Onyx Magical Academy (GXG)

Chapter Eighteen

For two years, my life within Astley Dukedom had been a whirlwind of lessons, training, and the ever-present tension of war with the demons. The conflict had escalated, and I often found myself in the presence of the Duke, especially during briefings about troop movements and strategies. As a seventh-level wizard, his ability was crucial to the army's efforts, and I admired the way he commanded respect while remaining approachable. Despite his commitments, I never felt neglected or overlooked. Garrick was always by my side, supervising my sword training and ensuring that I honed my skills to the best of my ability.

Garrick had become not only a mentor but also a steadfast friend. He was patient, guiding me through the intricacies of swordplay, and he would often share stories of his past battles, igniting a fire within me to grow stronger. Under his watchful eye, I developed not just proficiency with the sword but also a sense of confidence I hadn't known before. Our training sessions were filled with laughter, friendly banter, and an understanding that we were both preparing for a world that seemed on the brink of chaos.

While Garrick and I trained, I would occasionally meet with the three ladies—my stepmothers—but they were often busy with their own responsibilities. Each of them had their commitments, attending to the needs of the dukedom or engaging in various charitable endeavors. I missed their presence, as each woman brought something unique to our family dynamic. Elara's cold beauty was a stark contrast to Clara's gentle demeanor, and I often found myself wondering how they managed to balance their roles with the demands of the war.

One fateful day, however, I encountered the third wife of the Duke, Lady Selene, in the castle. I had not seen her much during my time here, as she often kept to herself, but today was different. As I wandered the halls, lost in thought, I stumbled upon her in the training yard, clad in dark armor that spoke of a warrior's spirit. The fabric hugged her form, revealing the strength and grace that lay beneath. Her presence was commanding, and I felt an inexplicable pull toward her.

There was something in the way she carried herself—an aura of confidence and arrogance that was both intimidating and intriguing. Her raven-black hair cascaded down her back, framing a face that was both fierce and enchanting. As she trained with a group of knights, I couldn't help but watch in awe. The fluidity of her movements and the way she wielded her sword made it clear that she was no mere noblewoman; she was a warrior in every sense of the word.

But it was her eyes that truly captivated me. When she glanced my way, the intensity of her gaze sent a shiver down my spine. They were piercing, a deep shade of emerald that seemed to judge and assess. In that fleeting moment, an unexpected rush of emotions welled up within me—admiration, fear, and a hint of defiance. I was caught off guard by the way her presence ignited a spark of competition within me.

As she approached, the world around us seemed to fade away. I felt a strange mix of excitement and trepidation. "Lady Flynn," she greeted, her voice dripping with disdain. "It's good to finally meet you. I hope you're not just another pampered noble."

I managed a small nod, still caught off guard by the raw power that radiated from her. "Thank you, my lady. I—"

"Don't thank me yet," she interjected, a smirk tugging at her lips. "Let's see if you can keep up with your training. I doubt a delicate flower like you can handle the rigors of battle."

Her cutting words stung, but I refused to be intimidated. "I'll do my best to surprise you," I retorted, my voice firm.

Lady Selene's eyes narrowed, a flicker of interest crossing her face. "We'll see about that."

Her words left me feeling both challenged and invigorated. It was clear that Lady Selene was not one to be underestimated. Her sharp tongue and unwavering confidence were a stark contrast to the gentle demeanor of my other stepmothers. I knew that our paths would cross again, and I was determined to prove myself worthy of her respect.