Chapter 40 - Avaris

"But we lost," she murmured, the pain still fresh.

"Yes. But defeat does not diminish the value of the effort. You have grown from this fight, even if not physically, but certainly mentally. Nala expected more, it is true. But she knows what you are capable of. And so do I. You are strong, Mahara. Much more than you realize."

Mahara looked down, a little embarrassed, before burying her face in the pillow with a shy smile.

"But I let myself get carried away by that feeling, Mahara… I was so excited about the result that I did not hesitate to let Windor perform the Collapse. I thought you were strong enough that, even witnessing it up close, you would not be traumatized."

"..." Mahara fell silent.

"I did not measure my actions according to what you were going through... I was selfish and did not think about the consequences for you later. I am sorry, Mahara. I know this won't fix anything, but I hope you'll forgive me."

He squeezed her hand with effort. "It doesn't have to be now, only when you're ready."

Mahara stared at him for a moment, her eyes filled with doubt. Her mind was in turmoil, and she hesitated to form the words. Edgar, with his gaze fixed on the ceiling, seemed distant, but his voice exuded a sincerity that made the weight of the conversation weigh heavy in the air.

The silence stretched between them, tense and charged, until, finally, Mahara broke the silence. "When I walked through that door… I came with the intention of apologizing…" She paused, the words now heavier than she had imagined. "But now, Young Lord, I don't know if I have that right."

The doubt still echoed in her voice, the uncertainty about herself evident. Edgar, without taking his eyes off the ceiling, answered in a light tone, but with a frankness that cut through the tension.

"Apologize for what? I agreed to train with you... Even though you hurt me more than I would have liked, I bet Nala will grind my bones again tomorrow, so I don't see the point."

"It's not just that... I mean, it's also that, but…" Mahara hesitated, her words tangled as she tried to find a way to express what she felt. "Truly, when the Great Lady Nala gave me permission to hurt you, Young Lord... I felt something…"

She struggled to convey what was in her heart, clearly lost in her own emotions. "It was joy, Young Lord. I felt genuine joy."

"Hmm?" Edgar grumbled, surprised by her sincerity. "I can't say that's a nice thing to hear..." he admitted hesitantly.

"But it's the truth," Mahara continued, her voice almost breaking. "I felt pleasure in every blow I landed. And why? Why did I do something so unscrupulous? It was only when I calmed down, when I took a shower and reflected, that I realized…" She hesitated, but didn't meet his eyes.

"I was getting revenge. I took out all my frustration, my fear, my regret on you, Young Lord. You became the target of it all." She paused, her breathing heavy, as if the weight of her own words were suffocating her. "And yet, even now, I'm not sure if I was completely wrong. Deep down, I feel a kind of relief after hurting you… and somehow, I don't regret it."

"So, you're not going to apologize?" Edgar's question was hesitant, confused, and there was a hint of disappointment in his voice.

"I want to wait… I don't feel like I can forgive you right now. And honestly, I don't think I deserve to apologize. At least, not today." She stood up, propping herself up on her forearm to look him directly in the eye, a more vulnerable expression appearing on her face.

"I see. Alright, then. I can wait." Edgar's answer came out with a hint of hope, as if he had something to hold on to.

"Thank you, Young Lord..." She thanked him sincerely. "Can I ask you one more thing? I'd like to stay here a little longer..." The shy smile finally appeared, and for the first time since she entered the room, she seemed more relaxed.

"Of course... Just be careful not to squeeze too hard..." he teased, a sarcastic tone escaping.

"I'll try..." She smiled genuinely, closing her eyes as she snuggled softly against him, hugging him and lying down next to him.

Edgar didn't say anything else, remaining beside her in silence. He reflected on everything that had happened, while the room filled with an unexpected stillness.

The silence persisted for a long time until Abigail finally arrived, interrupting the tranquility and preparing everything for the beginning of Edgar's treatment. ______________________________

Avaris is the grand metropolis of western Bordium, on the shores of the timid Gulf of Arupana. With over 2 million inhabitants in the main city and surrounding areas, it is home to the largest and most prosperous seaport on the continent.

The gateway for all international visitors to Bordium. One of the 10 major tourist cities on the continent and one of the 5 largest metropolises. Known for its art, education and a trading hub where you can buy things from every continent (even the rarest ones).

Its docks never sleep, with ships from all corners of the world docking daily. Here, merchants trade goods ranging from the finest fabrics of Wallbur to precious metals mined from the volcanoes of Thanax. The floating markets in the harbor sell everything from the rarest spices to forgotten tomes and grimoires.

The city is home to schools, debate halls and philosophical theaters where the greatest thinkers discuss topics ranging from ancient magic to modern science. Avaris is known worldwide as the seat of the first and oldest Academia Internationalis Draconum. But Avaris' commitment to education goes beyond academia.

Anyone who shows talent can find a patron willing to fund it, and outstanding scholars are invited to write their names on the Columns of Wisdom, a monument that immortalizes the greatest intellects who have ever passed through the Academy.

In addition, numerous Dragon Ladies and Dragon Lords often teach at the Academy. In fact, most of the professors are Dragons who work there and also study and conduct their own research.

Avaris stands out with its monumental architecture, full of tall, sturdy towers, suspension bridges, and towers decorated with enchanted stained glass. The Mirror Towers of Arupana, the largest and most luxurious center of commerce, are golden structures that reflect the sunlight like beacons for travelers and are considered by many to be the symbol of the city.

The streets are wide and paved with polished stone, adorned with columns and arches that narrate the history of the continent. Fountains and murals decorate the squares, displaying epic scenes of the conquests and deeds of the ancient heroes of Bordium.

Music fills the air—troubadours enchant visitors with traditional melodies, while classical musicians play symphonies in the grand auditoriums. Colossal sculptures of black marble and cut crystal adorn the hanging gardens.

Avaris is the domain of the Great Dragon Lady Zenobia Drakhan. Her presence is an imposing force—a wise and feared ruler whose vision of a utopia of knowledge and commerce propelled Avaris to the heights of civilization.

Her palace, the Drakhan Palace, stands atop the small plateau that flanks the city to the north. From there, the domed palace displays its grandeur while allowing its ruler to command a commanding view of nearly the entire city.

Zenobia governs with a balance of tradition and innovation. Her council is made up of scholars, mages, merchants, and generals, ensuring that Avaris continues to grow in both intellect and economic power.

"Are you following, Edgar?" Inessa asked, as she calmly explained a little about the city to Edgar.

They, along with Abigail, Aglaya and Hendrina were in a luxurious carriage that they had rented at the entrance to the city, since it was forbidden to fly within the city perimeter, unless authorized in case of emergency.

"I understand… of course. But what I want to know is why are we here?" Looking through the carriage window, Edgar was sitting on the bench between Abigail and Inessa.

"Didn't I already explain, Edgar?" Inessa replied, turning to look at him.

"You only said that we are here to participate in the auctions. You didn't say why we have to participate." He replied with an innocent expression, looking at Inessa.

"If they were ordinary auctions, we wouldn't be here…"

The truth is that Avaris establishes its trade agreements and spreads its influence throughout Bordium through a very important event, the Torment Fairs.

Held four times a year, these fairs are grandiose events where the world's most powerful merchants and collectors gather for auctions involving unimaginable sums.

For both the general public and high-class tycoons, this is an event of fun and possible encounters and unique opportunities. The richest merchants in the world pass through here, seeking to expand their connections and influence.

The best way is to spend money on the various auctions that take place almost simultaneously. Of course, the most prestigious auctions are only 3, one for each day of the event. Here the richest can show off their fortunes at will in the beautiful and rare treasures.

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