Lyra's POV
Time moved quickly at Alpha Academy during those weeks.
Following that intense training session with Alaric, his behavior toward me grew even more distant. He maintained careful physical boundaries, covering himself completely in long sleeves and thick pants. Still, I caught glimpses of his struggle through the tension in his jaw when he demonstrated blocks, or the way he'd jerk back if he accidentally moved too close. Something was tormenting him, though I couldn't understand his fierce resistance.
Sometimes I wondered if my presence reminded him of my Aunt. Could he see her reflection in my features? Perhaps he feared experiencing that kind of loss again. These questions consumed my thoughts during our training sessions over the following weeks.
