The volcanic chamber had quieted, the once-roaring flames now reduced to a gentle simmer, mirroring the peace that settled between Sara and Ignatius after their training session. Sara leaned against a jagged rock, her golden hair catching the ambient glow of the molten surroundings, while Ignatius meticulously polished his weapon.
"Ignis sure has a way of turning calm into chaos," Sara remarked with a chuckle, breaking the silence.
Ignatius shook his head, a small smirk playing on his lips. "Chaos follows him like a shadow. Sometimes, I wonder if he's a god in disguise."
Sara laughed, her voice ringing through the chamber. "He's lucky to have you, though. You're too patient with him."
"Someone has to be," Ignatius replied, his tone softening. He glanced at Sara, his amber eyes meeting hers for a fleeting moment before returning to his task.
The atmosphere grew comfortable, but Sara's thoughts drifted to Elaria's recent visit. The jealousy she had felt earlier still lingered, a small ember she couldn't extinguish.
"Hey, Ignatius," she began hesitantly.
He looked up, sensing the shift in her tone. "Yes?"
"Why didn't you just tell Elaria to leave?" she asked, her voice laced with genuine curiosity. "You didn't seem happy to see her, yet you didn't stop her from flirting."
Ignatius sighed, setting his weapon aside. "It's not as simple as that. Elaria... she has a way of complicating things. Confronting her directly would have made her linger even longer, and I didn't want to waste energy on someone who doesn't matter."
Sara blinked, caught off guard by the bluntness of his words. "She doesn't matter?"
"Not to me," Ignatius said firmly. "And certainly not compared to you."
Sara's breath hitched at his admission, her cheeks heating. She quickly averted her gaze, trying to mask her surprise. "Well, good. Because if she comes back, I might have to handle her myself."
Ignatius chuckled. "I'd almost like to see that."
Their conversation was interrupted by the faint sound of footsteps echoing through the chamber. Both turned toward the entrance, where a figure emerged from the shadows.
"Am I interrupting something?"
The voice was sweet yet laced with mischief, and Sara's heart sank as she recognized its owner. Aethra, the Goddess of Illusions, stepped into view, her sapphire eyes glinting with playful malice.
"Aethra," Ignatius greeted coolly, his posture stiffening.
Sara narrowed her eyes at the newcomer, who sauntered forward with an air of confidence. Aethra's flowing silver gown shimmered like moonlight, and her cascading hair seemed to defy gravity.
"Ignatius," Aethra purred, her voice dripping with charm. "It's been far too long. I was just passing through and thought I'd visit."
Sara's irritation flared as Aethra placed a delicate hand on Ignatius's arm, leaning in closer than necessary. "You're always so busy. Don't you ever take time to enjoy yourself?"
"I have my responsibilities," Ignatius replied, stepping back slightly.
"Oh, but surely you can make an exception," Aethra pressed, her smile widening.
Sara couldn't hold back any longer. "He's already busy enough," she interjected, her tone sharper than intended. "Maybe you should find someone else to bother."
Aethra turned her attention to Sara, feigning surprise. "Oh, Chief God. I didn't see you there. How... quaint."
"Quaint?" Sara repeated, her fists clenching.
"I mean no offense," Aethra said sweetly, though her smirk suggested otherwise. "It's just rare to see someone of your... caliber here."
Ignatius stepped between them, his expression hardening. "Aethra, if you have no business here, I suggest you leave."
Aethra pouted but relented, her gaze lingering on Ignatius. "Very well. But do let me know if you ever need a break from all this... heat."
With that, she turned and glided out of the chamber, leaving a tense silence in her wake.
Sara exhaled sharply, her frustration bubbling over. "Who does she think she is?"
"Aethra thrives on provoking others," Ignatius said, his voice steady. "Don't let her get to you."
"I'm not letting her get to me," Sara snapped, though her flushed cheeks said otherwise. "I just don't like how she acts like she owns the place."
Ignatius watched her for a moment, then placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "You handled her well."
Sara looked up at him, her anger dissipating slightly under his steady gaze. "You think so?"
"I do," he said with a small smile. "You're stronger than she'll ever be, Sara. Don't forget that."
The sincerity in his words caught her off guard, and she felt her heart soften. "Thanks, Ignatius. That means a lot."
They stood there for a moment, the tension giving way to a quiet understanding. The embers of their bond, once faint, now burned brighter than ever.
---
The next day, Sara found herself in the training grounds, determined to prove herself. Ignatius had offered to help her refine her techniques, and she was eager to make the most of his guidance.
"Focus on your core," he instructed, his voice calm yet firm. "Let the energy flow naturally. Don't force it."
Sara nodded, closing her eyes as she channeled her power. The flames responded to her command, swirling around her in a controlled dance.
"Good," Ignatius said. "Now, try channeling that energy into an attack."
Sara opened her eyes, directing the flames toward a distant target. The fire surged forward, striking the target with precision.
She turned to Ignatius, a triumphant smile on her face. "How was that?"
"Impressive," he admitted, his amber eyes gleaming with approval. "You're improving quickly."
Sara's chest swelled with pride at his praise. "Maybe I'll surpass you someday."
Ignatius chuckled. "I'd like to see you try."
As they continued their training, Sara couldn't help but notice the subtle changes in their dynamic. Ignatius, who once seemed so distant, now felt closer than ever. She found herself drawn to his strength, his wisdom, and the rare moments when his stoic exterior gave way to warmth.
Unbeknownst to her, Ignatius felt the same pull. For all her mischief and unpredictability, Sara had a resilience that captivated him. She challenged him in ways no one else could, and he found himself looking forward to their time together more than he cared to admit.
By the time they finished, the sun was setting, casting a golden glow over the volcanic landscape. They stood side by side, the silence between them comfortable.
"You're a good teacher," Sara said softly, breaking the quiet.
"And you're a good student," Ignatius replied, a hint of a smile tugging at his lips.
Sara glanced at him, her heart fluttering. For the first time in a long while, she felt truly at peace.
Perhaps, she thought, the flames that once seemed so overwhelming were exactly what she needed to find her way. And maybe, just maybe, Ignatius was the one who could help her keep them burning bright.