Heart of a Hero: Somehow I've become the Vampire Queen?!

Chapter 33 - Turbulent Interlude

Ambra stepped out of the arena, sweat trickling down her temples but feeling exhilarated. She was still flushed from the adrenaline, her heart still pounding as she glanced back at Baz, who was now nursing his abdomen after her punch. Her predatory aura had slowly faded, like embers cooling in the aftermath of a blaze.

As she made her way toward her friends, Emil and Laura were the first to approach her.

"Wow, Ambra, that was...intense. The way you moved, it changed and evolved so quickly," Emil exclaimed, his eyes still wide from the spectacle.

Laura added, "I have to agree with Emil. That display at the end, though. It was as if you transformed into something... feral."

"Yeah," Ambra smiled, sheepishly, "sometimes, the heat of the battle and blood brings out a side of me that even I don't fully understand yet but the urges are not terribly hard to control."

Grant, who had been watching the spar closely, joined in, "Don't mind it. What I saw today was immense control, especially over her more...vampiric tendencies. Aye, that's no small feat, just watch actual vampires lose their minds upon the sight of blood."

Before Ambra could reply, Lune appeared beside her, looking as graceful and poised as ever. With a warm smile, she patted Ambra on the shoulder.

"I have to say, you still manage to surprise me. To adapt to a new fighting style like that, you're truly outrageous" Lune said, her eyes twinkling with a mixture of pride and fondness.

Ambra grinned, feeling a little flushed from the praise. "Coming from you, that means a lot. It's not easy keeping up, or even understanding how you fight with all your tricks and ferocity."

Lune chuckled. "Well, that's what makes our friendship so interesting. Even after all these years, you never cease to amaze me."

The adventurers of the Aegis, who had been listening to the exchange, seemed to visibly relax. Even if they hadn't known Lune and Ambra for long, the duo had displayed restraint, skill, and humility—the hallmark traits of the heroes they had heard of.

"As much as I'd love to celebrate this victory with you all," Lune began, her expression turning slightly more serious, "I must attend a meeting with the Nuberian envoys. Diplomacy calls, and it's a call I can't ignore."

Ambra nodded, "Of course. Go ahead, we'll wait for you back at the Aegis' home?"

Lune smiled warmly at everyone, "That sounds good. I should be back by nightfall. Take care, everyone." Her eyes met Ambra's, a silent message of friendship and cherishment exchanged in that fleeting moment.

Just as Lune was about to disappear into the archway that led out from the open practice room, Guild Master Baz caught up with her, a look of reluctant urgency on his face.

"Lune, a moment if you please," he said, his tone a little softer than before, as if the spar had drained some of the rigidity from him.

Lune paused and turned, her eyes meeting his. "What is it, Guild Master?"

"I'd like an answer to our invitation to rejoin the Adventurer's Guild. Normally, I'd give you more time to ponder, but with the mourning ceremony coming up and all the activities it entails, we have a lot of pressing matters. Your skills would be invaluable."

Lune's eyes flickered, betraying a whirlpool of thoughts and memories. Joining the Adventurer's Guild again? After what had happened the first time she was a member?

She stole a glance at Ambra, who was now chatting animatedly with the adventurers of the Aegis. Her friend looked happy, radiant even, and for a brief second, the idea of fighting alongside her under the same banner seemed incredibly appealing.