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Chapter 134
Helios found himself at the gates of the academy the very next day. He had thought about it over and over but there was just no other way he could go about it.
The morning sun cast a warm, golden glow across the cobblestone paths of the academy, illuminating the grand structures with their ivy–clad walls and ornate facades. Birds sang cheerfully from the treetops, and a gentle breeze carried the scent of blooming flowers through the air. The academy was alive with the hustle and bustle of students moving between classes, their laughter and chatter filling the courtyard.
“my Lord” the guards greeted, bowing down as they opened the door to lead him in, the feeling he had just being in the same vicinity was instant he could feel his magic try to get closer to her, to feel her near and this time, he did not fight it.
Lucia was seated on a wooden bench under the shade of a large oak tree, her nose buried in a thick volume on arcane history. She was so engrossed in her reading that she didn’t notice the figure–approaching her until a shadow fell across the pages of her book. Startled, she looked up to see Helios standing before her, a nervous smile playing on his lips and a bouquet of vibrant flowers clutched awkwardly in his hand.
“Helios!” Lucia exclaimed, closing her book and rising to her feet. “What brings you here? I didn’t expect to see you at the academy.”
Helios shifted his weight from one foot to the other, glancing around as if making sure no one else was nearby. “I, um, wanted to see you, he said, extending the bouquet towards her. “These are for you.”
Lucia took the flowers, their sweet fragrance enveloping her. “Thank you, they’re beautiful,” she said, though her brow furrowed slightly in confusion. Helios had never brought her flowers before. In fact, his sudden appearance at the academy was unusual in itself she had believed that he was not coming to see her till he was done with his business at least that’s what she thought the last four weeks. “Is everything alright? You seem… different.”
- 1.
Helios laughed, a bit too loudly, and ran a hand through his tousled hair. “Everything’s fine, just thought I’d surprise you. You know, take a break from your studies and all.”
Lucia raised an eyebrow, her suspicion growing. “Helios, you’ve never been one for spontaneous visits. What’s going on?”
He avoided her gaze, his eyes darting to the side. “Can’t a guy just visit his girl without an ulterior motive?” he asked, attempting to sound casual but failing miserably.
Lucia crossed her arms, the bouquet resting in the crook of her elbow. “You know you are not just some guy, Helios. Spill it. What’s really going on?”
He sighed, finally meeting her eyes. “Alright, you got me. I need your help with something. Something… delicate.”
Lucia’s heart skipped a beat. Helios was rarely this cryptic. “What kind of help?”
He glanced around once more, ensuring they were alone. “Not here,” he whispered. “Can we go somewhere private?”
Intrigued and a bit wary, Lucia nodded. “Follow me.”
She led him through the academy grounds, weaving between students and faculty until they reached a secluded garden at the of the campus. It was a peaceful spot, with a small fountain at its center and high hedges providing privacy. They sat on a stone bench beside the fountain, the sound of trickling water adding a serene backdrop to their conversation.
“Alright, we’re alone. Now tell me what’s going on,” Lucia demanded, her curiosity piqued.
Helios took a deep breath, his demeanour shifting to be more serious. He looked around.
