The door creaked open, its sound echoing through the dimly lit chamber where Elara stood. Her eyes, still heavy with exhaustion, turned toward the commanding presence that entered—Orian, his tall frame casting long shadows across the floor. The weight of recent events hung between them like a tangible force, the memory of dark flames still fresh in their minds.
"Why are you standing there, Miss Elara?" His voice carried its usual formality, though there was a hint of concern beneath the practised nobility. "You should be resting after that," Orian instructed her, and her health after the dark flame consumed her.
Elara was unconscious for three days. Her magic destroyed the dungeon. Orian took her to the Magic Tower to monitor her condition.
Zeil stood in the corner, and Lily left the room. Orian glared at Zeil, signalling to leave them alone, and Zeil also left the room.
It was a surprise to Elara that the Magic Tower Master saved her in twice time. "I never thought you were the one person who saved me," Elara said formally. And sat on the chair. Weakness in her body remains and her pale composer reveals that if it was not there Orian, dark flames would definitely consume her.
Orian crossed his arms, tilting his head and sighed. "Wow, what a heartless lady! I saved your life, and you can't even say thank you?" he placed his hand on his chest, pretending to be hurt. "How cruel… my poor heart can't take this," a small grin appeared on his face as he glanced at her, waiting for her reaction.
Orian saved her life by using one of the strongest spells that, if anything goes wrong, Elara or Orian must be faced with the possibility of using such a power.
"Ah... I forget that." Elara exhaled, looking at Orian and said. "Thank you for saving my life twice, Lord Orian." In her voice, carrying both gratitude and her usual edge.
Orian smirked and wanted to reply, but. Without waiting for his response, she crossed her arms. "But as far as I know, you didn't come here just to hear a thank you. So what's the matter?" her sharp gaze locked onto him, waiting for an answer. "When will you start Cassius's next treatment?"
Orian's eyebrow started to twitch slightly as he noticed that Elara was not some ordinary commoner or noble lady that he even charmed with his face. Looking at Elara, "Sharp as always, Miss Elara," his voice calm but carrying weight, "I came here for that very reason, but before shall we solve your problem as well, miss?" his tone shifted, becoming more serious.
"My problem? I don't know what you're saying…" Elara's eyes betrayed and ignored Orian's gaze. But before she completed her sentence, Orian cut through the voice.
"What I wish to convey is the nature of your magical abilities, miss." Orian's demeanour was now composed as he lifted the cup of tea.
"Specifically, I am referring to the dark magic that you possess, which presents a significant concern. Were you unaware of this, or are you choosing to ignore its implications? It is important to note that dark magic was prohibited within this empire long ago. Engaging with such powers in the forest raises serious questions regarding your intentions."
'The energy has already begun to embrace her, though it has not yet done so completely. A powerful force of dark magic, which can feel isolating, has chosen her. At this moment, it seems that no one else is present. It is clear that she possesses a remarkable talent.'
"I can't wrap my head around it—why is all of this happening to me? And where did this power suddenly come from?"
Elara was just seventeen, but she wore her heart on her sleeve. "I want to become stronger—stronger than anyone!" she declared, her eyes shining with determination. Her passion was palpable, and it was clear she wouldn't back down until she reached her goal.
"I'll help you but, don't make that face of yours. Yeah, it's officially off-limits!" "
"But why do you want to be stronger?" Orian said, his voice dripping with mockery as if savouring each word. "Is it your desire to seek vengeance against those who have shattered your world, Lady Larousse?" With a deliberate motion, Orian set the delicate teacup down, its china clinking softly against the saucer.
Elara chuckled, a slow, deliberate sound that carried her lips curling into a faint smile. "You finally figured out… who I am." There was no surprise in her voice, no hesitation—only a quiet acceptance, the truth may find out sooner or later, that's all in her mind now, the fear someone knew her identity disappeared from her face, the beginning she feared that Orian does something to her when he finds out Elara was once a noblewoman and Duke Larousse's daughter.
The air around them felt heavy, filled with an unspoken tension that neither of them dared break. The person sitting in front of her, Orian, didn't respond right away. Instead, they just stared at her.
A smirk tugged at Orian's lip. "Whoa, someone changes a whole new personality." Orian's voice was a playful eye roll and said. "Let's make a deal; what do you say?"
Orian, master of the magic tower, had never before offered anyone help or deal with something like that.
"And what's you want from me? You know I don't possess anything now."
Orian smiled and stood. "Well, you'll find out soon what I want; first you have to understand what is your power and then control that."
'Her determination and passion were anything but ordinary; I could see a fierce fire burning in her eyes for something profound, something I could hardly begin to fathom.'
"Then when we'll start that?" Elara nodded; They spent about thirty minutes just chatting away, getting into a conversation that felt easy and natural.
"After you were your good health. I'll send you some books to read first theory and practice and that time I'll teach you mana manipulation." "The next part of the training was most difficult, so as much as prepare yourself, and practice what book what written in there like gathering dark core, feel your energy."
"Every magician's magic can both protect and destroy, so keep this in mind. Don't let it get out of control. Your dark flame won't harm you, but it can become unstable if your mind wanders. Stay focused and take control of your thoughts, all right?"
"Okay, as you say, I'll follow your instructions," Elara said. "But I couldn't understand why you are not asking me questions related to why I'm here."
"It doesn't matter to me who you are, and why you're hiding in the dark forest. The thing I'm interested in is your magic, and that's all."
Elara didn't say anything then, not wasting any time. Orian stood using his magic and the last word said before he disappeared.
"People call me a wild beast, who doesn't have manners, and I trained you I'm afraid those people will call you that too."
Orian smiled, a glimmer of mischief dancing in his eyes. In a world where power dictated respect, people labelled those wielding immense strength as beasts—feared and revered creatures of legend. Orian was one such being, a once-orphaned child who had risen to prominence as the master of the tower. He cared little for titles or the opinions of the royal and noble classes; instead, he carved his own path, unshackled by societal norms.
Long ago, he had faced a noble who dared to speak ill of him, taunting him with scorn. With unwavering resolve, Orian had vanquished that foe, proving that it was strength of character and sheer will that truly mattered. The victory not only silenced the detractors but also cemented his place as a force to be reckoned with, one who embraced freedom and defied convention, living life on his own terms.
"Let them call me beast - I'll wear that title like armour. They were the ones who ripped away my innocence, who turned me into this creature of vengeance. If they dared to destroy what I was, then I'd become their worst nightmare. I'll tear down their empire with the very savagery they forced upon me. Let them taste the fury they created."
"Very well then; Let's begin your new journey."