The day after my fall, I found myself in the academy's library, trying to distract myself from the creeping sense of unease that had plagued me since my encounter with the boy. The vast room was filled with the muted rustle of pages turning and the occasional hushed whisper from students hunched over their textbooks. The scent of old paper and ink hung in the air, a comforting aroma that, for a moment, grounded me in a space where the world outside seemed to disappear.
I chose a secluded corner, hoping to find solace in the pages of a textbook on advanced sonic manipulation. The thick book felt heavy in my hands, its weight a tangible reminder of my responsibilities and the journey I was on. I flipped through the pages, trying to immerse myself in the intricate diagrams and theories, but my mind kept drifting back to the boy from yesterday.
Why had he helped me? Who was he really? I had yet to catch another glimpse of him, and the curiosity gnawed at me. The way he had effortlessly blended with his group of admirers, the way he had looked at me with genuine concern—everything about the encounter felt like a fleeting dream.
As I tried to concentrate on the text, a soft thud nearby pulled me from my thoughts. I looked up to see a girl who looked like she had been searching for something—a stack of books had toppled over next to her. She was muttering to herself, her frustration clear as she attempted to gather the scattered volumes.
I sighed and stood up, moving over to help. As I approached, I heard her muttering, "Stupid books, why can't you stay put?"
"Need some help?" I asked, trying to offer a friendly gesture.
She looked up, her eyes widening in surprise. "Oh, um, yes, please. I didn't mean to make such a mess."
I knelt beside her and began to help her pick up the books. As we worked together, I noticed she was one of the girls who had been staring at me and the boy the other day. Her cheeks flushed with embarrassment, and she avoided making eye contact.
"Thanks," she said quietly, as I handed her the last book.
"No problem," I replied, smiling. "I'm Seraphina."
"Gwen," she introduced herself. She gave a small, shy smile before looking away.
We finished gathering the books, and she started to leave, casting occasional glances back at me. As she walked away, I couldn't help but wonder if the encounter had been purely coincidental or if there was something more to it.
I returned to my corner and tried to focus on my textbook again. The details of sonic manipulation were becoming more complex, and the constant struggle to control my powers weighed heavily on my mind. The more I learned about them, the more I realized just how challenging it was to master each ability.
The library's door creaked open, and I glanced up to see a group of students entering. My heart skipped a beat as I noticed one of them—the boy from the day before. He was talking animatedly with his friends, his laughter carrying across the room. I froze, unsure of what to do. My curiosity about him had only grown since our last encounter, and I found myself unable to tear my gaze away.
He caught my eye, and for a brief moment, his smile faltered. He glanced at me, then back at his friends, and excused himself from the group. My heart raced as he approached my table.
"Hey," he said, a casual but warm tone in his voice. "Mind if I join you?"
I blinked in surprise, momentarily lost for words. "Uh, sure."
He settled into the chair across from me, his presence both reassuring and intimidating. "I'm Dragonir," he said, extending a hand.
I took it, feeling the firmness of his grip. "Nice to meet you, Dragonir. I'm Seraphina."
"I remember," he said with a grin. "The girl who took a dive in front of me."
I laughed softly, the sound feeling foreign and awkward. "Yes, that would be me. Thanks again for helping me out."
"No problem," he said, leaning back in his chair. "I'm here for some extra credits, but I mostly spend my time at Draconis Academy. You know, the dragon training school."
"Yeah, I've heard of it," I said, nodding. "How's that going for you?"
"Pretty well," he replied. "But it's nice to get a change of pace here. It's a different kind of challenge."
We chatted for a while, and I found myself enjoying the conversation more than I had anticipated. Dragonir was easy to talk to, and his relaxed demeanor was a welcome contrast to the intense environment of the academy. We discussed everything from the latest training techniques to the best places to get coffee in the city.
As our conversation flowed, I noticed that the other girls who had been watching us earlier were now whispering among themselves, their eyes occasionally darting toward our table. I could feel their curiosity, but I chose to ignore it. For once, I was more interested in the person sitting across from me than in the opinions of others.
Time seemed to pass quickly, and before I knew it, the library was starting to close. Dragonir glanced at his watch and stood up, stretching his arms.
"It's getting late," he said. "I should probably get going."
"Yeah, I guess so," I replied, reluctantly standing up as well. "Thanks for keeping me company."
"It was my pleasure," Dragonir said with a smile. "Maybe we can meet up again sometime. I'm usually around if you need help or just want to chat."
I nodded, feeling a pang of disappointment as he turned to leave. "I'd like that."
As he walked away, I couldn't help but watch him go. His casual confidence and easy charm were undeniable, and I found myself feeling a mixture of excitement and nervousness. The brief connection we had made felt like a small but significant shift in my otherwise tumultuous life.
I left the library with a lighter step, my thoughts occupied by Dragonir. The familiar feeling of being watched returned, but this time it was overshadowed by the thrill of our conversation. I glanced over my shoulder a few times, half-expecting to see shadows moving in the corners of my vision, but there was nothing there.
Back in my dorm room, I tried to focus on my studies, but my mind kept drifting back to Dragonir. The way he had helped me, his easy manner, and the way he had made me feel seen—these thoughts were a welcome distraction from the pressures of my training.
I had been so consumed by my own struggles and the challenges of mastering my siren abilities that I hadn't realized how much I missed genuine human interaction. Dragonir had been a refreshing reminder of that, and I found myself hoping that our paths would cross again soon.
As I settled into bed, I couldn't shake the feeling that something significant had shifted in my life. The unease from earlier was still there, but it felt less oppressive now, replaced by a flicker of hope and anticipation. I closed my eyes, letting the day's events wash over me, and drifted into a restless but hopeful sleep.