Following the conclusion of our lunch, Aria and I decided to find a secluded space to engage in a private conversation.


    Alex, in particr, appeared somewhat disheartened, likely harboring the wish to ask Aria out once more.


    Nevertheless, it seemed he was slowly realizing Aria''sck of interest in him, evident in her interactions that often left him ignored.


    Even Louise, Tristan, and I found ourselves in a slightly awkward position, observing the dynamics that unfolded between Aria and Alex.


    The atmosphere in the private training room became charged with an unexpected intensity as Aria posed a direct question, her crimson eyes fixed on me like unyielding rubies.


    As she traversed the center of the training floor, she halted, turning to face me with a gravity that demanded sincerity.


    "Adrian," she began, her voice carrying a weight that echoed through the room her crimson red eyes hot through me with intensity, "What do you think of me?"


    I hesitated for a moment, feeling the weight of Aria''s question. Her eyes, a deep shade of crimson, seemed to hold more than just curiosity.


    It made me wonder what she was truly asking – was it about how I saw her physically, the way she acted, or something deeper?


    As I reflected on her question, a jumble of conflicting emotions swirled within me. Initially, I hadbeled her as a Bitch, but that perception had shifted.


    My thoughts on Aria were now entangled in aplex web of feelings—some tainted with resentment, others with desire, and an odd strand of affection.


    It was as if I were navigating a maze of emotions, with each turn bringing forth a different sentiment.


    Truth be told, the line between my genuine sentiments and the lingering influence of Adrian''s personality was blurred.


    There was an internal struggle, a sh between Ian and Adrian, leaving me in a state of uncertainty.


    A part of me felt an inexplicable urge to confront her, perhaps influenced by Adrian''s lingering animosity.


    Yet, another part grappled with a strange mix of emotions, making it difficult to discern what was truly mine and what was his.


    "I don''t know"


    Aria''s eyes widened momentarily, but a gentle smile curved on her lips. She looked at me with an affectionate gaze, acknowledging the sincerity in my words.


    "Is that so?" She mused softly, her tone holding a hint of both surprise and amusement. "I can see in your eyes that you''re not lying, huh? So, that''s what you truly feel about me." Her words carried a mixture of emotions, and she continued, "I was expecting something harsher toe out of your mouth, considering all the things I''ve done to you. But to think that you don''t know what to think of me... I can''t say if I should be hurt or satisfied with your answer."


    "Did you want me to hate you?"


    "No, for some reason, the thought of you hating me is really... unbearable."


    She walked closer to me.


    As Aria''s hand gently cupped my cheek, her words lingered in the air, carrying a sense of uncertainty and genuine curiosity. The room seemed to narrow down to the space between us, and her proximity only intensified the mysterious aura that surrounded both of us.


    "Adrian, I also don''t know what I feel for you," she confessed, her crimson eyes searching mine. "But what I do know is that I was happy when we did that yesterday. I''m actually quite curious about what happened to you after you woke up from that sma, as you seem like an entirely different person, as well as the strange mysteriousness that swells around you right now."


    "It would be best if you forget about finding anything out about me right now," I responded, my tone carrying a note of seriousness.


    "I know" she nodded, a smile ying on her lips before she leaned in, sealing our conversation with a kiss.


    ….


    The metallic sh of des and the crackling of arcane energy filled the training hall as Tristan and Alex engaged in their intense sparring session. The air sizzled with the energy of their sh, and the rhythmic sounds of steel meeting steel resonated throughout the spacious room.


    ng!


    Sparks flew in every direction, illuminating the hall with brief, fiery bursts. The twobatants moved with a fluidity that showcased their well-honed skills, each strike executed with precision and purpose.


    The mes burst forth, ignited by the sheer intensity of their sh. The blue crescent strike, a signature moves in Tristan''s arsenal, sparkled with a mystical glow as it sliced through the air. The training hall became a battleground of elements, where the mastery of swordsmanship met the finesse of magical prowess.


    As the echoes of their battle slowly faded, the two warriors stood in the aftermath, their breaths heavy but satisfied with the training session''s intensity.


    "Phew! Seriously when will I beat you"


    Tristan chuckled in response to Alex''s frustratedment, offering a hand to help him up. The private training room provided them a secluded space away from the prying eyes of onlookers, allowing them to focus on their sparring without the distractions of curious spectators.


    Tristan wiped his mouth, recovering from the unexpected water spray caused by Alex''s sudden question. He took a moment to collect himself before responding, and when he did, his honesty caught Alex off guard.


    "Yes," Tristan admitted, meeting Alex''s gaze directly. The admission hung in the air, and Alex couldn''t help but sport a teasing smile at his friend''s candid response.


    "So, you do like her, huh?" Alex remarked, the grin on his face widening.


    Tristan nodded, acknowledging his feelings for Louise. Despite being initially surprised by the directness of Alex''s question, Tristan realized that honesty was the best policy, especially with a friend like Alex who had a knack for seeing through things.


    Alex, satisfied with Tristan''s response, pped him on the back. "Well, you better make a move before someone else does. You wouldn''t want to see Louise taken by surprise, right?"


    "I''m sure you''ve noticed as well, right?" Alex asked, a touch of concern in his voice.


    Tristan, catching his breath, nodded slowly. He had indeed noticed the subtle shifts in dynamics, the unspoken tension that seemed to weave its way into the interactions among their small group of friends.


    "Yes"


    "Well, as much as I don''t want to be biased, I''m in your support, man, haha. Though Adrian is my buddy as well, hahaha," Alex said, attempting to lighten the mood with a nervousugh.


    As much as Tristan tried to deny it, the evidence of Louise''s affections for Adrian was bing increasingly evident. Subtle nces, the warmth in her smiles, and the extra attention she bestowed upon Adrian during their group outings—all pointed to a connection that went beyond mere friendship.


    Tristan, couldn''t help but feel a twinge of unease. He valued both his friendship with Adrian and the budding connection with Louise. The dynamics of their trio were shifting, and it was hard for him to ignore the palpable tension.


    "What about you and Aria?" Tristan said with a smile trying to change topic as he was having trouble thinking about theplexity of their rtionships.


    "Buddy, we don''t talk about that"


    ...


    As I made my way back to my room after the extended conversation with Aria, thoughts swirled in my mind about the unexpected turn of events. Delving into the mystery of her sudden recollection revealed more questions than answers. Aria, despite her magical prowess, couldn''t pinpoint the exact reason for her regained memories.


    The strangeness of the situation lingered, especially considering Aria''s behavior during our conversation. The memories of a previously annoyed Aria, who often seemed disinterested in conversing with me, resurfaced intermittently. It was as if the dynamics between us were shifting, leaving me in a state of uncertainty about what the future held.


    "Elena?" I called out as I approached my room''s door. There she was, standing anxiously, her eyes reflecting a hint of distress. The moment her gaze met mine, she hurriedly closed the distance between us and clutched onto my arms.


    "Adrian, I need your help!" she eximed, her voiceced with genuine concern. Sensing the urgency in her plea, I motioned for us to step into my room.


    "Calm down, Elena. Let''s talk for now" I reassured her, guiding her to the invitingfort of my living space.


    While I busied myself making tea, she settled onto the plush couch, her worry etched across her features.


    As I settled into my seat and handed her the tea, a momentary pause filled the room. Elena''s gaze, initially fixated on the soothing warmth of the tea, suddenly shifted.


    Her eyes bore into me, and an odd tension descended, making me acutely aware of her scrutiny.


    Without warning, her focus zeroed in on my neck. Confused by the sudden change in her demeanor, I felt an invisible weight pressing against my throat.


    Elena''s hand reached out, delicately touching the right side of my neck. The touch was gentle, but the intensity in her eyes hinted at an unspoken urgency.


    "Adrian, where did you get this?" she questioned, her voice carrying a mixture of curiosity and concern. Her fingers traced a barely noticeable mark on my neck.


    I was confused as to what she meant. "What do you mean?" I asked, resulting in her eyes dimming for some reason.


    ''Why is she mad?''


    Suddenly, the room''s light turned off, and darkness spread—a heavy descent of power emanated from Elena. I gulped, knowing the divinity that spread out of Elena. Although the pressure seemed to being from her, I knew for a fact it was my sister hiding beneath her shadows.


    ''Seriously, what did I do?''