Celeste's gaze softened as she looked down at the tiny white cub. Its eyes were wide with fear, trembling beneath her hands. Despite her frustration with Leroy, despite the jaguar stalking them earlier, she couldn't leave the creature behind.
"I'm taking it," she said firmly, scooping the cub into her arms. The little animal whimpered, curling against her chest. Its warmth spread through her, igniting a strange sense of responsibility.
Leroy frowned, arms crossed. "You really trust your instincts too much. That cub slows us down. We should leave it."
"I don't care," Celeste shot back. Her voice was sharp, fueled by a mix of resolve and irritation. "It's defenseless. I won't let it die because you think it's a nuisance."
Nathan hovered above, the anti-gravity board keeping him steady. "She's right, Leroy. We can protect it. But we need to move carefully. The forest isn't done testing us yet."
Leroy groaned but made no move to argue further. Celeste adjusted the cub against her chest, walking ahead with Nathan and Leroy trailing. Every step through the forest reminded her of her training at the academy, yet every shadow made her senses scream.
Hours passed, and the forest grew denser. Nightfall approached, and the canopy blocked most of the remaining light. The sounds of distant creatures echoed, each rustle making Celeste tighten her grip on the cub.
"You're unusually quiet," Leroy remarked. His tone was curious, almost teasing, though his eyes scanned the darkness with calculated wariness. "Usually you're snapping at me nonstop."
Celeste shot him a glare, though she didn't slow her pace. "I don't have time for arguments. Not when there are predators everywhere. And don't forget—I was hate royals like you. So I don't trust you "
Leroy's smirk faltered. "I'm not asking for trust. I'm offering… protection."
Celeste didn't answer. She focused on moving through the thick undergrowth, her sword of light strapped to her back, senses alert. Nathan hovered slightly ahead, guiding the safest path while keeping a watchful eye on both of them.
Then, from the shadows, a rustle came—a flash of black fur. The jaguar had returned, circling them, eyes gleaming in the fading light.
"Move!" Nathan yelled, rising above the forest floor.
Celeste instinctively stepped in front, holding the cub closer. She channeled her energy into her sword, the blade humming as it glowed brighter. The jaguar leapt, and Leroy reacted in an instant, slashing his sword in an arc that deflected the creature.
Celeste rolled her eyes but didn't speak. Her anger and relief warred inside her. She was furious at Leroy's arrogance, yet grateful for his timely intervention.
Hours passed, and the trio continued. By the time the moon rose, the forest's edges thinned slightly, revealing a faint glow ahead—light spilling from what appeared to be the spires of a distant structure.
"The Academia," Nathan said softly. "That has to be it."
" Celeste, watch out ." Leroy shouted to warn Celeste but the arrow was quicker than him.
She swallowed the pain at first. "Are you okay? " Nathan moved off the board after it descended quickly . " It hit sratched my arm ." Celeste was acting brave . " No, let me see." Leroy tore the Arm sleeves off.
" That's not good!" Leroy wasn't happy about what he saw . " It's going to heal, won't it" Nathan asked. " Is that bad? Celeste asked. She didn't imagine the injury to be bleeding .
" Nathan, her for a moment. " Leroy commanded as he got some Herb's from around. " Leroy, what are going today? " Celeste was still acting tough. She was taught that the enemy can never see you weak.
Her painful screams echoed in the woods as Leroy put the herbs.
" You are gonna be fine." Nathan looked into Celeste is eyes assuring her.
"That arrow was supposed to pass through your arm." Leroy looked at the arrow. The arrow looked was normal steel.
" What do mean? " Nathan asked. Celeste looked at Nathan in surprise. " scan around for any more traps. " Leroy commanded Nathan. After Nathan left , Leroy leaned closer to Celeste.
" I know you don't like me. I can't blame you. "Leroy looked sincere. " I am royal that something I wish for." Leroy's voice was innocent. Celeste was quiet. Cauh
"Neither did Nathaniel. "Leroy used a low tone.
"No more traps . " Nathan returned.
"We should keep moving ." Celeste cleared her throat.
Celeste's chest tightened. Relief mingled with unease. They were nearing their destination, yet the forest still pulsed with the unknown. Every step closer to the academy reminded her of the warnings she had received: the royals, the shadows of Varsa, and the dangers lurking even within the walls of Vasra Academia.
Leroy, surprisingly, stayed close. His usual arrogance muted, he kept pace beside her, though his eyes never left the horizon. Celeste's instincts screamed caution, yet a strange part of her felt… reassured.
As they approached the gates, a sudden chill filled the air. A shadow shifted among the trees, and Celeste froze.
"Something's watching," she whispered.
Nathan hovered closer, scanning the darkness. "I see it… but it's not attacking. Not yet."
Leroy's hand twitched toward his sword. "It's testing us. Just like the portal trials. We should stay sharp."
Celeste nodded, holding the cub closer, and the three stepped forward, the glow of the academy growing larger with every stride. The air shimmered with energy—powerful, unfamiliar, and full of unspoken threats.
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