The Absolute and those who can rule it

Chapter 17 [Steps]

The training facility hummed with activity as I leaned against the wall, watching Noarin and Lyra spar. Their movements were a blur of fire and earth, each push met with a counter, each attack deflected with precision. It was mesmerizing, but I couldn't fully appreciate it. My mind was too preoccupied with the conversation I knew we needed to have.

As their session wound down, I felt my heart rate pick up. Noarin, flushed and breathing heavily, made her way over to where I stood. She grabbed a towel and water bottle before sliding down the wall to sit beside me, close enough that I could feel the heat radiating from her post-workout.

"Good session?" I asked, wincing internally at how stilted my voice sounded.

Noarin nodded, taking a long drink of water. "Yeah, Lyra's getting really good with her earth manipulation. Nearly caught me off guard a couple of times."

An awkward silence fell between us, heavy with unspoken words. I could feel the others in the room casting glances our way, no doubt sensing the tension.

Finally, unable to bear it any longer, I turned to face her. "Noarin, about yesterday-"

"Aruta, I've been thinking-" she started at the same time.

We both stopped, a nervous laugh escaping us both.

"You go first," I offered, my throat feeling dry.

Noarin took a deep breath, her eyes meeting mine. "I wanted to apologize if I put you on the spot yesterday. I realize now that asking about moving in together was a big step, and I should have approached it differently."

I shook my head, feeling a pang of guilt. "No, Noarin, I'm the one who should apologize. I reacted poorly, and I didn't express myself well at all."

She gave me a small smile, encouragement in her eyes. "So... how do you really feel about it?"

I took a moment to gather my thoughts, remembering my conversation with Kai. "Honestly? The idea both excites and terrifies me." I saw a flicker of uncertainty in her eyes, so I hurried on. "But not for the reasons you might think. I care about you so much, Noarin. The thought of sharing a life with you, of waking up next to you every day... it's amazing."

Her smile widened, a hopeful light entering her eyes. "But?" she prompted gently.

"But it's a big step," I admitted. "And with everything going on with the Holders and the ADF, I was worried about adding another big change to our lives."

Noarin nodded, understanding in her expression. "I get that. It is a lot to handle all at once."

I reached out, taking her hand in mine. "But you know what? After thinking about it, after imagining what our life together could be like... I realize that I don't want to wait. Whatever challenges come our way, I want to face them with you, Noarin. By my side, in our home."

Her eyes widened, a mix of surprise and joy flooding her features. "Aruta... are you saying...?"

I nodded, feeling a smile spread across my face. "Yes. Let's do it. Let's find a place together."

For a moment, Noarin just stared at me, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. Then, with a small sob of happiness, she threw her arms around me, burying her face in my shoulder.

I held her close, feeling a warmth spread through my chest that had nothing to do with her fire abilities. It felt right, like everything had fallen into place.

It wasn't until I heard a wolf whistle that I remembered we weren't alone. I looked up to see Kai grinning widely, giving me a thumbs up. Rishia stood beside him, wiping a tear from her eye with a warm smile. Lyra was bouncing on her toes, looking like she was barely containing her excitement, while even the usually stoic Darius had a small smile on his face.