The days turned into weeks, and Zen found himself growing more comfortable at the academy. He and Alice had become inseparable, their bond strengthening with each passing day. They would often spar together, their swords clashing in a rhythmic dance as they honed their skills.
One evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, Zen and Alice found themselves walking through the academy's gardens, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere. The air was filled with the sweet scent of blooming flowers, and the sound of soft music drifted from a nearby pavilion.
Alice turned to Zen, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "You know, Blackthorn, you're not as terrible as I thought you'd be," she said, a teasing smile on her lips.
Zen chuckled, feeling a warmth in his chest. "I'll take that as a compliment, Razon," he replied, his eyes locked onto hers.
As they walked, the silence between them grew, but it was no longer awkward. Zen felt a sense of comfort with Alice that he couldn't explain. He glanced over at her, noticing the way the fading light danced across her features.
Alice caught his gaze and smiled, her eyes crinkling at the corners. For a moment, Zen's heart skipped a beat. He felt a flutter in his chest, and his mind went blank.
Alice's smile faltered for a moment, and she looked away, her cheeks flushing slightly. Zen's heart raced as he realized that maybe, just maybe, Alice felt the same way.
The moment was interrupted by the sound of approaching footsteps. Kael and Ryker appeared, grinning from ear to ear. "Hey, you two lovebirds!" Kael called out, winking at Zen. "What's going on?"
Zen rolled his eyes, feeling a mix of relief and disappointment. Alice, on the other hand, seemed unaffected, her composure restored. "Just enjoying the evening, Kael," she said, her voice light. "What about you?"
As they chatted, Zen couldn't shake off the feeling that something had shifted between him and Alice. He glanced over at her, and their eyes met, the air between them charged with unspoken emotions.
*To be continued...*