Chapter 2: Jinx
Again, can't my family just leave me be? I came to the academy a year early, made enough money to rent the smallest training area for myself. They forgot to rent a larger one for the family, so now they're just going to take mine from me without even paying me back.
I should've cut ties with them. It's not like they've ever done anything for me anyway. Just because I prefer to spend time creating new things and learning more than is normal doesn't mean I'm weak. I guess it doesn't really matter what I want. I'll have to talk to the Headmaster and see if there's another place I can use for the time being.
Why can't I just be good enough for them by being myself?
"Ms. Stormveil?" a familiar voice calls out. I look up to see the Headmaster walking toward me with another person close behind him. I hurry to wipe the tear from my cheek.
"Ah, Headmaster, what can I help you with?" Ugh, I should bring up my problem with him now.
"Is everything okay?" he asks, standing in front of me, trying to look me in the eyes.
"Just my family trying to stop me from chasing my dreams. They're forcing me to give up my training area to one of my cousins." It's the same story, and everyone here knows I'm the outcast of my family.
"Well, I am sorry, dear, but your family did pay for it." No, I did. I just used my dad's name to make sure no one else tried to take it.
"What if I take it? We can share." I… I thought he kept walking. His wild brown hair is filled with deep curls, and there's even a couple of leaves stuck in it. His amber-colored eyes feel like I'm staring into an abyss. The long brown robe looks a size too big, and it's hard to tell what his body looks like beneath it.
"Master Drakenhart?" The Headmaster started speaking.
"Aeron, please." I stop. Drakenhart outranks the Stormveil family. If you told my family that a Drakenhart took over the training area, they'd understand. They can use it when I'm not there, as long as they respect the arrangement."
"Drakenhart?" The last five royal mages were Drakenharts. Although some distant family members use the name, most of them wouldn't throw it around lightly. That means he's from the main family.
I'd heard rumors of one near my age, said to be hidden away for special training. Could this be him?
"I don't see an issue with this," the Headmaster continues. "Though, I'm not sure how the Stormveil family will handle this news."
"You can tell them to reach out to my father. They can work something out." Even though he's talking to the Headmaster, his eyes never leave mine.
"Umm," the Headmaster looks around, his shoulders slumping slightly. It's clear he still has trouble managing the noble kids.
"There are reasons my father and grandfather have requested a private training area for me, but since there are none left, I'm willing to share with her, provided they respect my need for space."
"Ah, well, Ms. Stormveil?"
I don't know who this guy is, and he wants to share a training area? What if he's some kind of weirdo? Still, if Kelton gets his hands on my space, he'll force me to move everything.
"Sure." I swallow the lump in my throat. Hopefully, he's better than Kelton.
"Great! Do you mind showing Aeron to the training area and letting him have one of the rooms connected to it?"
"Of course, Headmaster." I nod along, my eyes drifting back to Aeron. He hasn't moved since we started talking and keeps staring at me. Do I have a smudge on my face or something?
"Aeron, if you need anything else, please reach out to me. I have other matters to attend to now." The Headmaster tucks a white scroll into his robe and disappears down the hall.
"My name is Aeron Drakenhart, and you are?" He shoves his hand out. His eyes, though, never leave mine.
"Umm, Elara Stormveil. Everyone calls me Jinx." Why is he smirking?
"What?" I glare at him.
"Nothing, you're the first person my age I've met here, that's all. Shall we?" He pulls his hand away, then proceeds down the hall.
I need to keep a lookout. If I run into Kelton, I know he'll start a fight. I peek at Aeron walking beside me, graceful in a way that almost looks like he's dancing.
If we take a right here, we can cut away from the classrooms—he should be in class right now.
No—Kelton comes into view, rushing right toward Aeron. I expect to see Aeron on the floor, but instead, it's Kelton who's struggling to stand.
Kelton is the most spoiled brat in the Stormveil family. His father lets him get away with everything because Kelton's strength is our next hope to take on the Drakenhart family.
That face—he's beyond angry. He's out for blood. If I don't warn Aeron, he could get hurt.
"Jinx, what the hell is the meaning of this? Who is this fool?" Oh? He noticed me?
"H-He's—" Shit, he sounds just like my father when he yells.
"They say you're the smartest in the family, but there's a reason we call you Jinx. Everything you touch—"
The world starts shrinking away, the sound of Kelton yelling keeping me rooted in fear. They'd rather see my dreams crushed than help me chase them.
I can't breathe. My lungs aren't working. It's like something is holding them in place. I need air…
"Enough." Aeron's deep voice cuts through everything. My world stills, and air rushes back into my lungs.
"I am Aeron Drakenhart, and you are not allowed to talk to my new friend like that. I'm sorry for knocking you down."
Kelton charges, taking a large step toward us. My hand reaches out toward Aeron, but he hasn't moved at all.
"I'm the next family head of the Stormveils. What does this country bumpkin think he's doing?"
"I don't care who you are," Aeron replies. Why is he so confident? What has he been through to stand this still and not be afraid?
"Excuse me? Even if you are a Drakenhart, you're not the royal mage's son, so you hold no weight here. Jinx, did you get Father's letter?"
Ugh, I was hoping he'd forgotten about it. My body starts shaking, my heart beating hard against my chest.
"The matter you're talking about has already been taken care of," Aeron replies calmly. "I'll be taking over the training area. Come, Lara, I need to start my training."
Wait? He just stated it like that? Who is this guy?
He turns around and gently places his arm around me, guiding me as we walk away.
"Wait a second, you asshole. Who do you think you are?" Oh no, Kelton's going for his wand. I won't be able to protect Aeron.
Aeron looks back, his brows furrowing, his amber eyes darkening.
"I told you who I am. You do not stand a chance against me. Leave us alone."
"Oh yeah?" My feet leave the ground as Aeron moves me behind him. His arm muscles tighten, and he moves in a flash.
Kelton stands right in front of us. Aeron thrusts his hand out, just tapping Kelton on the chest.
Kelton flies backward, smashing into the marble wall. It cracks and crumbles as he falls to the ground, blood trickling from the corner of his lips.
"I told you. Leave us alone." Aeron pulls me closer with both arms and walks away, the gathered students parting to let us through.
"I… challenge you." Kelton's voice is weak, but his pride won't let him back down.
Aeron stops.
"The school has a tournament at the end of this week," Kelton growls. "I win, I get the training area and you become one of my dogs. If you win, I'll never speak to her again."
Aeron's arms, once tense, relax.
"Deal."
I gasp. He's smiling. Why?
"Why did you do that?" The words slip out.
"Because I don't like bullies," Aeron pauses, looking me in the eyes. "And you don't deserve to be treated like that."
Umm? What in the world is he saying?
"Thank you," I murmur softly. "Also, umm, could you set me down?"
"Oh, yeah. Of course." He chuckles, putting my feet back on the ground. I feel the cold air wrapping around me again.