Time passed quickly, yet the tension between Aris and Lysandra, which began after Lysandra's argument with Lord Sylas, showed no signs of easing. Lysandra started to distance herself from Aris. She did so politely, trying not to hurt his feelings or make things worse. Even so, every inevitable encounter brought a heavy sadness to Lysandra. Her usually cheerful smile turned faint, and every glance she gave Aris was filled with deep sorrow.
Aris noticed the change as well. At first, he thought it was just a passing feeling, but as time went on, he realized something was wrong. Lysandra avoided him whenever and wherever possible, and Aris knew it wasn't a coincidence. Finally, he decided to confront Lysandra directly. When he managed to meet her at the hidden garden they used to visit, Lysandra looked startled but could no longer avoid him.
"Lysandra, what's going on? Why are you avoiding me?" Aris asked, his tone serious but gentle. His eyes reflected deep concern.
Lysandra lowered her head, avoiding his gaze. "Aris... I never meant to hurt you. But I have to do this."
"Do what? Distance yourself from me? Why? Is this because of your father?" Aris pressed, seeking answers.
Lysandra finally raised her head, her eyes brimming with tears. "My father... He's right, Aris. Our families come from two different worlds. If I stay with you, it will only bring trouble for both of us."
Aris fell silent, trying to process Lysandra's words. "So you truly believe what your father said? And the rumors that my family is nothing but a tool for the kingdom?"
"No, Aris! I never thought of you that way," Lysandra replied, her voice trembling. "But I can't go against my father's will. I don't want to anger him, and I don't want to put you in danger."
After a long, emotional conversation, they finally reached a painful agreement. They decided not to meet openly anymore. To maintain peace between them and their families, Aris and Lysandra chose to appear as though they were avoiding each other. Even so, they both agreed to continue seeing each other in secret.
Over the next two years, their relationship continued in the shadows. Aris, growing older and more skilled in martial arts, spent most of his time at the academy. He also began taking on minor missions for the kingdom, proving himself as a promising knight-in-training. Meanwhile, Lysandra delved deeper into the arts of magic and political strategy, as her father had always wanted. Despite their busy schedules, they found ways to meet in secluded places, such as a small cave at the forest's edge or the old, rarely visited underground rooms of the academy.
Though their relationship remained hidden, each brief meeting became a source of solace for them. During their conversations, Lysandra often shared the pressures she felt from her family, while Aris spoke of his struggles to prove himself in the eyes of nobles and senior knights.
However, everything changed when Aris turned 17. On a chaotic night, a secret organization that had long been a shadowy threat to the kingdom finally made its move. In Lord Sylas' territory, a sudden attack caused widespread destruction. Amidst the chaos, Lysandra was kidnapped by the organization.
That same night, before the attack, Aris stood on the balcony of his mansion, reflecting on the tension he had felt over the past few weeks. Suddenly, in the distance, he saw a shadow moving swiftly across the rooftops of the town. The movements were so quick they were almost imperceptible, but Aris caught a glimpse of something hanging from the figure's sword. His eyes widened. It was the same symbol he had seen two years ago. The image was etched in his memory, and seeing it again now made his heart race.
The next morning, Aris received shocking news. A major attack had occurred in Lord Sylas' territory, and worse, Lysandra had been kidnapped. When the news reached him, Aris was overwhelmed with a mix of anger, sorrow, and anxiety. His mind was flooded with questions, but one thing was clear: he couldn't just stand by.
Lord Sylas immediately assembled a rescue force to save his daughter. At the same time, Aris, determined to rescue Lysandra, wanted to join the mission. But, as expected, Lord Sylas strongly opposed the idea. Before a final decision could be made, Aris persuaded his mother to speak to Lord Sylas. With her influence and relentless effort, she managed to pressure him into considering Aris' inclusion in the rescue mission.
With support from the Cean family, especially his mother, Lord Sylas had no choice but to allow Aris to join. Reluctantly, he granted permission but gave Aris a stern warning not to act recklessly.
On the night before their departure, Aris stood on his balcony, gazing into the distance with determined eyes. In the silence of the night, he whispered to himself, "Lysandra, wait for me. I will save you. No matter what happens, I will bring you back."