Onyx Magical Academy (GXG)

Chapter Nineteen

The laughter echoed through the courtyard, a stark contrast to the usual serious atmosphere of the dukedom. Selene, with her raven hair and piercing emerald eyes, was surprisingly lighthearted. As we shared a moment of amusement, I couldn't help but notice how truly beautiful she was. Her sharp features, once intimidating, now seemed almost delicate under the soft glow of the afternoon sun. Her laughter, a melodic sound that filled the air, was infectious. It was in that moment, as we shared a joke, that I realized the depth of my admiration for her. It was more than just respect; it was a growing fondness, a spark of something more.

But after our lighthearted exchange, the dynamic shifted. Each time I stumbled or faltered in my training, Selene was quick to scold me. "Focus, Flynn! You'll never improve if you don't pay attention!" she would chide, her voice firm but laced with a hint of amusement. I often found myself gritting my teeth, a mix of embarrassment and annoyance bubbling inside me. Yet, somehow, each reprimand felt more like a playful nudge than a true criticism. I was beginning to realize that beneath her tough exterior lay a nurturing spirit.

One day, after I had clumsily knocked over a stack of training dummies, Selene crossed her arms and raised an eyebrow at me. "Really? Was that necessary?" she said, a teasing smirk gracing her lips.

I looked up at her, feigning innocence. "I thought they were attacking me!"

"Is that so? Because it looked more like you were dancing with them," she quipped, her eyes sparkling with mirth. I couldn't help but laugh, despite the embarrassment creeping up my cheeks.

As we trained together, I found myself wanting to impress her, to earn her approval. There were moments when she would catch me staring, and I would quickly look away, my heart racing at the thought of her noticing my infatuation.

It was during one of these quiet moments, while we were taking a break, that I felt the urge to be more open with her. "Lady Selene," I began, hesitating slightly as I gathered my thoughts. "You've accomplished so much. I mean, you're not just a warrior; you're inspiring."

She turned to me, surprise evident in her eyes. "Inspiring? That's a bold word for a girl who still trips over her own feet."

I laughed lightly, shrugging. "Maybe. But you make me want to try harder. I want to be strong like you."

Selene's expression softened, and for a moment, I saw something vulnerable in her gaze. "Strength isn't just about physical ability, Flynn. It's also about determination and resilience."

"I know," I said, feeling a swell of confidence. "I want to prove to you that I can be both."

"Proving yourself is one thing. Wanting to impress me is another," she said, her tone teasing but serious.

My heart raced at her words. "Well, maybe both? I wouldn't mind if you were impressed."

A smile broke across her face, and my stomach fluttered at the sight. "You're bold, I'll give you that. Just remember, there's more to strength than just showing off."

"I'll remember that," I replied, my voice earnest. As we resumed training, I couldn't shake the feeling that something deeper was forming between us. Each laugh, each gentle scolding, only drew me closer to her.

Days turned into weeks, and every time I sparred with her, I felt a rush of admiration. It was as if the more time I spent with her, the more I found myself longing for her attention. I began to notice the small things: the way her hair fell around her face when she focused, the softness in her voice when she explained a technique, and the way her eyes sparkled with mischief.

One evening, as we were cleaning up after a particularly intense training session, I found myself growing bold again. "Lady Selene," I said, glancing at her as I arranged the swords on the rack. "You've taught me so much. I feel like I could take on anyone, especially if you're by my side."