The palace was alive with quiet whispers and shifting energy. Every corridor had purpose: training, politics, surveillance. I walked beside Alina, dreadlocks bouncing slightly with each step, red eyes scanning. Today wasn't combat, but the stakes were just as high. Knowledge here was as deadly as any Volcra.
Genya approached us first, warm smile tugging at her lips. "You're the one helping the Sun Summoner, right?" she asked, curious but polite.
"Yes," I said, serious. "I'm here to make sure she learns to control her power—and survives while doing it."
Alina's cheeks flared faintly, sunlight pulsing nervously as she tried to focus on the floor. Already flustered, I noted mentally. She didn't like attention divided, even politely.
As we walked further, Zoya appeared, crackling energy in her fingertips. She stopped abruptly, eyes narrowing slightly at me. "So, you're the one keeping the Summoner alive," she said, tone confident but teasing.
"Yes," I replied, voice calm and steady. "She's learning, and I'll make sure no one overwhelms her."
Alina's glow flickered faintly again, jaw tight. My internal smirk acknowledged her jealousy—it was subtle, but unmistakable. I remained serious; this wasn't the time for teasing yet. Shadows stirred faintly within me, dormant, watching, waiting.
The rest of the day was a mix of observation, palace etiquette lessons, and minor training exercises. I stayed close to Alina, guiding her hands during controlled bursts of sunlight, positioning her to maximize her safety and efficiency. Genya and Zoya practiced nearby, occasionally glancing toward me, curiosity in their eyes. I noted it quietly, assessing potential allies without letting it distract me from my primary duty.
During a short break, Genya smiled and asked a question about a particular maneuver. I explained carefully, still measured. Alina's cheeks flared immediately, sunlight flickering faintly. "You… don't need to talk to her so much," she muttered under her breath.
I kept my voice calm, serious. "Politeness isn't a threat," I said. Humor stayed tucked away. Safety came first, training second, and her flustered reactions… well, they were entertaining enough for later.
By evening, the palace was quiet, corridors emptying as trainees retired. Alina leaned against a railing, golden glow softening as she exhaled. "Thanks… Zac," she murmured, small smile tugging at her lips.
I allowed a faint grin. "We're making progress," I said lightly, tone safe, teasing just enough to ease tension.
She laughed softly, brushing her hair back. The fluster was still there, subtle but obvious. Shadows remained dormant, light controlled, the day survived. Genya and Zoya had taken notice of me in ways I would explore later. The palace held intrigue, training, and danger, but for now, I had kept Alina safe—and observed the beginnings of connections that might become… more.