"What's going on?" Ethan asked, confused.
"Get dressed," Amelia said firmly. "We're leaving. Just for the night."
"Leaving?" Ethan frowned. "What are you talking about?"
Amelia stepped inside, closing the door behind her. "You need a break, and so do I. I know a place where we won't be disturbed. Trust me."
Ethan hesitated but saw the determination in her eyes. Whatever this was, it wasn't just a casual suggestion.
"Fine," he said, grabbing a jacket. "Lead the way."
"..."
The academy grounds were quiet as they slipped out. Amelia led him through the shadows, her movements swift and silent. Ethan followed closely, his heart racing—not just from the thrill of sneaking out, but from the thought of being alone with her.
After a while, they reached a small clearing in the forest just beyond the academy walls. The trees formed a protective circle, and a gentle breeze made the leaves rustle softly.
"This is it," Amelia said, turning to face him.
"It's... peaceful," Ethan said, looking around.
Amelia nodded, sitting on a fallen log. "I come here sometimes when I need to think. No one knows about it. Not even Lila."
Ethan sat beside her, the cool night air brushing against his skin. "Why did you bring me here?"
Amelia glanced at him, her blue eyes serious. "Because you're working yourself too hard. You need to learn how to breathe, Ethan. You can't lead anyone if you burn out before the real fight starts."
Ethan stared at her, surprised by her words. "You really care about this, don't you?"
"Of course I do," she said, her voice soft but firm. "You're important—to all of us. To me."
Her last words hung in the air, and Ethan felt his chest tighten. Amelia wasn't someone who opened up easily. Hearing her admit something like that meant more than she realized.
Ethan hesitated for a moment, unsure how to respond. But then he noticed the way Amelia was looking at him—her usual sharp gaze was softer, her guard lowered. He couldn't hold back anymore.
"Amelia," he said, his voice steady. "You mean more to me than you realize."
Before she could reply, Ethan leaned closer. His heart pounded as he reached out, gently brushing a strand of silver hair from her face. She didn't pull away; instead, her breath hitched, and her cheeks flushed a soft pink.
"Ethan..." she whispered, her voice barely audible.
Taking her cue, he closed the distance between them. Their lips met in a slow, lingering kiss. It wasn't rushed or uncertain—it was warm, deep, and full of everything they couldn't say out loud.
Amelia responded almost immediately, her hands moving to his shoulders as she leaned into him. Her lips were soft, and the way she kissed him back sent a wave of heat through his body.
Ethan's hand slid to her waist, pulling her closer. She let out a quiet sigh, her fingers tangling in his hair as the kiss deepened. Time seemed to stop as they lost themselves in the moment, the world around them fading away.
When they finally pulled apart, both of them were breathless. Amelia's cheeks were flushed, her lips slightly swollen, but she didn't look away.
"I've been wanting to do that for a while," Ethan admitted, his voice low.
Amelia smirked faintly, though her expression was still soft. "You're not the only one."
She leaned her forehead against his, her hands still resting on his shoulders. For a moment, they just stayed like that, their breathing slowing as they soaked in the warmth of each other's presence.
The rest of the night passed in a blur of quiet conversation and stolen touches. Amelia, who had always been guarded, let her walls down completely. She told Ethan about her fears, her doubts, and the pressure she felt to always be perfect.
"You don't have to carry that alone," Ethan said, his voice steady. "You don't have to be perfect—not with me."
Her eyes softened, and she rested her head against his chest. "I don't know how you do it," she murmured.
"Do what?" he asked, wrapping his arms around her.
"Make me feel safe," she replied.
Ethan held her tighter, the weight of her words sinking in. He wasn't sure if he deserved her trust, but he was determined not to let her down.
By the time they made their way back to the academy, the first light of dawn was creeping over the horizon. They slipped through the gates unnoticed, their hearts still racing from the night they'd shared.
As they reached Ethan's dorm, Amelia stopped, turning to face him.
"Thank you," she said softly.
"For what?" he asked.
"For letting me be myself," she replied.
Before he could respond, she leaned in, pressing one last kiss to his lips. It was slower this time, more tender, as if she were trying to make the moment last. When she pulled away, her blue eyes lingered on his for a heartbeat longer.
"Goodnight, Ethan," she whispered, then turned and disappeared down the hallway.
Ethan watched her go, his chest warm and his mind spinning. Whatever challenges lay ahead, he knew one thing for sure: things between them would never be the same again.