As she walked down the quiet street, Teddy emerged from her clutch. "Well done, Ariana! You've completed your first task like a pro. I'm so proud of you!"
She smiled, her heart swelling with a mix of pride and relief. "Thanks, Teddy. I wasn't sure I could pull it off, but... it feels good. Like I'm finally taking control."
"And you've earned your first reward!" Teddy announced, doing a little twirl in the air.
Ariana felt a sudden, almost imperceptible shift within her. It was as if her mind had sharpened, her instincts growing stronger. She looked at Teddy in surprise. "What was that?"
"Enhanced intuition," he explained, beaming. "It's your first system reward. From now on, you'll find it easier to read people and situations, which will be a huge advantage in your journey."
She stared at him, awed. "That's... incredible."
"And it's just the beginning," Teddy said, his voice full of promise. "You've taken the first step, Ariana. The system is here to help you, but remember your strength and determination are what will truly carry you forward."
She nodded, a fierce resolve lighting up her eyes. "I'm ready, Teddy. Whatever it takes, I'm going to make them pay for what they've done."
Teddy smiled, his button eyes sparkling. "That's my girl."
-----
Next morning, Ariana woke to a soft hum of wings and the faint rustling of fabric. Groaning, she rubbed her eyes and turned toward her vanity. There, Teddy was floating in the air, his tiny paws fumbling with one of her scarves. He twisted the fabric in awkward loops, his little tongue sticking out in concentration.
"Teddy," she groaned, dragging herself up in bed. "What are you doing now?"
Teddy paused mid-air, the scarf draped like a mangled ribbon. He puffed out his chest proudly. "I'm practicing hairstyling. If I'm going to be your guide, I might as well add 'personal stylist' to my resume."
Ariana couldn't help but chuckle. "You're terrible at it. Stick to giving me advice."
"Fine," Teddy huffed, tossing the scarf aside dramatically. "But don't come crying to me when you need a quick updo before the gala." He fluttered toward her bookshelf, pretending to sulk.
Shaking her head, Ariana stood and began getting ready for the day. She chose a casual outfit—jeans, a loose blouse, and sneakers before carefully tucking Teddy into a hidden pocket of her bag.
As much as she wanted to skip classes and stay home to avoid drama, she knew maintaining her normal routine was crucial.
The college campus was bustling as usual. Ariana spotted Mia near the library entrance, waving excitedly.
"Ariana! Over here!" Mia waved energetically, her voice carrying over the noise.
Ariana smiled, grateful for her best friend's energy. "Morning, Mia."
"Morning! Did you hear about the business gala coming up? Everyone's talking about it."
Ariana nodded. "Yeah, my dad mentioned it. Apparently, I have to go."
Mia's eyes sparkled. "You're so lucky! You'll get to meet all those important people. Plus, it's a great excuse to dress up. Do you have a dress yet?"
"Not yet," Ariana replied, laughing softly. "And don't get too excited. I doubt it'll be as glamorous as you think."
Mia raised an eyebrow. "Ariana, your family is one of the main sponsors. Of course, it's going to be glamorous! You'd better let me help you pick a dress."
Ariana couldn't argue with that, though her smile faltered at the thought of who else might be there.
During lunch, Ariana and Mia were seated at an outdoor table when lucas approached them.
"Hey, Ariana." he said.
Ariana glanced up, surprised. "Lucas."
Mia frowned but kept quiet, her protective instincts kicking in.
"I just wanted to say hi," Lucas said, his gaze steady. " I heard you'll be at the gala this weekend. It'll be nice to see you there."
Ariana raised an eyebrow. "Why do you care?"
Lucas hesitated, his gaze softening. "Because I still care about you, Ariana. I know things didn't end well between us, but... I want us to at least be civil."
Mia scoffed, but Ariana held up a hand to stop her. "Fine. Civility, I can manage."
Lucas nodded, a faint smile playing on his lips. "That's all I ask. See you at the gala."
He walked away, leaving Mia fuming.
"Can you believe that guy?" she hissed. "Acting like he didn't break your heart!"
Ariana sighed, poking at her salad. "He has his reasons. Whatever they are, I'm not letting him get to me."
"Good," Mia said firmly. "Because if he tries anything, I'll make sure he regrets it."
Ariana smiled faintly, grateful for Mia's fierce loyalty.
Later that evening, Ariana found her father waiting for her in the living room.
"Ariana," he said, motioning for her to sit.
She sat down beside him, bracing herself.
"I wanted to talk to you about the gala," he began. "Our family is one of the main sponsors this year. It's an important event for us, both professionally and personally."
Ariana nodded, listening intently.
"It's crucial that we make a good impression," he continued. "Your mother and I will be there, and I want you to attend with us. It's a chance for you to meet some influential people and show them the strength of our family."
"Of course, Dad," Ariana said. "I'll be there."
Her father smiled, his pride evident. "Good."
Back in her room, Ariana collapsed onto her bed, exhausted from the day's events.
"You're overthinking again," Teddy's voice broke through her thoughts.
She turned her head to see him fluttering out of her bag, his small wings glowing faintly in the dim light.
"How can I not? Lucas is acting all sweet, and I have to deal with Sophia too."
Teddy sat on her pillow, tilting his head. "You've got this, Ariana. They don't know what you're capable of now. Just keep your cool, and I'll handle the cute distractions."
Ariana chuckled despite herself. "You're ridiculous."
"And you love me for it," he said, striking a dramatic pose with one paw on his hip.
"Maybe," she admitted, reaching out to poke his belly.
Teddy giggled, his wings flapping in delight. "See? That's the spirit. Now, let's start planning your outfit for the gala. We need to make you look fierce."
Ariana smiled, feeling a strange sense of reassurance. With Teddy by her side, she knew she was ready to face whatever the gala and her enemies might bring.