Tears of midnight Crystal

Chapter 8

As I swung my sword, the clang of metal against metal echoed through the training ground. My opponent, Aric, was quick and precise, his movements a blur as he pressed forward. Normally, I would have matched him blow for blow, but today, my thoughts were elsewhere. They kept drifting back to the girl I met in the forest—the girl with the captivating eyes and the aura of mystery.

"Focus, Aryx!" Aric shouted, his voice breaking through my reverie just in time for me to parry his strike. But my response was sluggish, my mind clouded with images of her. Her laughter, her curiosity, the way the sunlight filtered through the trees and danced on her hair.

With a swift maneuver, Aric knocked the sword from my hand and landed a solid hit to my shoulder, sending me sprawling to the ground. The clatter of my sword hitting the dirt brought me back to the present, the sting of defeat sharper than any physical pain.

"Aryx, what's wrong with you today?" Aric asked, extending a hand to help me up. "You've never lost focus like that before."

I accepted his hand, feeling a flush of embarrassment. "Sorry, Aric. I guess I'm just... distracted."

Before I could explain further, Elara, my best friend, stormed over, her face a mask of frustration. "Distracted? That's an understatement," she snapped. "You were practically daydreaming out there. What's going on with you?"

I glanced around, making sure no one else was listening. "I met someone in the forest," I admitted quietly. "A girl."

Elara's eyes widened, and then narrowed with a mixture of surprise and irritation. "A girl? That's what's been on your mind? Aryx, you've never let anything distract you from training before, let alone someone you just met."

"She's different, Elara," I said defensively. "There's something about her... I can't explain it. I can't stop thinking about her."

Elara crossed her arms, her expression softening slightly. "Different how?"

"She doesn't have the mark," I said, my voice barely above a whisper. "No powers. But there's something else. She's... effortlessly beautiful, and there's a strength in her that I can't ignore."

Elara sighed, shaking her head. "You're hopeless, Aryx. But you need to get your head back in the game. This isn't like you."

"I know," I said, running a hand through my hair. "I'll try to focus."

Elara put a hand on my shoulder, her eyes searching mine. "Just remember, training is important. Don't let your feelings for this girl cloud your judgment."

"I won't," I promised, though I knew it was easier said than done. As I picked up my sword and resumed my stance, my mind was still filled with thoughts of her, the girl from the forest. But I pushed them aside, at least for the moment, determined to regain my focus and prove to myself—and to Elara—that I could handle both my duties and the unexpected feelings that had taken root in my heart.

Despite my promise to Elara, thoughts of the girl from the forest continued to plague my mind throughout the day. Training sessions with Aric and the other warriors became increasingly challenging as I struggled to maintain focus. Each time I closed my eyes, her face would appear, her laughter echoing in my ears.

As the sun began to dip below the horizon, signaling the end of our training for the day, I found myself wandering toward the edge of the forest. The same forest where I had first met her. I hoped against hope that she would appear again, that I could see her smile and hear her voice once more.

Aric noticed my distraction and approached me, his expression a mix of concern and frustration. "Aryx, what's gotten into you?" he asked, crossing his arms. "You're usually the first to volunteer for extra sparring, not the last."

I sighed, running a hand through my hair. "I know, Aric. I can't stop thinking about her."

Aric's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "Her? The girl from the forest?"

I nodded sheepishly. "Yeah. I can't explain it, but there's something about her that's... different."

Aric clapped a hand on my shoulder. "Well, whatever it is, don't let it distract you too much. Remember what Elara said."

"I know," I replied, looking toward the forest with a mixture of longing and uncertainty. "But I need to see her again. I need to understand."

Aric gave me a knowing look. "Alright. Just be careful, Aryx. You never know what—or who—you might find in those woods."

With a nod of thanks, I watched as Aric walked back toward the training grounds. Taking a deep breath, I stepped into the forest, the familiar sights and sounds enveloping me like an old friend. The trees whispered in the gentle breeze, their leaves rustling with secrets and mysteries.

I wandered deeper into the forest, following a path that seemed to beckon me forward. As dusk settled over the land, casting long shadows across the forest floor, I heard a rustling ahead. My heart leaped in anticipation, hoping it was her.

And then, there she was—standing amidst a clearing, bathed in the soft glow of twilight. Her eyes met mine, and a smile tugged at the corners of her lips.

"You came back," she said softly, her voice like a melody in the evening air.

"I had to," I replied, stepping closer to her. "I couldn't stop thinking about you."

She tilted her head, studying me with those mesmerizing eyes. "I'm glad you did."

We stood there for a moment, the forest around us alive with the sounds of nature. In that moment, I knew I had found something special—something worth exploring, despite the risks and uncertainties that lay ahead.

As we talked late into the night, sharing stories and laughter, I felt a connection growing between us. And in her presence, the worries and doubts that had clouded my mind earlier began to fade away, replaced by a sense of peace and contentment.

Little did I know, this meeting in the forest would mark the beginning of a journey that would change both of our lives forever.