Chapter 60: The Calm Before the Storm

The aftermath of the duel was almost too quiet. The buzz of excited whispers that had once filled the air was now replaced by a lingering sense of uncertainty. Students, still reeling from the display of power, gathered in small groups, speaking in hushed tones about the battle they'd witnessed. But as I walked back toward my quarters, none of it mattered to me.

Victory was expected.

It wasn't arrogance—at least, not entirely—it was just the way I approached everything. Why break a sweat when I knew I could handle anything that came my way?

I stretched lazily, the warmth of the afternoon sun casting a golden glow over the academy's massive gardens. The air was thick with the scent of flowers and fresh grass, mingling with the distant hum of magic. It was peaceful, too peaceful, and for once, I found myself looking for something to do, something that might actually spark my interest.

"You handled that well."

I didn't need to look to know who it was. Lysandra's voice, sharp but teasing, always seemed to find me when I least expected it.

I turned, seeing her approaching with her usual confident stride. Her fiery red hair framed her face, and her eyes—sharp and inquisitive—never seemed to miss a thing.

"Did I?" I asked, half-smiling, as I crossed my arms over my chest. "You didn't think it was too much? I was trying to keep things interesting."

Lysandra rolled her eyes dramatically. "You didn't even break a sweat. That was probably the easiest duel I've ever seen. Not that I'm complaining. I knew you were strong, but that was something else."

I shrugged. "It wasn't really a challenge. If you want a real fight, find Aldrin." I glanced toward where Aldrin had gone to lick his wounds. "He's better at playing the role of the 'underdog.'"

Lysandra let out a laugh, clearly amused. "True, but I think Aldrin got the message. Besides, I don't think anyone will underestimate you again anytime soon." Her eyes narrowed with a knowing gleam. "Still, I was impressed. The way you controlled the vines, the way you handled the magic—it's not often someone can combine nature and light so seamlessly."

I hummed thoughtfully, staring up at the sky for a moment. "It's not something I've always been able to do. It took time. Control comes with practice, but..."

"You don't need to prove anything." Lysandra's voice softened, though her tone held a trace of something more serious. "Everyone's seen your power, Aria. There's no need to keep hiding behind that 'lazy princess' act."

I sighed. "I'm not hiding, Lysandra. I just don't see the point in overexerting myself unless it's absolutely necessary."

She raised an eyebrow. "You mean unless someone's actively annoying you. Like Aldrin?"

"I don't like being underestimated." My golden eyes flared for a brief moment. "I'm not a toy for others to poke and prod. If they want to see what I'm really made of, they can find out the hard way."

Lysandra grinned. "You're as stubborn as ever. But you're right. No one should mess with you just because you're 'the princess.'"

We walked together for a while in silence, the only sounds the occasional rustling of leaves as the wind stirred the trees. It wasn't long before Lysandra spoke again.

"You know, there's something more going on here than just that duel, right?"

I gave her a sideways glance. "What do you mean?"

Lysandra paused, her expression thoughtful. "The Academy has been quiet lately. Too quiet. There are whispers, Aria. Whispers about someone trying to shake up the balance of power. Some of the students... they're not here just to learn. Some of them are here for other reasons. Dangerous ones."

I stopped walking, my attention piqued. "What do you mean by 'dangerous'?"

She looked around, ensuring no one was listening. "I can't say much, but there's talk of a faction that's been gaining traction. They want more power, more control over the magic in this world. And they're not afraid to do whatever it takes to get it."

I narrowed my eyes. "Do you think they're here at the Academy?"

Lysandra bit her lip, clearly hesitant. "I don't know. But I'm starting to think there's more to the Academy than just magic lessons and combat training. There's something darker lurking beneath the surface."

I shook my head, brushing a stray lock of hair from my face. "And you think I should get involved?"

"No." Lysandra's voice was firm, her usual teasing tone replaced by something more serious. "I don't think you should get involved. Not unless you're ready. But you're the one who has the power to stop this. I've seen it. I know you have the strength, Aria. You don't need to hide from it."

I felt her words settle into the pit of my stomach. There was a reason why the Academy felt different today. A reason why things seemed off-kilter, like an unsettled storm on the horizon. Lysandra was right; this wasn't just about dueling or showing off my magic. There were bigger forces at play, forces that had been gathering in the shadows, and now they were starting to make their move.

"I'll think about it," I said quietly. "But I don't plan on getting involved in anything unless I know exactly what I'm up against."

Lysandra gave me a knowing look. "That's more like it."

---

Later that night, as I lay in bed staring at the ceiling, my mind was a whirlwind of thoughts. The duel was over, but I couldn't shake the feeling that something much more dangerous was lurking beneath the surface of this Academy. Something that, whether I wanted to admit it or not, was slowly drawing me in.

In the stillness of the night, I closed my eyes, allowing the cool breeze from the open window to wash over me. My mind drifted to thoughts of Gaia—my mother. It was moments like this when I felt the weight of being her daughter most acutely. There was always a part of me that felt like I didn't belong here in this world of power and ambition. But the truth was, I had no choice but to stand tall.

I wasn't just the lazy princess anymore. I was a force in my own right, and it was time I started acting like it.

The next day, the Academy's halls were filled with whispers again. There was a change in the air, a quiet tension that could no longer be ignored. I felt it too, deep in my bones.

The calm before the storm had arrived.

And I would be ready when it finally broke.