Page 20 of Stolen By Dragons

I found myself performing better than I expected as another barrier launched towards me. There was a rhythm to it, a flow that felt almost... natural. As I dodged one barrier and slid under another, I heard a whoop of excitement from Chris.

"Aria, that was amazing!" he called out, grinning widely.

I felt a flush of pride and something else - a spark of confidence I hadn't felt since arriving in Dracaria. Maybe I could do this after all.

We continued taking turns maneuvering through the obstacles launched at us, all four of us excelling incredibly. I was only just making it, unable to clear the jumps with the same exceptionalism as the other three, but still well enough.

As the session wound down, Elowen gathered us all together once more. "You've all shown great potential today," she said, her voice carrying a note of genuine approval. "But remember, this is just the beginning. The challenges ahead will test you in ways you can't yet imagine. It's crucial that you continue to push yourselves, to explore the limits of your abilities."

Her gaze swept across the group, lingering for a moment on each face. "The fate of two worlds rests on your shoulders. It's a heavy burden, I know. But I believe you're equal to the task."

As we filed out of the training grounds, I fell into step beside Chris. "So," I said, trying to keep my voice light, "saving two worlds. No pressure, right?"

He chuckled, but I could see the worry in his eyes. "Yeah, no pressure at all. Just another day, I guess."

We walked in companionable silence for a moment before he spoke again. "Listen, Aria... I was wondering if maybe we could talk more? You know, about... everything? Maybe in your room, if that's okay?"

I felt a flutter in my stomach that had nothing to do with magical training. "I'd like that," I said, smiling up at him. "Just let me freshen up first?"

"Of course," Chris nodded, a relieved smile spreading across his face. "I should probably do the same. Meet you in about half an hour?"

"Sounds perfect," I agreed.

As we reached the common area, I caught sight of Ossian again. He was standing in a shadowy alcove, his eyes fixed on me. For a moment, I remembered the kiss we'd shared, and I felt a confusing mix of emotions wash over me.

Chris followed my gaze, his expression darkening slightly. "Everything okay?" he asked, a note of concern in his voice.

I tore my eyes away from Ossian, focusing on Chris. "Yeah," I said, trying to sound more confident than I felt. "Everything's fine."

As I headed to my room to freshen up before Chris's visit, I couldn't shake the feeling that things were about to get a lot more complicated. Between the looming threat of the Void, our new magical training, and these confusing new feelings, I was in for quite a ride.

I stepped out of the shower, feeling refreshed after the intense training session where I’d worked up quite a sweat. What I wouldn’t do for some deodorant, but it seemed the wash the Dracarians had provided had actually stopped me from smelling in the session, which was welcome. As I was drying off, I heard a knock at the door.

That hadn’t been half an hour, Chris was early.

Was something wrong?

Wrapping myself in a towel, I called out, "Just a minute!"

I rushed out and quickly pulled on some of the more casual clothes that had been in my room upon my return.

But when I opened the door, it wasn't Chris standing there. It was Ossian.

My heart skipped a beat. He looked... intense. His dark eyes were fixed on me with a hunger that both thrilled and terrifiedme. A confusing mix of excitement and apprehension coursed through me at his presence.

"Ossian," I managed to say, my voice barely above a whisper. "What are you doing here?"

He leaned against the doorframe, his voice low and strained. "The Dracarians haven't provided sustenance for us vampires. Unlike my companions, I haven't fed in quite some time. I hate to admit it, but I fear I will struggle.”

A shiver coursed through me as the reality hit me, but I still made myself ask. "What do you mean?"

"I'm worried I could fall into a bloodlust state if I don't feed soon," he explained, his eyes never leaving mine. "It would put everyone at risk. I... I'd appreciate your help, Aria."

My mind raced. So he was here to ask me to help him? Tofeedhim? That was what he meant. What would that even mean? Would he drain me dry? No, Zephyr and Chris had said vampires had learned over the centuries to only take what they needed, and they used a strange compelling magic to make humans forget.

Wait… had he tried to do that to me in the communal area? He’d been odd when he’d first approached me, then seemed shocked. Had he actually tried?

I opened my mouth to respond, but before I could form words, I saw Chris approaching from down the hall. Ossian noticed too, and without another word, he turned and strode past Chris back down the hall, not waiting for my response.

---