Chapter 22: Whispers and Shadows

Chapter 22: Whispers and Shadows

The following day began as any other, though a peculiar weight seemed to linger in the academy’s air. Aetrial had tried to brush off her strange encounter with the supposed “guest lecturer,” Anos, but the image of his crimson eyes and unsettling presence refused to leave her mind.

Why do I feel like I’ve seen him somewhere before? she wondered, making her way to her next class.

---

A Brewing Storm

The academy buzzed with rumors. Whispers traveled between students, their hushed tones carrying speculation about recent events:

“Did you hear about Aetrial Ranolf breaking that advanced barrier spell yesterday? I thought he was all talk and no talent!”

“Yeah, but did you see him? He was like... calm, confident, even...”

“Beautiful?” a girl interjected, her voice laced with awe.

“Shut up. He’s a guy,” another hissed, though his cheeks flushed as if he secretly agreed.

Unbeknownst to Aetrial, her unintentional mastery of the dark barrier spell had caused quite a stir, adding fuel to her already infamous reputation.

---

A Tense Meeting

As Aetrial entered the lecture hall, she was met with wary glances and lingering stares. She sighed, brushing a strand of hair from her face. Why do they always look at me like I’ve grown a second head?

Her thoughts were interrupted when Professor Eldrin called for her to stay after class.

When the lesson ended, she approached his desk, her hands clasped behind her back.

“You wanted to speak with me, Professor?”

Eldrin adjusted his glasses, his expression unreadable. “Yes, Aetrial. I’ve been observing your progress closely, and I must admit... you’ve surprised me.”

“Surprised you how?”

“Your control over dark magic. It’s... uncharacteristically refined for someone your age. Even among the Ranolf family, such skill is rare.”

Aetrial frowned, unsure how to respond. Was that supposed to be a compliment?

Eldrin continued, his tone serious. “Dark magic is a double-edged sword. It’s powerful but dangerous. I advise caution, lest you lose yourself to its influence.”

“Understood,” she said curtly, though his words left her feeling uneasy.

---

A Shadowy Presence

Later that evening, as Aetrial walked through the academy’s library, she felt an odd sensation—a prickling at the back of her neck, as if someone were watching her.

She turned sharply, scanning the rows of bookshelves, but saw no one. Shrugging it off, she continued browsing, her fingers trailing along the spines of old tomes.

Unknown to her, a shadowy figure observed her from the upper balcony.

“She’s progressing faster than expected,” the figure murmured, its voice barely audible.

“Yes,” came another voice, deeper and more authoritative. “But she is still unaware of her true potential... and her true enemy.”

The shadows merged into the darkness, leaving no trace of their presence.

---

A Sweet Escape

Deciding she needed a break from the suffocating atmosphere of the academy, Aetrial headed toward the town square. The memory of the pastry shop lingered in her mind, and the thought of a warm tart and a quiet corner was too tempting to resist.

As she walked, the cool evening air brushed against her skin, and the distant hum of townsfolk filled her ears.

When she reached the shop, the familiar bell chimed as she stepped inside. The warm, sugary aroma instantly relaxed her.

She ordered her favorite pastry and sat near the window, letting herself unwind. For a moment, she felt like a normal person—no rumors, no stares, just peace.

---

An Unexpected Guest

The doorbell chimed again, and a shadow fell across her table. Looking up, she froze.

Anos stood there, his crimson eyes alight with amusement.

“You again,” she said, her voice a mix of surprise and annoyance.

“I didn’t expect to see you here,” he said, taking the seat across from her without asking.

“Do you make a habit of invading people’s personal space?”

He chuckled softly. “Only when they’re interesting.”

Aetrial frowned, unsure how to respond. Interesting? What’s that supposed to mean?

The two sat in silence for a moment before Anos spoke again. “You seem troubled.”

“Troubled?” she repeated. “I’m not troubled.”

“Your expression says otherwise.”

She sighed, deciding it was best not to argue. “If you must know, the academy’s been... overwhelming lately.”

“I see,” he said, leaning back. “Then consider this a momentary reprieve. No expectations, no judgments.”

His words caught her off guard, and for a brief moment, she felt her defenses lower.

---

The Villain Revealed

As Aetrial finished her pastry and prepared to leave, Anos remained seated, watching her closely.

“Thank you,” she said awkwardly, unsure why she felt the need to express gratitude.

“For what?”

“For... not being insufferable,” she said, a hint of a smile tugging at her lips.

He chuckled, a deep, rich sound. “You’re welcome.”

As she stepped into the night, Anos watched her go, his expression darkening.

The same shadowy figure emerged beside him.

“My lord, you seem quite taken with her.”

“She’s... intriguing,” Anos admitted, his crimson eyes glowing faintly. “But she’s also a mystery I intend to unravel.”

“And if she becomes a threat?”

Anos’s smile turned cold. “Then I will deal with her... personally.”