The sun was already beginning to set, painting the city with shades of orange.
Arven walked through the narrow streets of the academy, keeping the blindfold over his eyes tightly adjusted. The distant murmur of students still echoed the weight of the recently completed written exam.
He took a deep breath and let his thoughts flow, glancing away from Gabriela, Lucien Temaki, and even Kael and Lyra, who stood out in their own pursuits.
But his attention was on none of them.
'Elara…' he thought.
The name echoed in his mind, recalling the incident at her mansion. He had ended up on the rooftop, slipped, and fallen near her while she was bathing — an awkward moment, but undeniably memorable.
'I need to get close to her… without frightening her.'
He analyzed the details mentally:
The encounter had been unexpected.
She probably remembered him, but not in a way that would associate him with that accident.
Any misstep could jeopardize his entire mission to protect her from her cruel fate.
As he walked, Arven began planning carefully:
Casual conversations in the city or academy, using study or training as pretexts.
Observing her routine and preferences before attempting direct contact.
Keeping his true name and abilities hidden, ensuring nothing could reveal him.
He thought with the precision of a strategist. Every step needed to be calculated.
The Arven from the book knew Elara as the villainess; the Arven of the real world still didn't fully know her.
'Maybe she's different… maybe I can change the course of things.'
Passing by a city square, Arven spotted her from a distance.
Elara was accompanied by Lucien Temaki and Gabriela Asumi.
The two girls seemed to be discussing something — the tone was serious, and although Arven couldn't hear the words, the intensity of the conversation was unmistakable.
He stopped behind a column, keeping a safe distance.
He observed every gesture, every expression:
Elara kept her shoulders straight, but the slight furrow of her brow betrayed concern. Her eyes, though sharp and cold, revealed a vulnerability not present in the book. Every step seemed deliberate, as if she were evaluating the terrain and people around her.
Gabriela Asumi gestured lightly, showing firmness, but also tension. The way she pressed her hand against her waist indicated she was trying to assert herself in the discussion, yet there was respect and caution in every movement.
Lucien Temaki remained calm, almost like a pillar of stability. His gaze scanned both, measuring each unspoken word and gesture, giving subtle signs that he controlled the conversation without raising his voice.
Arven analyzed their interaction.
Their positioning suggested hierarchy and trust: Lucien at the center, Elara slightly ahead, and Gabriela gesturing in front of Elara.
Even amidst tension, there was mutual respect. No gesture was aggressive; each knew their limits.
Small signals, like the slight tilt of Elara's head or Gabriela adjusting her cloak, hinted at attentiveness and vigilance, almost like a silent game of strategy.
'This changes everything… she's not just the villainess I knew from the book. I need to handle her carefully, but also understand who she really is.'
Arven continued following them discreetly, paying attention to the surroundings.
He analyzed possible scenarios:
A suitable moment to approach.
Clues about the subject of the discussion between Elara and Gabriela.
How Lucien interacted with both, and what signs indicated influence or control over the situation.
Small details — facial expressions, posture, hand gestures — that might reveal intentions or weaknesses.
His thoughts were meticulous; every detail mattered.
'If I want to save her from the fate I know, I need to understand every detail… every step. And I cannot fail.'
The afternoon breeze carried the scent of the city mixed with herbs and flowers from small squares and gardens. Arven inhaled deeply, feeling the calm before any action.
As night approached, Arven made his final reflection:
'Patience will be my ally. Observation my weapon. And secrecy… my shield. If I act carefully, I can get close to her without revealing who I really am.'
And so, he followed from a distance, keeping all three in view as they walked toward a quieter alley, ready to learn more about their interactions, intentions, and, most importantly, Elara, the key to his plan.