Lyra pushed open the door to Nclai's dorm.
She hadn't knocked. She hadn't even paused. The worry in her chest had overridden every ounce of politeness.
"Nclai, are you—"
Her voice died.
Nclai stood there, shirtless, back turned toward her.
The early morning light pooled through the window, crawling down his bare back, casting shadows across muscle and skin that looked more carved than grown. There was an otherworldly sheen beneath his surface... a faint pulsing glow, barely visible veins of crimson tracing his spine and shoulders.
Lyra froze.
The air left her lungs.
He turned his head slightly, just enough for her to see his profile. Sharp. Composed. Unaware of the storm he'd just caused.
She wasn't breathing.
Her heart? Not beating... drumming.
Her thoughts? Gone.
That's not fair, her mind whispered.
He's not just powerful. He looks like... like...
She didn't even finish the thought.
"I... I didn't mean to—!" she blurted, then whirled around and slammed the door shut behind her.
Outside, she stood still, face flushed red.
What did I just do?!
...
Ten minutes later
She was waiting by the dorm gate. Still recovering.
When Nclai finally walked out, fully dressed now, coat returned, eyes calm, she didn't speak. Just looked at him once, then turned her gaze away.
She didn't know what to say.
She kept seeing that light on his skin.
He's dangerous, she thought.
But... he's also beautiful.
...
They walked together in silence.
Down the long stone pathway. Past statues. Halls. Training fields still scarred by combat. The Academy wasn't quiet, but for them... it may as well have been.
Students turned as they passed.
Some whispered.
Others moved aside, giving him space.
Their eyes held a strange mix. Awe. Fear. Admiration. Uncertainty.
"He's the one who broke Dresk."
"I heard he didn't even cast spells."
"They say he has... blood powers."
"That wasn't a human fight."
Nclai didn't react.
Lyra walked beside him, head slightly lowered. Not in shame, but in thought.
They don't know him.
...
When they reached the main courtyard, a bell rang three times.
An announcement.
Headmaster Gral's voice boomed from the crystal lattice above the tower:
"All combatants from the recent tournament, report to the central assembly. Final rankings and honors to be distributed at dusk."
"And... changes in rooming arrangements will be announced. Those without current guardianship may apply for temporary housing."
Lyra's head turned immediately.
She looked at Nclai.
He didn't react to the word guardianship, but she did.
"You... don't live with anyone, do you?" she asked.
He shook his head.
She hesitated, lips parting once... then closing.
Then she nodded, more to herself.
"You should stay with us," she said. Quiet, but firm.
Nclai blinked. "What?"
"My house. My family's place. It's big. Safer. And you shouldn't be alone."
She glanced away, hiding her face. "I mean... not that you're not used to being alone. I just think... you shouldn't have to be. That's all."
He didn't answer right away.
But the silence that followed wasn't awkward.
It was new.
...