Zara stared into Lilith's eyes for a long moment, her breath growing shallow, chest rising and falling with the weight of the emotions crashing over her. A heat burned inside her—one she didn't fully understand, one she feared might consume her.
Suddenly, she pulled herself away, heart pounding, afraid she might lose control if she stayed any longer.
But just before she reached the door, she turned back, looked into Lilith's eyes, and said softly but firmly:
"Lilith… I love you too."
Then, like a startled deer, she fled the room—leaving behind only the echo of her words and the soft click of the door.
Lilith stood frozen, her mind blank. For several seconds, she didn't even breathe. And then—
A slow, wild grin stretched across her face.
Her hand came to rest lightly under her chin as her eyes gleamed with a feverish delight. A small laugh escaped her lips, turning into a soft murmur:
"Ahhh, Zara… I love you so much. So, so much…"
Her voice dropped to a whisper, almost mad with devotion.
"I'll never let you go… Never. Ahhh…"
Zara stepped out into the cool air of the courtyard, her legs moving on their own until she found herself sitting on a large stone near the flower beds. She leaned forward, resting her arms on her knees, her face flushed and burning.
"So… this is what love feels like, huh…" she murmured under her breath, her voice barely above a whisper.
Her heart was pounding wildly in her chest, like it was trying to break free. She pressed her hand against it, trying to calm the storm of emotions.
"We're lovers now… that means… we can be lovey-dovey like Father and Mother…" Her cheeks grew even redder at the thought, a shy smile pulling at her lips. "I don't even know how my parents will react to this…"
The thought both terrified and amused her.
She slowly closed her eyes, letting her head tilt back slightly as she took a deep breath of the morning air. And as she sat in silence, Lilith's face danced through her mind—her mischievous grin, her gentle eyes, her warmth.
A soft, peaceful smile bloomed on Zara's lips.
"I love her…" she whispered, the words still strange and beautiful on her tongue.
She suddenly had a flashback to when she boldly declared she would build her own harem, just like an emperor.
A soft chuckle escaped her lips as she shook her head.
"Well... I don't think I want that anymore," she murmured, a wry smile tugging at the corners of her mouth.
Elarion World – Celestia Academy, Garden Grounds
Seven students stood gathered outside the lush academy garden, each clad in the formal Celestia Academy uniform. The air was tinged with tension and curiosity as they waited.
Mia leaned toward Elira and Selena, whispering behind a cupped hand.
"Hey, Elira... do you know why we were summoned back to the academy after just one week?"
Elira raised an eyebrow, clearly just as confused. She shook her head. "No idea. Ask Selena, maybe she knows something."
Selena, ever composed, stood with her hands clasped neatly in front of her. "I don't know either. I've been with Elira these past few days, training in swordsmanship."
Just behind her, Drokan stood silently, his eyes fixed on Selena. His expression was dark, his brows furrowed.
That bastard Zakar… how dare he hurt her…
His fists clenched slightly at the memory, but then a troubled look crossed his face.
But I can't kill him. He's like a brother to me… so why do I feel this angry…? Is it because… she's the one who got hurt?
He looked away, confused, his heart pounding with emotions he didn't want to name.
Another student stood quietly among them—a boy with messy black hair and an expression that shifted rapidly from deep thought to sudden excitement.
Carl furrowed his brows, thinking back to the meeting a few days ago.
Why was Principal Elric so nervous in front of that vampire progenitor?
His eyes widened slightly.
Wait… is it because the progenitor is super strong?
Suddenly, he punched the air with a triumphant grin.
"Ha! That means Principal Elric is actually weak! Wow, I'm a genius!"
Next to him, an elven girl with flowing green hair and eyes like emeralds blinked at him with mild disbelief.
Wow… Mother was right. Humans really don't know how to regulate their emotions. One second they're brooding, the next they're punching the sky like idiots. What a weird species…
She adjusted the ornate vine-shaped clip in her hair and sighed softly, casting another sideways glance at Carl, who was now muttering something about ranking systems and power levels with stars in his eyes.
And to think this is one of the academy's top students according to principal… huh.
In front of the gathered students, three figures suddenly appeared—Principal Elric, Vice Principal and magic instructor Natalia , and Combat Instructor Jason.
Elric, ever the composed gentleman in his silver-accented robes, offered them a warm smile.
"Hello, students. I know you may be surprised to be summoned back to the academy so early during your leave…" he began, his voice smooth and calm. "But don't worry—it's for a good reason."
The students exchanged puzzled glances.
Elric cleared his throat and continued, "All of you have shown tremendous potential. After much deliberation, we've decided to transfer you to the Elite Class. Starting immediately, your training will become significantly more rigorous."
For a moment, silence hung in the air—then came the reactions.
Mia puffed out her cheeks and crossed her arms with a pout. "Tch. This is good news? Hmph… Sounds more like torture to me."
Elira and Selena, however, had different expressions.
Elira's eyes gleamed with excitement. "Finally… more intense training!"
Selena pushed her glasses up slightly, a rare spark of energy in her usually composed gaze. "This will help me refine my swordsmanship even more…"
Jason stepped forward now, arms crossed and expression sharp.
"Don't think this will be some reward vacation. Elite Class is brutal. I'll personally oversee your combat regimens. Those who fall behind... stay behind."
The students stiffened slightly.
Natalia, who had been watching quietly, finally spoke, her voice like velvet laced with steel. "Make no mistake—this is an honor. But it's also a challenge. We'll see which of you rises... and which of you breaks."
Elric smiled again, this time more faintly. "Welcome to the next level. Dismissed for now. Training begins tomorrow morning at dawn. Do not be late."