— ORIEN —
Holy shit, she literally just punched a guy—no, not any guy, Ashen Bloodfang!! He's, like, the most respected warrior in his pack! No one messes with that guy except Riven, and even then, they rarely get into physical altercations. Probably because they'd actually kill each other if presented the opportunity.
What's even crazier than her hitting him, though, is that he just… took it? He didn't even fight back, he was so aghast.
It was so awesome.
Now, she's back to eating like nothing even happened.
Wow.
I nibble on the salad I got, but my appetite is all over the place. Something about her presence has my body on edge; well, I say 'something' because saying the actual reason feels gross. It isn't fair to her that she smells like… that after living her entire life as a guy. Also, those idiots keep fussing over her, and I don't want to be like that.
She deserves better.
So, I'll keep pretending that sitting next to her doesn't kinda make me want to throw up because it makes my insides boil with weird feelings.
Suddenly, there's a bunch of commotion outside, and from what I can hear it's High Lord Daeleon and the Young Lord Zarenien returning to the valley. I glance sideways at Zoryn to gauge her reaction, but her face is hard to read. She seems… a little concerned, but mostly defiant.
She stands up to leave, and I fully intend on leaving her to deal with whatever it is on her own because she most certainly doesn't need help—especially from a little scholar like me—but a big burly hand pats me on the back. When I glance up, it's Roan, and he's giving me a smile and motioning for me to follow.
I've never been good at saying no to people, so, of course, I end up going with them. Hopefully she doesn't get angry with me…
Outside the food hall the two lords are sitting on a bench, and she walks straight toward them. Zarenien glances behind her and looks at each of us that are following, and it sends a chill down my spine.
I think he's going to kill me.
His eyes narrow, and I know for sure he's going to kill me. I fall behind another step and hide myself slightly behind Roan, hoping he'll be able to fend off the dragon long enough for me to run if it comes down to it.
Zoryn has an entire conversation with them, but I'm barely listening, and by the time they finish talking, I have no idea what even happened. All I know is that the atmosphere is tense and I feel super awkward, so I just say the first thing that comes to mind.
"Um… the fire show starts soon," I offer. "If… if you guys wanted to go, it's really pretty. The serpent clans are really good with alchemical lights and choreography."
I've been excited to watch it ever since the gathering started yesterday. Serpents are so beautiful, and I admire their quiet grace and strength—even though they're super scary and intimidating to talk to. Sylas is going to be the lead dancer, too, and even though my stomach turns to ice with just one look from him, he's an incredibly talented dancer.
It's rare to see someone with a gift like his perform… and even rarer to witness it in good company. I wonder if Zoryn will like it, too?
—————
— ZORYN —
The amphitheater is carved into the hillside, stone benches gleaming under hundreds of floating lanterns. The crowd hums with anticipation as Orien leads me down the steps.
Orien knew exactly where to take us for good seats, and we came early enough to have a spot right in front of the stone stage. I chat with him about small, daily-life things, while we wait for Roan to arrive with our treats.
It turns out Orien is a top-ranked alumnus from the only academy in the world, Breezeport. Who would have thought a small little guy like him would have such a huge brain in there? I mean, I always performed well in schooling, but organized education like an academy was a bit far-fetched, and you have to be exceptional to even consider it.
What an impressive man! He is a few years younger than me, too—he's only twenty.
"I'm back!" Announces Roan as he approaches us, his arms completely full of various snacks and treats.
"What the hell, Roan? Did you wipe out all the food stalls?" I gawk at the spectacle of a bear man carrying two arms full of food.
"I didn't know what you'd end up being in the mood for, so I got some of everything," he shrugs, sitting down beside me. He hands Orien, who is on my other side, a bag full of skyberry tarts.
Orien's eyes widen, "You got so many!"
"You're skinny, you could use some extra calories," Roan says.
"He's avian, Roan, they aren't supposed to be big. Their bones are light and hollow so they can fly easier," I sigh. "I'll eat some for you, don't feel pressured."
Orien smiles warmly at me and nods appreciatively. Gods, he's so cute I want to squeeze him! Is this cuteness aggression? Like, the same feeling I get when I see a kitten or puppy. He is also very pretty to look at, with pointed features and such soft eyes complemented by his blond hair.
My reverie is interrupted when a familiar scent reaches my nose. I whirl around only to find Riven and Ashen sitting in the seats behind us. Man, what the hell?
I glare at them, but before I say anything, Riven raises his hands up in surrender. "I promise we don't have bad intentions! Ashen even promised not to talk the whole time."
Ashen nods dejectedly, careful not to meet my gaze.
"Fine, but so much as breathe wrong and I'll skewer you and feed you to the rabid animals the second the festival is over," I huff, facing the front again.
They don't respond verbally, which I can only assume is silent agreement.
We wait for what feels like an hour, but is probably only thirty minutes, before the seats are all filled and the amphitheater is buzzing with life and anticipation.
"It's starting soon," Orien murmurs.
His voice is soft, but there's pride tucked into its edges.
I take another bite of my skyberry tart—my sixth one, don't judge—and scan the stage.
Then, the torches go out all at once.
The crowd gasps as a single, thin whistle pierces the silence. Then—
FWOOM.
A circle of alchemical fire spirals open, casting molten gold across the amphitheater. The flames dance like liquid ribbons, coiling upward until they form an incandescent ring… and through that ring, he steps out.
Sylas.
Except it isn't the sardonic, too-pretty snake from earlier.
This Sylas is… ethereal.