The tension from Elaria's visit hung in the air like an unspoken challenge. Sara paced the volcanic chamber, her golden eyes blazing with a mix of irritation and uncertainty. Ignatius sat quietly near the pool of molten lava, his usually stoic demeanor softened with an uncharacteristic hint of discomfort.
"You didn't even tell her off properly," Sara muttered, her steps growing sharper as her thoughts circled around the unwelcome goddess. "She waltzes in here, practically throwing herself at you, and you just... let her?"
Ignatius sighed deeply, setting his weapon aside. "Sara, Elaria thrives on attention. Giving her a reaction would've only made things worse."
"That's easy for you to say," Sara shot back, crossing her arms. "You're not the one she completely ignored."
"She ignored you because she knew it would irritate you," Ignatius said evenly. "And judging by how you're acting now, she succeeded."
Sara opened her mouth to argue but stopped, realizing he had a point. Her shoulders slumped slightly, though the fire in her eyes remained. "Fine. You're right. But she still gets under my skin."
Ignatius stood, his tall frame towering over her but never feeling imposing. His voice softened. "Sara, you have no reason to be jealous."
"Who said I was jealous?" she retorted quickly, a faint blush creeping into her cheeks.
A small, rare smile tugged at Ignatius's lips. "Your reaction said it for you."
Sara huffed, turning away to hide her flustered expression. "Whatever. Let's just get back to training."
Ignatius chuckled softly but didn't press further. "Very well. Follow me."
He led her to a secluded section of the cavern, where the heat from the lava was intense but bearable. Here, the air shimmered with energy, the raw power of the flames almost tangible.
"This spot is ideal for refining your cultivation," Ignatius explained, motioning for her to sit. "The heat will help you connect more deeply with your inner energy."
Sara settled onto the rocky ground, closing her eyes as Ignatius guided her through the process. His voice was calm and steady, grounding her even as the fiery energy around her pulsed wildly.
"Focus on your core," he instructed. "Feel the flames within you and let them flow naturally. Don't try to control them—just let them guide you."
Sara nodded, her breathing slowing as she followed his words. At first, the energy felt chaotic, like a storm threatening to overwhelm her. But gradually, she found a rhythm, the flames aligning with her heartbeat.
Ignatius watched her progress with quiet admiration. Despite her playful and sometimes reckless nature, Sara had a determination that couldn't be denied. She was stronger than she realized, and it was becoming increasingly clear to him that she was capable of so much more.
"Good," he said after a while. "Now, try channeling that energy outward."
Sara extended her hand, concentrating on the flow of power within her. A small flame flickered to life in her palm, dancing delicately before flaring up. She smiled, the warmth of the fire filling her with a sense of accomplishment.
"I did it," she said, her voice tinged with awe.
"You did," Ignatius replied, his amber eyes glowing with approval. "But don't get too comfortable. There's still more to learn."
Sara rolled her eyes playfully. "Of course there is. You'd never let me off that easy."
As the training continued, Sara's confidence grew. The once-unruly flames within her became more manageable, responding to her commands with increasing precision. Ignatius remained by her side, offering guidance and encouragement when needed.
At one point, their hands brushed as he adjusted her posture, and Sara felt her heart skip. She glanced at him, wondering if he'd noticed, but his focus remained on her technique.
"Keep your energy steady," he said, his voice calm but firm. "Don't let it waver."
Sara nodded, forcing herself to concentrate despite the sudden flutter in her chest. She wasn't sure when it had started, but being around Ignatius had begun to stir feelings she hadn't expected.
By the time they finished, the cavern was filled with a soft, warm glow, the flames responding to Sara's presence as if recognizing her as their own.
"You've made impressive progress," Ignatius said, his tone genuine.
Sara beamed at the compliment, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "Thanks. I couldn't have done it without you."
He held her gaze for a moment, his expression unreadable. "You're stronger than you think, Sara. Don't forget that."
For a moment, the fiery cavern seemed to fade away, leaving only the two of them standing there. The intensity in Ignatius's eyes made Sara's breath catch, and she felt an unfamiliar but not unwelcome warmth spread through her.
"I'll try not to," she said softly, her voice barely above a whisper.
Ignatius looked as though he was about to say something, but a sudden burst of laughter broke the moment. They both turned to see Ignis, Ignatius's ever-enthusiastic assistant, bounding into the chamber.
"Master! Chief God! You won't believe what I just overheard!" Ignis exclaimed, his flame-like hair flickering wildly.
Sara sighed, a mixture of relief and irritation washing over her. "Ignis, you have the worst timing."
Ignis blinked, his excitement dimming slightly. "Did I interrupt something?"
"No," Ignatius said quickly, though his voice carried an edge of irritation. "What is it, Ignis?"
The assistant launched into a rambling tale about a minor dispute among the lesser gods, his energy uncontainable. Sara shook her head, a small smile playing on her lips despite herself.
As Ignatius tried to wrangle Ignis's enthusiasm, Sara leaned back against the rock, her mind wandering. The training had been intense, but it was the quiet moments with Ignatius that lingered in her thoughts.
Unbeknownst to her, Ignatius stole a glance in her direction, a hint of a smile softening his features. For all her mischief and unpredictability, Sara was proving to be more than just a Chief God. She was becoming someone he couldn't imagine his realm—or his life—without.