Before either of us could say another word, the door creaked open, and we both froze.
"Well, well, what do we have here?" Leora's voice cut through the tension, laced with unmistakable amusement.
"Shit," I muttered under my breath, quickly scrambling off Aeliana. My heart was pounding, a mix of frustration and something I didn't want to name flooding my system.
Aeliana straightened her clothes, cheeks flushed, but her eyes flicked toward me with a look I couldn't decipher.
Leora raised an eyebrow, clearly enjoying our discomfort. "Getting cozy, are we?" she teased, her tone light but with an edge that made me want to bolt.
"Nothing happened," I snapped, the words coming out harsher than I intended. I needed to get out of there, needed to clear my head. Without waiting for a response, I pushed past Leora and stormed out of the room, my steps quick and heavy.
I burst through the castle doors and into the cool night air, breathing deeply as I tried to calm myself. The chill did little to soothe the fire burning inside me. I paced back and forth, my mind racing. What the hell was wrong with me? Why did Aeliana affect me this way? Her scent, her presence, even the touch of her skin against mine—it all made my heart race and my head spin.
"Fuck," I whispered to myself, running a hand through my hair. I didn't want to feel this way. I didn't want to be attracted to her, didn't want to care. But I couldn't deny the pull I felt whenever she was near.
I stopped pacing and leaned against the castle wall, closing my eyes and taking deep breaths. My heart was still pounding, a steady thrum that echoed the chaos in my mind. I needed to get a grip, needed to control whatever the hell was happening inside me.
Leora's words rang in my ears. Getting cozy? She had no idea. Or maybe she did, and that was the worst part. The way she had looked at us, the amusement in her eyes—it was clear she knew more than she let on.
But this wasn't just about Leora. It was about me, about the way Aeliana made me feel. And I hated it. I hated feeling vulnerable, hated the way my body betrayed me.
I pushed off the wall and walked further into the gardens, the cool air biting at my skin. I needed to clear my head, needed to get rid of these thoughts. I couldn't afford to be distracted, not now, not ever.
Aeliana. Perfect match. The words made me sick. How could someone like her be my perfect match? She was everything I despised—uptight, by the book, always trying to do the right thing. And yet, there was something about her, something that drew me in.
"Damn it," I muttered, kicking at a loose stone on the path. I didn't want this. Didn't want to feel anything for her. But my body didn't seem to care about what I wanted.
I wandered through the gardens, trying to lose myself in the night. The stars were out, a blanket of tiny lights that usually brought me peace. But tonight, they were just a reminder of how fucked up everything was.
After what felt like hours, I finally made my way back to the castle. I didn't want to face Aeliana, didn't want to deal with whatever awkwardness would come next. But I couldn't stay outside forever.
I walked back inside, the warmth of the castle wrapping around me like a suffocating blanket. I trudged up the stairs, each step feeling heavier than the last. By the time I reached our room, I was exhausted, both physically and mentally.
Aeliana was already in bed, her back turned to the door. Good. I didn't want to see her, didn't want to deal with whatever was happening between us.
I grabbed a blanket and a pillow and made my way to the couch. It was lumpy and uncomfortable, but it was better than sharing a bed with her. I lay down, staring up at the ceiling and trying to push all thoughts of Aeliana out of my mind.
But it was no use. Every time I closed my eyes, I saw her face, felt her touch. It was maddening. I turned over, punching the pillow in frustration.
"Fuck this," I muttered, pulling the blanket over my head and trying to block out the world.
I didn't know what tomorrow would bring, but I knew one thing for sure: I couldn't keep going like this. Something had to give, and soon.
With that thought, I finally drifted off to sleep, hoping that maybe, just maybe, I would wake up and this nightmare would be over.
The next morning, the first rays of sunlight filtered through the curtains, casting a soft glow over the room. I woke up on the lumpy couch, every muscle in my body aching. I stretched and sat up, glancing over at the bed where Aeliana was still sound asleep. She looked peaceful, her face relaxed in a way that made her seem almost...endearing. I shook my head, trying to dispel the unwelcome thought.
I got up quietly, careful not to wake her. My body still felt sore from the fight with Zephara, but it was nothing I couldn't handle. I quickly got dressed, pulling on my boots with a determined yank. I needed to talk to Leora, needed to get back to something familiar—missions, fights, anything but this.
As I walked down the hallways of the castle, my thoughts raced. I couldn't stand another day of this tension with Aeliana, couldn't stand the way she made me feel. Missions were my escape, my way of staying in control. Without my magic, it would be harder, but I didn't care. I needed to get out, needed to clear my head.
I found Leora in her office, going through some documents. She looked up as I entered, her eyes narrowing slightly as she took in my appearance.
"Ciara," she greeted, her voice cool and controlled. "I was just about to send for you."
"I need to get back to work," I said bluntly, not bothering with pleasantries. "I don't care if my magic doesn't work. I'll manage."
Leora raised an eyebrow, leaning back in her chair. "Oh? And what makes you think you can handle missions without your magic?"
"I've been doing this long enough to know how to handle myself," I replied, meeting her gaze head-on. "I can't stay here, Leora. I need to get out, clear my head. Missions are what I do best."
Leora sighed, folding her hands on the desk. "I understand your frustration, Ciara, but you need to focus on this week with Aeliana. It's important."
"I don't care," I snapped, my patience wearing thin. "I can't stay cooped up in this castle with her. I need to do something, need to feel useful."
Leora studied me for a moment, her eyes thoughtful. "Alright, Ciara. I'll allow it. But you will report back every evening. And if I hear even a hint of you shirking your responsibilities with Aeliana, I will revoke this privilege. Understood?"
"Understood," I replied, relief flooding through me. "Thank you."
Leora nodded, her expression softening slightly. "Be careful, Ciara. And try to sort things out with Aeliana. This tension between you two isn't good for anyone."
I nodded, not trusting myself to speak. With a final glance at Leora, I turned and left the office, already feeling lighter. Missions would help clear my mind, and maybe, just maybe, I could figure out a way to deal with Aeliana. But for now, I was just glad to have an escape.