"Who are you?"
"A warning." The figure didn't move, but Lucian felt pressure building in the air. "Stay away from Seraphina Ashenblade."
Rage flared hot in his chest. "Yeah, no."
"You heard me. Distance yourself. Now. Before you get her killed."
"Like hell I will. Who sent you? What do you—"
The figure moved.
Fast.
Impossibly fast.
A blade of shadow slashed toward Lucian's throat.
He dodged—barely—and countered with Mana Threading.
His practice sword glowed faintly as he channeled energy into it.
Struck at the figure.
Passed through empty air.
Shit!
The shadow reformed behind him.
Kicked him hard in the ribs.
Lucian flew, hit the ground, rolled.
Pain exploded through his side.
Too strong. Way too strong.
He scrambled to his feet, breathing hard.
The figure advanced slowly. Toying with him.
"You're weak. Pathetic. And yet you cling to things beyond your reach."
Another strike.
Lucian blocked—his sword shattered.
Wood exploded into splinters.
The shadow's blade came for his chest—
ICE.
A wall of crystalline ice erupted between them.
The shadow's attack shattered against it.
Lucian turned.
Elira Frostveil stood at the arena entrance.
Silver-white hair gleaming in the moonlight. Ice-blue eyes cold as winter.
Her hand was raised, frost spiraling around her fingers.
"That's enough," she said quietly.
The shadow turned toward her.
Stillness.
Then—
"The Frostveil heir." The distorted voice held... respect? Fear? "Interesting."
"Leave. Now."
"This doesn't concern you, ice princess."
"He's under my protection." Elira's voice was calm. Absolute. "That makes it my concern."
More ice formed around her. Deadly. Beautiful.
"Touch him again, and I'll freeze you solid. Then shatter you into dust."
The shadow seemed to consider.
Then laughed.
Low. Mocking.
"Very well. But the warning stands, Valemont. Stay away from her. Or next time, the Frostveil won't be here to save you."
The presence vanished.
Gone as suddenly as it appeared.
Silence.
Lucian stood there, ribs aching, mind racing.
Elira lowered her hand. The ice dissipated.
She walked toward him, studying him with those analytical eyes.
"Are you hurt?"
"I'll live." He straightened carefully. "Why did you—"
"I was watching." She said it like it was obvious. "I've been watching you for a while now."
"That's... not creepy at all."
A flicker of amusement crossed her face. "You're interesting, Lucian Valemont. And someone clearly wants you dead."
"Yeah, I'm getting that impression." He looked at where the shadow had vanished. "Any idea who?"
"No. But I'll find out." She examined the area, frost forming briefly on the ground where the entity had stood. "Dark magic. Old. Forbidden."
"Great. Just great."
Elira looked back at him.
For a long moment, neither spoke.
"Why help me?" Lucian asked finally. "You don't know me."
"I know enough." She turned to leave, then paused. "You're not what people say you are. And I'm... curious."
[AFFECTION INCREASED]
Elira Frostveil: 15 → 25
Status: Curious → Protective
New Status: "He interests me. And I protect what interests me."
Then she was gone.
Leaving Lucian alone.
Bruised. Confused.
And with even more questions than before.