After checking his spells and stats proudly one last time,
It was already late at night.
He walked toward the dark corner of the training room where a massive white crow sat with her wings stretched out dramatically.
For a crow, her size was ridiculous.
More like an eagle than anything else.
What am I supposed to do with this girl?
In the last four months, she had become… more and more rebellious.
She didn't even respond when Alden talked anymore.
She always stayed in the darkest corners of the room like some misunderstood gothic princess.
Even when Alden tried to take her out for fresh air, she refused.
The only exceptions were a few random moments every day when she'd just fly off somewhere without any warning or permission.
Alden had tried asking her about it.
Every time, her response was the same. A glare with a dramatic flap of her wings.
She still couldn't talk but Alden understood the meaning of those actions very clearly.
"Mortals, do not meddle in my affairs."
Same exact energy. Every. Single. Time.
Still, Alden didn't stop her from going out.
Most people couldn't even see her thanks to her strange ability.
So, he wasn't worried in the slightest.
He looked at her again. She was sleeping, still standing upright like usual.
Even if she acted like a rebellious kid, she never really left him alone.
She could have gone back and slept in the room, but she stayed here. In the cold training room. With him.
Which meant she was just being… her.
Alden crouched down and gently picked her up.
She had grown a lot. She reached his full arm's length now. Her feathers were warm.
She didn't stir, only let out a quiet noise and buried her head deeper into her wing.
"Yeah yeah," he muttered, adjusting his hold. "Pretend you're not a softy."
He stood up and walked out of his personal training room.
But the tip of her wing lightly tapped against his chest just once and then went still again.
But the corner of his mouth curved just a little.
He didn't say anything else.
Morning came faster than expected.
Alden stretched and sat up. Kyun was still perched in her usual spot, still asleep.
He just got up and headed for a quick shower.
After a quick shower, he got dressed in the usual academy uniform.
Kyun was still asleep, her feathers rising and falling in rhythm.
Alden didn't wake her. He never did.
He just packed his things and left quietly.
"Don't worry, Kyun," he muttered before stepping out. "Not going out to buy milk."
It didn't take him long to reach the class.
His friends hadn't arrived yet… except Amyra, who was right beside him. She had just arrived as well.
She always arrived at the same time as him.
Sometimes, Alden even wondered if she waited nearby just to walk in with him.
Nah… that couldn't be it, right? Enjoyingthestory?Findmoreat*.
I'm just overthinking again.
They took their usual seats near the left corner of the class.
"Hey Alden, are you free this weekend?" Amyra asked suddenly.
Is she finally going to make a move?
Alden blinked. She didn't look nervous or flustered. Just casual and calm. But that was even weirder.
He had known about her little crush for a while now. She wasn't exactly subtle about it. But until now, she never said anything directly. Never asked anything either.
He glanced at her, trying to read her expression. But she just stared ahead, like it was no big deal.
The weekend was actually tomorrow. He had initially planned to just go on with his trial tomorrow.
So he didn't have time.
But before Alden could even say anything, Amyra looked at him, her gaze held seriousness he hadn't seen before.
"I need you… please." Her voice was soft.
His brain stopped working for a second.
Did she just confess?
Amyra cheeks flushed red almost immediately, understanding her choice of words. "Wait— I don't mean it like that!"
He blinked, confused.
"I mean… okay, listen. There's this banquet," she said quickly. "It's kind of a big deal."
She sighed. "All those rumors about us? The ones that were spreading around the academy? Yeah, my father heard them too. So now he wants to meet you."
"Because of school rumors?"
"Yeah," she muttered, avoiding eye contact. "My dad thinks you're my secret boyfriend or something."
Alden stared at the front of the class.
This day was getting more insane by the second.
He had gotten on a comfortable level with Amyra that he didn't really think about it much anymore.
She wasn't the same cold, distant "Ice Princess" everyone used to call her in the novel and even in this world.
If anything, Alden just saw her as a socially awkward girl. Like Nyx… but also completely different.
Nyx had that smug confidence. Amyra had elegance, sure, but when flustered, she melted faster than any ice.
"This isn't going to end with your dad challenging me to a duel or something, right?"
"No. I promise." She responded quicker than the speed of light. "Please do me a favour this once. I'll be sure to repay you."
Her eyes—those big violet orbs stared at him pleadingly.
He looked away and muttered, "Fine. I'll go."
Honestly… the rumors are my fault anyway.
If I hadn't kissed her—even by accident—none of this would've started.
I should at least take responsibility for the mess I caused.
And besides, I doubt the Emperor would try anything. Not when I'm Jeremy's disciple.
Amyra's eyes lit up. "Really?"
"Yeah. But if I die from political drama, I'm haunting you forever."
She smiled just a little. "I don't mind if it's you haunting me."
His heart skipped a beat looking at her smile. Not because he found it sweet. Not because it was cute.
She said it with a faint smile, as if joking.
But Alden wasn't sure if it was really a joke.
If you've been enjoying the chaos in this book, you're definitely going to want to check out my new series — it's got the same wild energy and maybe even more unhinged moments.
I waited until I had a decent number of chapters before dropping it here and now felt like the right time.
It's still in its early phase, so your feedback would really help shape where it goes. Let me know what you think.
And don't worry, I'm not dropping this book. Regular updates will continue as always.