letting my weak body fall hard on the floor again.
"Tomorrow, same time," Celeste said with a smile before turning and walking away.
As soon as Celeste disappeared from sight, i heard a voice behind me. "You know she's right, right?"
I turned to see Soren walking towards me, with a concerned expression on his face, I hadn't seen him since the whole library incident.
Soren, I haven't seen you in a minute, nice of you to show up but I'm in the middle of something here, I said and coughed out blood.
Oh sorry about that, have this, Soren said and handed me a napkin to help with the blood
"What were you saying, about Celeste being right?" I asked gruffly, still trying to catch my breath.
"I mean, about your temper," Soren said, and locked his eyes into mine. "You do have a lot of pent-up rage, Arlie. Where's that coming from?"
I shrugged, looking away. "It's just...everything. Lyra, Celeste, the training, Eleftheria...it's all just so frustrating."
Soren nodded. "I get it. But you can't let your emotions control you, Arlie. Atleast not if you want to be able to maximise your powers to the fullest."
I sighed and ran my hand through my hair. "I know. It's just hard, okay?"
Soren stepped closer, his voice softening. "I know it is. I've been in your shoes, I was once a fresher at eleftheria too, but I promise it'll get easier.
I looked up at him, "yeah, I guess so, What're you doing here anyways,"?
Soren smiled gently. "Wel I heard about your scheduled training sessions and maybe I just wanted to see how my angry bird's doing, hopefully you haven't ripped anyone's throat out yet."
Angry bird? that's a first...i said with a chuckle
We stared at each other for a moment, there seemed to be tension in the air
Soren's eyes locked into mine, gazing at me like I was freshly baked bread. Slowly, he brought his lips closer to mine, I could feel his heart racing From where I stood.
But just as our lips were about to touch, i stammered, "I-I think we should get back to class. I have magic class in an hour."
Soren's face flushed with instant shame and embarrassment. and he jerked back, "Y-yes, of course. We should get back."
I turned away, I could literally feel my face burning with awkwardness. "Y-yes, let's go."
We walked back in silence, the tension between us was now awkward and uncomfortable.
I couldn't believe Soren almost kissed me. What was he thinking? He's my friend, my confidant, not some lovesick person.
As we approached the building, I decided to speak up to ease the tension.
"S-Soren, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to...I just wasn't expecting..."
Soren waved his hand, i could see his now red face burning with embarrassment. "No need to apologize, Arlie. I'm the one who...um...made a mistake. Let's just forget it, okay?"
I nodded, looking away. "Y-yes, okay."
I and Soren parted ways, each heading to our classes. I speed walked to my next class because I was almost late, my mind couldn't stop going back to the "almost kiss" I shared with soren.
I can't believe i interrupted him like that. But what was I supposed to do? Let him kiss me?
Ughhh, I just don't see Soren that way.... I hope things don't get awkward between us now.
As i entered the magic classroom, Lyra's smirk greeted me. "Well, well, well. Look who's late. Again."