Ashan led Narasha out of the main hall, the glow of lights and distant music slowly fading behind them as the doors closed. The cool night air brushed against their skin, carrying the faint scent of grass and trees.
Narasha glanced at him, her brows knitting slightly in curiosity.
"Where are we going?" she asked.
Ashan didn't slow his steps.
"Somewhere quiet," he replied. "A place that feels right."
Before she could ask anything more, Ashan slipped an arm around her and lifted her effortlessly against his chest. Narasha let out a short gasp, instinctively gripping his shoulder as he broke into a run.
"A-Ashan…"
He didn't answer, his feet barely touching the ground as he moved through the academy grounds. Trees blurred past them, branches swaying softly above as moonlight filtered through the leaves. After a short distance, he slowed and entered a clearing hidden deep within the grove.
It was a simple place. Flat ground, untouched grass, and an open view of the sky. The moon hung directly overhead, bathing the clearing in silver light, quiet and undisturbed.
Ashan gently set Narasha down.
She steadied herself, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear as she looked around. The distant noise of the party was gone. Only the soft rustle of leaves and the chirping of insects remained.
Ashan stepped back a few paces, then turned to face her fully.
Under the moonlight, his expression softened.
He bent slightly at the waist and extended his hand toward her, palm open.
"My queen," he said with a faint smile, "will you dance with me?"
For a heartbeat, Narasha stared at him.
Then she burst into quiet laughter.
"Puff…"
She covered her mouth, her shoulders shaking slightly as her eyes curved with amusement.
"You brought me all the way here just to dance?" she asked, a smile still lingering on her lips.
Ashan straightened, meeting her eyes without hesitation.
"Yes," he said simply. "Watching everyone inside made me want to try it. But I didn't want people staring. And…" He paused, then added honestly, "I don't have anyone else I want to dance with."
His gaze stayed steady, sincere.
"So I brought you here. Somewhere quiet. Somewhere no one will interrupt us. Somewhere that feels right for you."
Narasha's smile wavered. Warmth crept into her cheeks as she looked away, her heartbeat subtly quickening. After a moment, she turned back and placed her hand into his.
"…Very well," she said softly. "I'll dance with you."
She hesitated, her voice lowering.
"But I've never danced before. Not even once."
Ashan's fingers curled around hers, firm yet gentle.
"That's fine," he replied. "Neither have I. We'll learn together."
He led her into the center of the clearing. At first, their steps were awkward, unsure. Narasha moved carefully, her body tense as she tried to follow. Ashan noticed immediately, slowing his pace, adjusting his movements so she never felt rushed.
Their hands remained joined, warm despite the cool night air.
Little by little, the stiffness faded.
They began to move in a slow circle, their steps finding a quiet rhythm. Moonlight spilled through the trees, catching in Narasha's silver hair as it swayed with each turn. Her shoulders relaxed, and a small, genuine smile appeared, one she didn't try to hide.
Ashan watched her closely, matching her pace. His presence was steady, protective, but his touch stayed light, careful, as if he were afraid of breaking something fragile.
There was no music. Only the sound of the night, their breathing, and the soft rustle of grass beneath their feet.
And yet, it felt enough.
It wasn't perfect.
It didn't need to be.
Ashan gently turned her.
Narasha spun, then stumbled slightly as she came back toward him. Before she could lose her balance, Ashan caught her, his arm slipping around her waist to steady her.
They froze.
Her breath brushed against his chest. His hand remained at her side, firm and warm. Narasha looked up, startled by how close they were now.
Their faces were only inches apart.
Neither stepped away.
The clearing seemed to shrink around them. Even the night sounds faded, as if the world itself had paused to watch.
They began to sway again, slower this time. Ashan's hand slid from hers to rest at her waist. Narasha hesitated for a heartbeat, then placed her hand against his shoulder, fingers gently gripping his clothing.
Their steps became almost still.
Ashan's gaze lowered without thinking.
Narasha followed it instinctively and realized where his eyes had gone. Her lips felt warm under his attention, her breath growing shallow.
His heartbeat quickened.
Ashan inhaled slowly, then leaned in, his eyes half-closing as he made his decision.
Narasha's eyes widened just as his lips touched hers.
For a split second, her body went rigid, surprise locking her in place. Her hand pressed against his chest, uncertain, caught between instinct and emotion.
But he didn't rush.
The kiss was gentle. Steady. Unforced.
The shock in her eyes softened. Her shoulders eased. Her fingers tightened in his shirt instead of pushing him away. Slowly, hesitantly, her eyes closed.
She accepted it.
The warmth he shared seeped into her frozen heart, and something long buried began to melt. Feelings she had never allowed herself to name quietly bloomed within her.
Ashan deepened the kiss just slightly, careful, respectful, yet sincere. His arm held her close as their bodies fit naturally beneath the pale moonlight.
The forest around them felt distant, as if the night itself was giving them space.
When he finally pulled back, their foreheads rested together. Narasha's face was flushed, her lips parted, her breathing uneven. Ashan's breath mingled with hers, warm against her skin.
Neither spoke.
Something unspoken had settled between them, quiet and certain.
At that moment, an invisible barrier between them shattered, replaced by understanding and acceptance.
..
High above the academy grounds, a massive eagle circled silently. Its sharp eyes watched the clearing below, lingering on the two figures standing close beneath the moon.
After a moment, it turned away and glided back toward the main hall.
Outside the hall, Morevan stepped into the night air, his gaze lifting instinctively toward the sky. The eagle descended and landed smoothly on his shoulder, tapping its beak lightly against his head.
Morevan raised a hand and rubbed its neck absently.
His expression was serious.
"…Something feels wrong," he muttered. "I can't identify that girl. No species. No rank. Just a name."
His eyes narrowed.
"Both her and that guy… they're different. I've never seen identities like theirs."
The eagle let out a low sound.
"They might be harmless," Morevan continued, "but I'll keep watching. It might matter later."
"What are you doing out here?"
Morevan turned.
Dessa stood beside him, arms crossed, her gaze curious.
"Nothing important," he replied. "I sent Storm to scan the surroundings. This academy is larger than I expected."
Dessa nodded. "It's the largest in the country."
She studied him briefly. "Do you like it here?"
Morevan looked back at the sky.
"I'm not sure," he said. "But it's less boring than I thought. There are interesting people."
Dessa smirked. "Interesting people? Found a pretty girl?"
Morevan scoffed. "Girls? Most of them are older than me. Not my type. And the ones my age aren't impressive."
She raised a brow. "Then who?"
He slipped his hands into his pockets.
"People with unusual power," he said calmly. "Unique skills. Worth watching."
His gaze lingered toward the trees.
"Watching their growth could be useful."