A Z R I E L (A Freenbecky Fanfiction)

CHAPTER 14

AELIA'S POV

It's Wednesday. I'm finally back in class—specifically, physical training.

Here, we're taught to hone both our physical strength and supernatural abilities. Right now, I'm focusing on the flame hovering above my palm. A fireball. Concentrated, burning, pulsing with my will.

The first time I tried this, it was the size of my fist. Now, it's nearly as big as my head. That means something.
I'm improving.

I'm at one side of the training grounds with the other elementals. We've been at it for at least 30—maybe 40—minutes, and exhaustion is beginning to creep into my limbs. Holding the fireball this long has drained me more than I expected.

So when Professor Elbrus finally calls an end to class, I let out a deep breath of relief.
I need sleep. Like, now.

I quickly exited the training grounds and walked my way to the dorms which is about 10 minutes away.

When I passed by the field, I stopped in my tracks when someone walked in front of me, blocking my way.

It's Izel. I groaned, what does she want now?

"Fireheart," she says flatly.

"Yeah?" I respond just as flatly, arms crossed.

"Can we talk?" She coldly asked me which sent shivers down my spine. I'm taller than her but the aura she emanates is so scary that it made me step backwards.

"About what?" I said feigning confidence to not appear weak in front of her.

"I believe you saw my request last week?" She nonchalantly answered, remembering the duel invitation, I gulped discreetly.

"I did."

"And you haven't responded?" She sassily spoke giving the impression that it's my obligation to do so.

"Cause I don't want to."

She smirked, a scary one that I felt my knees tremble.

Get it together Aelia. I said to myself.

"Look, Izel," I say, lifting my chin. "I don't know what your problem with me is, but I'm not looking for trouble."

"If you don't want trouble, then accept my duel invite." Her eyes gleam with something sharp and wild. "Unless... you're scared?"

"I'm not scared of you."

"Then what's stopping you?" she snaps.

"I'm just not about to entertain you and your little jealousy issues."

"I'm not jealous of you." I saw fire burning in her eyes. I think I pissed her off.

"Aren't you?" I challengingly said, that pissed her off more. "This is because of Kali right?" She didn't respond, but I saw her jaw clench and unclench.

"You cheated on her, I heard." I don't know where I'm getting this much courage. I guess I'm just really tired and have no time to deal with anyone's bullshit as of the moment.

"That's none of your business, newbie."

"It shouldn't be. But since you're here trying to involve me in whatever shit you two have going on then It might as well be my business too."

"You're a brave one, I give you that."

I scoffed in her face.  "Save the compliments."

I try to walk past her—but she grabs my arm. Hard.

I flinch. She's stronger than she looks, either that, or I'm way too drained. I struggle to break free, but her grip is iron.

"You're all talk newbie, so brave when I can kill you right here right now if I want." Her voice is laced with spite. 

She then pushed me very hard which caused me to fall on the ground, I was about to stand up when I saw Izel holding a bow and an arrow aimed straight to my head. I was unable to move.

Where the hell did that came from? She don't have anything with her earlier, She pushed me, then when I looked up she's suddenly bearing a weapon?

"One wrong move and this arrow goes straight through your head newbie." She threatens. 

I gulped, and this time, not as subtle. Seeing my reaction, this bitch grins.

"Not so brave now huh?" She annoyingly stated. "Tell me, what an elemental like you would do with my arrow that travels faster than lightning?"

"I bet I can travel faster than that," a voice says behind me.

Familiar. Deep. Calm. 

but I dare not to look, who knows what Izel would do.

"Stay out of this, Azriel." Izel spoke. Without sparing a glance at her.

Azriel?

"I suggest you drop that, Valentin," Azriel says, still calm—but there's steel in her voice.

Izel groans, exasperated. "You're lucky I'm not a psychopath." She exhales, and the bow and arrow vanish into thin air.

I blink. That's how she summoned it? That's terrifying.

"What do you want Azriel?" She asked annoyed now shifting her attention from me to Azriel.

"I want you to leave the girl alone." She briefly answered. 

I feel Azriel move closer, then her hand gently grips my arm, helping me to my feet. Her touch is steady. Protective.

"What's up with you people, always saving her?" Izel exclaimed annoyed. 

Her words echo in my head. Always saving me.

Is she talking about the harpy? Or something else? Has Azriel saved me before?

Was Izel the one who attacked me then?

"Stop picking on her, Valentin." Azriel spoke with a serious tone.

Izel chuckled humorless "Do you also do this to all the newbie's Eirene picked on? Be all superhero and shit?"

Azriel doesn't respond—just stares her down with such intensity it's almost tangible. I'm suddenly very, very glad that look isn't aimed at me.

"I'll leave her alone if she accepted my duel invite." Izel then again spoke when she received no response.

Azriel turned to me, staring at me emotionless. After a few seconds she turned back to Izel then spoke

"If you want a duel so bad," she says, "I'll fight you."

What?

I stare at her, stunned. Why would she do that?

"I don't want you, Azriel. I want to fight her." Izel insisted.

"She's new, and she's still recovering from almost dying two days ago. Leave her alone and fight me." 

I reel. How does she know about that? Does everyone know?

And what's more shocking, Azriel's talking. She's known around campus as the one who doesn't talk to anyone. But now she's here, defending me like it's her job.

"Besides, Aren't you always pestering me for a duel since I arrived here? I'll do it now." she added.

"I told you, I want her. So unless she accepts willingly..."

Azriel steps closer. Her voice drops.

"You won't touch her."

It's cold. Sharp. Laced with a threat so potent that even Izel seems rattled.

Azriel leaned to Izel's ear and whispered to her quietly, too quiet I wasn't able to hear, nevertheless, that's what it took for Izel to pale, turn on her heels then left without saying a word or sparing us a glance.

Azriel walked away to the opposite direction.

I followed her.