Victor and I decided to spend our first day in Andosa exploring more of the campus and the surrounding city. The East Wing dorms were just the beginning of what Andosa College had to offer, and I was eager to get a real sense of what our new home was like. After settling into our room, we both agreed it was time to see what the college—and the city—had in store for us.
The morning sunlight filtered through the tall trees that dotted the campus grounds, casting a patchwork of light and shadow across the cobbled paths. We wandered aimlessly at first, passing by more bustling courtyards where groups of students gathered, their laughter and conversations blending together in a low hum of activity.
It was still early, but the energy of the campus was infectious, and I could feel my own excitement growing as we walked.
We passed the large practice fields, where students sparred and practiced their spells under the watchful eyes of their instructors. Magical wards shimmered in the air, faint runes glimmering as they absorbed stray attacks, and the scent of charred grass mingled with the crisp air.
Beast kin and demon kin trained alongside humans and elves, their unique abilities making for an impressive display of power and technique. Victor and I paused for a moment to watch, fascinated by the coordination between one of the instructors and a student whose bond—a bird-like creature with iridescent feathers—flew above, aiding in a complex aerial spell.
Moving on, we wandered through a serene garden nestled between two buildings, the air filled with the scent of blooming flowers. A small pond lay at the center, koi fish lazily swimming beneath the surface, and benches were scattered around, some occupied by students with their noses buried in books. The peacefulness of the space was a stark contrast to the intensity of the training fields, but it was a welcome change, giving us a moment to catch our breath.
Eventually, we made our way towards the large, ornate gates that marked the boundary between the college and the city.
The city of Andosa lay beyond, and I could see the rooftops of buildings, the rising smoke of chimneys, and hear the faint clamor of city life. We exchanged a glance, and without a word, Victor and I walked through the gates, stepping out into the city for the first time.
Andosa was vibrant and lively, its streets bustling with people of all kinds. Vendors lined the sidewalks, their voices calling out to advertise their wares—fresh produce, handmade trinkets, potions of varying colors and sizes.
Children ran through the streets, their laughter echoing as they weaved through the crowds, and street performers played cheerful tunes on instruments I couldn't name. The city had a charm to it, an energy that made it impossible not to smile.
We wandered down the cobbled streets, exploring shops and stalls that caught our interest. We stopped at a bakery, the scent of fresh bread and pastries too enticing to resist, and Victor insisted on buying a few treats for us to share. We ate as we walked, the sweet, flaky pastry melting in my mouth, and I couldn't help but smile at the way Victor's eyes lit up at the taste.
Eventually, we came across a jewelry store, its display window filled with delicate necklaces, rings, and bracelets, each adorned with shimmering gems and intricate designs. I glanced at Victor, and he gave me a curious look before I grabbed his hand and pulled him inside. The shop was cozy, the walls lined with shelves displaying all manner of jewelry, each piece more beautiful than the last.
A kindly older woman greeted us, her eyes twinkling as she showed us some of her favorite pieces. My gaze fell on a bracelet—a simple band of silver, set with a single green rune that seemed to pulse faintly with energy. The woman explained that it was enchanted, capable of storing mana for later use, and I immediately knew it was perfect for Victor.
I turned to him, my lips curving into a smile. "What do you think? I think it suits you perfectly."
Victor's eyes widened slightly as he looked at the bracelet, his expression softening. "Lyra, you don't have to—"
"I want to," I interrupted gently. "Consider it a gift—remember the dagger? Besides father gave me way too much money to ever spend on my own."
He looked at me for a long moment before his lips curved into a smile, his eyes warm. "Alright," he said softly. "Thank you, Lyra It's perfect really."
After making the purchase, Victor slipped the bracelet onto his wrist, the green rune glowing faintly as it settled against his skin. He looked at it for a moment before turning to me, his smile widening. "It's Beautiful."
The sun was beginning to set by the time we left the jewelry store, the sky painted in shades of orange and pink. We wandered through the city for a while longer, eventually finding ourselves outside a quaint little restaurant with tables set up along the sidewalk, each one covered with a crisp white cloth and a small vase of flowers.
Victor glanced at me, raising an eyebrow. "How about dinner?"
I smiled, nodding. "Sounds perfect."
We were seated at a small table near the edge of the patio, the gentle evening breeze rustling the flowers on the table. The dim glow of lanterns hanging from above cast a soft, golden light, creating an intimate atmosphere.
The table was adorned with delicate candles that flickered gently, their warm light dancing across Victor's features, making his green eyes seem even more vibrant. I couldn't help but think how handsome he looked, his hair catching the golden light, his lips curving into a gentle smile as he spoke.
The restaurant was quiet, the soft hum of conversation around us creating a comfortable atmosphere. We ordered a simple meal—nothing too fancy, but everything was delicious, and I found myself relaxing as we ate, the weight of the past few days slowly lifting from my shoulders.
The food was rich and savory, each bite a comforting reminder of the day we had shared together. I noticed how Victor's face softened with each bite, his smile widening in satisfaction.
There was something so natural about sitting there with him, the way we took turns sharing our dishes, laughing as we exchanged bites, and the way our eyes would meet, lingering just a little longer each time.
Victor and I talked as we ate, sharing stories and laughing together. He told me about his childhood, about the time he and his siblings would play hide and seek in the royal gardens, and how he always found the best hiding spots.
I listened intently, watching the way his eyes sparkled as he recounted his stories, his laughter filling the space between us. I shared my own stories, moments from my training with Mother, the times I got myself into trouble by trying to prove I could keep up with her.
Victor laughed, his thumb brushing over my knuckles in a comforting gesture as he reassured me that those experiences had made me stronger. It was in those little moments—the brush of his hand against mine, the warmth in his gaze, the way he leaned in to hear me better—that I realized just how much I cherished having him by my side.
The glow of the setting sun bathed the city in a warm light, and for a moment, everything felt perfect—just the two of us, enjoying each other's company, the future full of possibilities.
As the sky darkened and the stars began to appear, I looked across the table at Victor, my heart swelling with affection. The soft glow of the lanterns above us mingled with the starlight, casting an almost magical glow over the evening.
I could see the reflection of the stars in Victor's eyes, and in that moment, it felt as though time itself had slowed. Everything else seemed to fade away—the other patrons, the sounds of the city, even the passing of time.
It was just him and me, bathed in the gentle light of the evening, and I found myself wanting to freeze this moment, to remember every detail of the way he looked at me, the way his hand felt in mine. He met my gaze, his eyes softening, and he reached across the table, taking my hand in his.
"To new beginnings," he said, his voice barely more than a whisper.
I smiled, squeezing his hand gently, leaning in slightly with a mischievous glint in my eyes. "Or maybe," I said softly, my voice taking on a suggestive tone, "we can bring this perfect evening back to our room and make it even more memorable."
Victor's eyes widened, his cheeks turning pink, but he didn't look away. Instead, he gave me a small, knowing smile, his fingers tightening around mine. "I think I'd like that."