Morning light filtered through the blinds, casting soft stripes across the walls of my dorm room. I woke to the faint sounds of birds outside, their chirping contrasting sharply with the heaviness that clung to my chest. My ribs ached as I stretched, a dull reminder that I wasn't fully healed yet. Swinging my legs over the side of the bed, I let out a slow breath, steeling myself for another day. I'd been avoiding going back to class, using my recovery as an excuse, but I couldn't delay any longer. The world had moved on, even if I hadn't. I stood up carefully, my movements slow and deliberate, and crossed the room to retrieve my uniform. The crisp fabric felt strange against my skin, like it didn't quite belong to me anymore. Everything felt different now—smaller, heavier, sharper.
Once dressed, I grabbed my bag and opened the door, stepping into the hallway. The morning air was cool, refreshing against my face as I made my way toward class. I hadn't gone far when I heard hurried footsteps behind me. Before I could turn, arms wrapped around my waist, pulling me into a firm embrace.
"Noctis!"
The voice was unmistakable. Sera.
I froze for a moment, caught off guard by the suddenness of it. Her arms tightened around me, and I could feel her cheek press lightly against my back. "Sera?" I said, my tone half-confused, half-exasperated. "What are you doing?" She didn't answer right away. Instead, she just held on, as if letting go would cause me to vanish.
"I missed you," she murmured finally, her voice soft but tinged with something I couldn't quite place. I sighed, gently prying her arms off me. "Sera, you saw me last night. What's going on?" She stepped back, her sapphire blue eyes flickering with uncertainty. "I… I'm sorry. I didn't mean to startle you." I studied her, noticing for the first time how tired she looked. There were faint shadows under her eyes, and her usually radiant golden hair was slightly disheveled. She looked like she hadn't slept much either.
"You've been acting strange lately," I said, keeping my tone as neutral as possible. Her expression faltered, a flicker of guilt crossing her face. "I know. I'm sorry, Noctis. I just…" She trailed off, her gaze dropping to the ground. I frowned, searching her face for answers. "Is this about the tournament?" At that, her head snapped up, her eyes wide. "What do you mean?"
"I mean…" I hesitated, unsure how much to say. Memories of the tournament flooded my mind—the blood, the screams, the moment Sera's aura had flared with that strange crimson magic. "You've been different ever since then. And honestly, so have I." Sera took a step closer, her hand hovering near mine as if she wanted to reach out but didn't dare. "Noctis, I—" Before she could finish, I held up a hand. "If this is about last night, you don't have to explain. I just… I don't understand what's going on with you."
Her lips pressed into a thin line, and for a moment, she looked like she was about to say something important. But then she shook her head and forced a small smile. "Forget about last night," she said, her voice light but clearly forced. "It was nothing. I was just tired, that's all." I didn't believe her, but I didn't push. Instead, I nodded slowly. "Alright. If you say so."
She visibly relaxed, though the tension in her shoulders didn't fully disappear. "Let's just get to class," she said, taking a step forward. I followed her, but my mind was racing. Something was definitely wrong. Sera was usually so straightforward, so confident. Whatever she was keeping from me, it was eating away at her. And as much as I wanted to press her for answers, I couldn't bring myself to do it.
The walk to class was quiet at first. The usual chatter of students filled the air, but neither Sera nor I spoke. The silence between us was thick, almost suffocating, but I didn't know how to break it. Finally, Sera glanced at me out of the corner of her eye. "How are you feeling?" she asked, her tone cautious. "Better," I said after a pause. "Still a bit sore, but it's manageable." She nodded, her expression unreadable. "That's good. I was… worried about you." I glanced at her, raising an eyebrow. "You've mentioned that. A lot, actually." Her cheeks flushed, and she quickly looked away. "Well, I was," she muttered.
I couldn't help but smile faintly at her flustered tone. "I appreciate it, Sera. Really. But you don't have to hover over me. I'm not made of glass." Her eyes flicked back to me, and for a moment, something intense flickered in her gaze. "No, but you're not invincible either," she said quietly. The weight of her words hung in the air, and I didn't know how to respond. She was right, of course. The tournament had made that painfully clear.
We continued walking in silence, but this time, it felt different. There was an unspoken understanding between us, a shared acknowledgment of everything we'd been through.
When we reached the classroom, Sera hesitated at the door.
"You go ahead," she said, avoiding my gaze.
I frowned. "Aren't you coming in?"
"In a minute. I just need to… clear my head." I studied her for a moment, my concern growing. But before I could say anything, she gave me a small, reassuring smile and nudged me toward the door.
"Go on. I'll be fine." Reluctantly, I nodded and stepped inside. As I made my way to my seat, I couldn't shake the feeling that something was deeply wrong. And the worst part? I didn't know how to fix it.
I walked into class alone, my body still stiff with lingering aches. The incline of the lecture hall stretched before me, rows of seats sloping upward. My usual spot sat in the center, a familiar refuge amidst the bustle of students filing in. Dropping into the chair, I let out a soft sigh and leaned back, hoping the day would pass without incident.
But peace had been elusive lately.
For weeks, the memories of the tournament clung to me like a shadow. Every time I closed my eyes, I saw flashes of blood, the roar of the crowd, the pain that still coursed through my body when I moved too quickly. And her—Alaria. The emerald-eyed girl whose wicked grin was burned into my mind. She haunted me, not just in memory but in my dreams, as if she had carved a space for herself in my thoughts. I shook my head, trying to clear it, as footsteps approached. "Good morning," Sera's voice called softly, breaking through the haze.
I thought to myself, "i don't know why she saying goodmorning now, we literally were just talking outside but I'll go along with it"
I turned to see her making her way toward me, her golden hair glinting in the light, sapphire-blue eyes soft with concern. She slid into the seat beside me, her presence warm and grounding. "Morning," I said quietly, trying to sound like myself. "You look… tired," she said, her brow furrowing. "I'm fine," I replied quickly, brushing her off before she could press further. Her lips tightened, but she didn't push. Instead, she started chatting about assignments, the rumors circulating around campus, anything to fill the silence. I nodded along, responding when I needed to, but my mind drifted.
Had Sera changed, or had I? I couldn't tell anymore. Her warmth was still there, but lately, something about her felt… different. Like she was holding back. I wanted to ask her about it, but the words always caught in my throat. Maybe I wasn't ready to hear the answer.
The door to the classroom opened, and the teacher strode in, silencing the low chatter with his commanding presence. "Good morning, everyone," he said briskly, setting his notes down on the podium. "Settle in. We have an introduction to make before class begins. A new student has joined us." I straightened in my seat, a faint unease prickling at the back of my neck.
The teacher gestured toward the door. "Everyone, please welcome Alaria Ravelle."
My stomach dropped.
She walked in, and it was like the air shifted around her.
Her crimson hair spilled down her back in wild waves, a stark contrast to her pale, flawless skin. Her emerald-green eyes scanned the room, sharp and predatory, glinting with a mixture of mischief and malice. She moved with a deliberate grace, her every step calculated to draw attention. My breath caught as her gaze landed on me, her lips curling into a grin that was all too familiar.
It was her.
The girl from the tournament. The one who had haunted me ever since. "Thank you," she said, her voice smooth and melodic, carrying an edge that sent a chill down my spine. "It's such a pleasure to join this… distinguished class." The teacher nodded, motioning toward the empty seats near the front, but she had other plans. Her boots clicked against the floor as she climbed the steps, her eyes locked on me the entire time. Each step felt like a countdown, my heart pounding harder with every inch she closed between us.
Sera shifted beside me, her body tense. "She's coming over here," Sera muttered under her breath, her tone tight. Alaria stopped right in front of me, tilting her head as if sizing me up. Her grin widened, and she leaned forward, her face mere inches from mine. "Well, well," she purred, her voice dripping with mock sweetness. "If it isn't my favorite cutie from the tournament. Did you miss me?"
My throat went dry.
"Alaria," I managed to say, my voice low.
Before I could say more, she dropped into my lap, her confidence as bold as ever. "Miss me?" she repeated, her emerald eyes glinting as she leaned in closer. "You don't have to answer. I already know." I froze, heat rushing to my face as I struggled to find my voice. Around us, the class erupted into whispers and muffled laughter.
"Get off him," Sera snapped, her sapphire eyes narrowing as she glared at Alaria. Alaria turned her gaze to Sera, her smile never faltering. "And you are?"
"I'm Sera," she said firmly. "His partner."
"Partner?" Alaria echoed, her voice laced with amusement. "How quaint." She turned her attention back to me, running a finger along the edge of my desk. "And here I thought you'd be more… available."
"Alaria, get off," I said, my voice firmer this time as I tried to shift her off me. She pouted dramatically, standing with exaggerated reluctance. "Fine, fine. I wouldn't want to make your partner jealous." Her grin turned sharp as she looked at Sera again. "Though I have to admit, I didn't expect you to have such… competition." Sera's jaw tightened, her hands clenching into fists. "Stay away from him," she warned. "Relax," Alaria said, waving her hand dismissively. "I'm just teasing." With that, she turned back to the teacher, her crimson hair swaying as she walked away. The tension in the room was palpable as she took a seat, her emerald eyes glancing back at me every so often. Each time, she'd flash a sly grin that made my stomach twist.
"She's dangerous," Sera said quietly, her voice laced with concern. "You should stay away from her." I nodded, but my mind was racing. Alaria wasn't just dangerous—she was unpredictable. And now, she was here, in the same class, watching me like a hunter sizing up its prey. As the lecture droned on, I found it harder and harder to focus. The whispers around the room, Sera's tense presence beside me, Alaria's piercing gaze from across the room—it all blurred together into a cacophony of unease. When class finally ended, I gathered my things quickly, eager to escape. But as I stood to leave, Alaria was already making her way toward me.
"See you around, cutie," she said softly, her voice carrying a promise I wasn't sure I wanted to understand. She brushed past me, her scent—a mix of something floral and metallic—lingering in the air. I stood frozen, my heart pounding as I watched her walk away.
"You okay?" Sera asked, placing a hand on my arm. I nodded, though the unease in my chest told a different story. "Yeah," I said quietly. "Let's just go." As we left the lecture hall, I couldn't shake the feeling that Alaria's arrival was the start of something far bigger—and far more dangerous—than I could have imagined.
The next class came sooner than I wanted it to, the break between lessons feeling like no time at all. I'd barely managed to collect my thoughts after the chaos of Alaria's arrival, but now, walking into the classroom again, my stomach churned at the thought of seeing her. Sliding into my seat, I glanced over at Sera as she sat beside me. Her sapphire-blue eyes were sharp, her lips pressed into a firm line. She hadn't said much after the first class, but her silence carried an intensity that spoke volumes. The room filled with the usual chatter as students filed in, but my attention snapped to the door when I saw her.
Alaria.
She strolled in like she owned the place, her crimson hair cascading down her back, emerald-green eyes scanning the room with a playful glint. Her movements were fluid, almost predatory, and every step she took seemed calculated to draw attention. My pulse quickened when her gaze landed on me. She smirked, her eyes narrowing with mischief, and sauntered up the aisle. "Looks like we have the same lessons," she whispered as she stopped beside my desk, her voice smooth and melodic, laced with amusement. Before I could respond, she giggled softly and, without hesitation, perched herself on my lap.
The entire class seemed to freeze.
"Alaria," I said, my voice low and tense as heat rushed to my face. "What are you doing?"
"Oh, don't be so uptight," she purred, leaning closer as her emerald eyes locked onto mine. There was something in them—a glint of manipulation and danger that sent a shiver down my spine. I placed my hands on her waist, gently but firmly pushing her off. "Get off me." She groaned dramatically, pouting as if I'd just broken her heart. "Why are you being so mean?" Before I could answer, she tried to sit back down, her movements as deliberate as they were infuriating. "Alaria," I said again, my tone firmer this time as I pushed her away.
But she was relentless. Twisting slightly, she wriggled back into my lap with a triumphant grin, her expression as smug as it was unsettling. The classroom erupted into murmurs and giggles. All eyes were on us now, the weight of their stares making my skin crawl.
"Get. Off," I hissed, my voice sharp as I tried to mask my growing frustration and embarrassment. She tilted her head, her grin widening until it looked almost unnatural. "But I'm so comfortable here," she said sweetly, leaning back against me as if she belonged there. Sera's chair scraped loudly against the floor as she shot to her feet. "Get off him, now!"
Alaria's head whipped toward her, and her smile faded, replaced by something colder, sharper. "Oh, sweetheart," she said, her tone dripping with mockery. "Why don't you sit down and mind your own business?" The venom in her voice was unmistakable, and for a moment, Sera hesitated, her sapphire eyes flickering with uncertainty. "Don't talk to her like that," I said firmly, glaring at Alaria.
"Oh, relax, cutie," she replied, waving a dismissive hand. "I'm just having a little fun."
Her grin returned, bright and unsettling, as she looked back at me. "Now, where were we?" I could feel my heart pounding in my chest, a mix of anger, humiliation, and something else—something I couldn't quite place. Her presence was overwhelming, suffocating, and yet there was an undeniable magnetism to her, a pull that was hard to ignore.
"Why are you doing this?" I asked, my voice quieter now, tinged with frustration and confusion. Her expression softened slightly, though her eyes still glinted with mischief. "Because you intrigue me," she said simply, as if that explained everything. "And because I can." The way she said it sent a chill through me, the casual arrogance of her words both infuriating and unsettling. As the murmurs around the room grew louder, the teacher finally walked in, his presence silencing the chatter.
"Take your seat," he said to Alaria, his tone stern. She rolled her eyes dramatically but slid off my lap, her movements graceful as ever. "Fine, fine," she said, her voice dripping with faux innocence. She walked to a seat nearby, but not before leaning in close to my ear. "We'll talk more later, cutie," she whispered, her breath warm against my skin.
I stiffened, watching her as she sauntered away, her crimson hair swaying with every step. Sera sat down beside me again, her hands clenched into fists. "She's unbelievable," she muttered, her voice low but simmering with anger. I didn't respond, my mind too clouded to form a coherent thought.
The lesson dragged on, but I couldn't focus. Every so often, I'd catch Alaria glancing at me, her emerald eyes gleaming with amusement. She'd smile, that same unsettling grin that made my stomach twist, and I'd quickly look away. By the time the class ended, I felt drained, the weight of the morning's events pressing heavily on my shoulders. As I gathered my things, Sera placed a hand on my arm. "Are you okay?" she asked softly, her concern clear in her sapphire eyes. I nodded, though the truth was far more complicated. "I'm fine," I said, forcing a small smile.
As I prepared to leave the classroom, the buzzing chatter of my classmates filled the air, but my focus remained elsewhere. The events of the day had been overwhelming, with Alaria's unsettling behavior still fresh in my mind. I sighed, hoping for a reprieve. Just as I was about to step out, her voice rang out behind me, light and teasing but with a sharpness that made my spine stiffen.
"Don't forget me, darling~"
I turned just in time to see Alaria's vivid emerald-green eyes glint mischievously, her crimson hair cascading over one shoulder. She strolled toward me, her movements fluid and serpentine, each step deliberate. Before I could react, she looped her arm through mine, pressing her chest against it with a shameless grin. Her skin was cool, almost unnaturally so, and the faint scent of roses and metal lingered around her. The proximity made my pulse quicken—not out of excitement, but from a deep, uneasy tension. Her smirk widened, her gaze locking onto mine like a predator cornering its prey. "Leaving without saying goodbye? That's just cruel, Noctis," she purred, her voice honeyed yet laced with something darker.
I tried to pull my arm free, but her grip tightened subtly, her nails brushing against my sleeve. "Alaria, I—"
"Now, now," she interrupted, tilting her head as if amused by my discomfort. "You don't need to say anything. I already know what you're thinking~" Before I could reply, the sound of deliberate footsteps echoed from the doorway. The room seemed to still as a tall figure entered—a presence that demanded attention.
Armand Vale.
Dressed impeccably in the student council uniform, his blazer unwrinkled and his golden tie pin gleaming, he exuded an air of calm authority. His piercing steel-gray eyes scanned the scene with precision, landing on Alaria and me. His expression remained neutral, but there was a weight to his gaze that seemed to cut through the chaos. "Miss Ravelle," Armand began, his voice smooth yet commanding. "I don't believe this is the appropriate way to conduct yourself in the classroom, especially not with another student who appears… less than enthusiastic about your attention." Alaria's head turned slowly, her emerald eyes narrowing slightly as she met his gaze. For a brief moment, her usual smirk faltered, replaced by something colder. But it was fleeting, and her grin returned with a sly twist. "Ah, the infamous Armand Vale," she said, her tone dripping with mock admiration. "The perfect, untouchable student council president. To what do I owe the honor?" Armand ignored her playful jabs, stepping closer with measured precision. His presence was magnetic, silencing the remaining whispers in the classroom. He looked directly at me, his steel-gray eyes softening slightly.
"Noctis, are you alright?"
I nodded, though my words caught in my throat. "I'm fine," I managed, though my tone lacked conviction. Alaria chuckled, her grip on my arm still firm. "See? He's fine. No harm done." Armand's gaze flicked to her arm entwined with mine. Without breaking eye contact, he extended a hand toward Alaria in a subtle yet firm gesture.
"Let him go."
For a moment, the air between them grew tense, as if an invisible power struggle was unfolding. Alaria's smirk didn't waver, but her fingers loosened, and she released my arm with a theatrical sigh. "Fine, fine. No need to get all dramatic," she said, stepping back but not entirely retreating. Her eyes lingered on me, her playful demeanor barely concealing the sharpness beneath. Armand shifted his attention back to me. "You should head out, Noctis. The hallways are starting to clear." I nodded again, grateful for the excuse to leave. As I turned toward the door, Alaria's voice followed me, light but tinged with venom.
"See you soon, darling~"
I didn't look back.
As I walked down the corridor, my thoughts swirled in disarray. The weight of Alaria's behavior and the commanding presence of Armand left me rattled. It wasn't until I reached the end of the hallway that I heard footsteps behind me.
"Noctis," Armand called out, his tone softer than before. I paused and turned to see him approaching, his hands tucked into his pockets. For all his intimidating demeanor, there was something almost reassuring about his calm presence now. "You seemed uneasy back there," he said, stopping a few feet away. "Alaria can be… intense. If she's bothering you, don't hesitate to let me know."
I hesitated, unsure how to respond. "It's fine," I said eventually. "She's… a lot, but I can handle it." Armand's sharp gaze lingered on me, as if trying to read the truth beneath my words. Finally, he nodded. "Just remember, you're not obligated to tolerate anyone's behavior if it makes you uncomfortable," he said. "Especially not someone like her." There was a weight to his words, a subtle warning that made me wonder how much he already knew about Alaria. "Thanks, Armand," I said, genuinely grateful.
He gave a curt nod, his posture as poised as ever. "Take care, Noctis. And don't hesitate to reach out if you need anything." As he walked away, I couldn't shake the feeling that the day's events were only the beginning of something much larger.