Another Ally

-Jessica Anaxia, 19 years old-

Jessica turns her head to the side and gazes out the carriage window at the passing countryside. She is currently on her way to the Lycan Dukedom to inspect the first batch of lumber that had been recently harvested. Regardless of the refreshing view that she sees, she's in a foul mood. Jessica would much have rather teleported to her destination, but because this was a highly scrutinized deal, so she has to play the part of the dignified noble. That, and she wants to hide her teleportation magic as much as possible. She could never know who was watching her at any given moment, so she wants to keep her cards close to the chest. As a result, almost no one outside of her household knows of this magic.

Her thoughts then turn towards Alexis Lycan, the duke of the domain she was travelling to. He is a mysterious man with an even more mysterious power. Jessica bites her thumb in glee as she continues looking out the window at the idyllic countryside. Her mood instantly improves as she thinks of him. He is quite the puzzling individual so she can't get an accurate read on him. But luckily enough, she enjoys solving difficult puzzles.

Alexis is also awfully charismatic, and he carries himself like a seasoned lord with many years under their belt. To make matters better, he is also easy on the eyes. Though she thinks he is a little too underweight and unhealthy looking to really sway her heart any significant amount.

She sighs in boredom before looking at the other occupant of the carriage, her personal knight Alette. She is a petite woman with short, bobbed black hair and chocolate brown eyes. Her slender frame has led many men to underestimate her, all of whom were now buried six feet under.

"How much longer?" Jessica asks in a dispassionate voice, visibly irritated. She hates traveling by carriage.

Alette smiles softly before looking at some landmarks in the distance. "I would say about another half day, miss."

"Ugh." Jessica pouts, puffing her cheeks out and crossing her arms. Alette thinks she looks cuter when she does that, but she keeps it to herself.

"I would suggest practicing your magic to pass the time, miss." Alette eventually says to her mistress.

Jessica grumbles before following her knight's suggestion, conjuring small white flames around herself. After a few seconds of this, she is already bored once again.

-

After what felt like an eternity, Jessica finally arrives in the village of Starfall. She gracefully steps out of the carriage, aided by the elderly driver. Ordinarily, she would have hopped out with no regard towards conventions, but she wants to keep up appearances for this trip.

Jessica is wearing a brilliant white silk dress with red roses woven onto the sides, trailing up towards the sleeves. She opted to wear no jewelry besides a pair of red earrings. They are not too flashy but definitely eye catching. She enjoys the attention her ensemble brings her, as any young lady would.

She surveys the villagers around herself. They have newfound life in their eyes and purpose in their steps. The sight is a far cry from the first time she had visited and spied on Alexis' speech from an alleyway. Back then, the villagers were all dead eyed and full of despair. It is quite shocking how much they have changed in such a short while. Hope is a powerful thing indeed.

While she is absentmindedly watching the people carry on about their lives, a man arrives to greet her. She slowly drags her eyes towards the man and has to do a double take when she sees him. She can't believe her eyes.

"Welcome back, Jessica Anaxia." A silky-smooth voice says. It belonged to Duke Alexis Lycan.

Except now, he is much more muscular and fit. His skin radiates life and is smooth and unblemished. Gone is the pallid look of malnutrition and neglect. His ash-colored hair is now even longer than hers and tied up in a ponytail which is secured with a piece of brightly colored cloth. He is breathtakingly handsome, causing her to gasp when she saw him.

"A... Alexis?" She starts before shaking her head hard. "Oh! forgive me... Duke Lycan, I mean." Jessica says in a fluster. She is completely thrown, and her game is off. The sight amuses Alexis it seems.

-

Alexis Lycan, 18 years old-

Alexis watches the woman attempt to compose herself. Her effort is commendable, so he holds in his childish laughter out of respect for her.

"Yes, Lady Jessica." Alexis says while smiling gently. "I know my appearance is shocking. But this isn't the place for such conversations. Let us move locations and I will tell you more."

-

"Shadow Magic..." Jessica whispers aloud in awe. "How did you acquire it?" she asks eagerly, leaning forward in her seat.

Alexis shakes his head slowly, apparently apologetic. "I'm not entirely sure to be honest. I woke up one day a few weeks ago completely surrounded by strange smoke." Alexis then glances towards Sabrina, who is standing behind him. "I was understandably distressed at the time, but my maid Sabrina, shook me out of it. The smoke disappeared moments after"

Alexis faces Jessica once again before continuing. "I haven't been able to reliably summon or control the smoke again after that day."

For obvious reasons, he absolutely cannot tell her about Arabella nor his contract with her, so he lies to Jessica to an extent. They say the best lies have truth woven into them.

Jessica looks greatly disappointed; it is obvious that she wanted to know more about acquiring it. New magic is rarely discovered nowadays after all. Much less a seemingly new element at that. Such a thing would capture the curiosity of just about anyone.

"I appreciate you telling me, Duke Lycan." Jessica replies, bowing slightly. "I swear on my houses honor to not tell a soul. But! I humbly request that you allow me to mentor you." She says excitedly and leans further forward. When it comes to magic, she becomes entranced. A magical prodigy indeed.

Alexis tilts his head to the side as he thinks this over, rolling the idea around in his brain. He could honestly use a convenient cover to openly practice his magic. It will create all sorts of problems if he suddenly shows proficiency in an unknown element out of nowhere.

"Very well." Alexis nods his head. "I would appreciate any guidance you could provide."

"Yes!" Jessica yells as she jumps up and grasps Alexis' hands and brings them to her chest. She has a dopey look on her face and a faraway look in her eyes.

It would seem that Alexis has successfully acquired another ally. He hides his triumphant smile as he watches the woman in front of him.