Arcane Dominion: The Rise of Shadows

"A New Bond"

Solaria's Pov-

As I stepped out of Nerina's room, the door closing softly behind me, I felt a tangle of emotions swirling in my chest. The sight of Nerina trembling, her defiant strength faltering under the weight of Lyriana's impossible demands, had struck a chord deep within me. I had seen countless apprentices come and go, their hopes crushed or their minds broken under the ancient sorceress's unyielding expectations-but Nerina was different.

There was a fire in her, a raw determination that I admired, even envied. Yet, seeing her stumble in pain, pushing herself to the brink for Lyriana's approval, had stoked a quiet anger within me-an anger I hadn't felt in years.

My hand brushed against the cold stone wall of the corridor as I walked away, my thoughts racing. Why would Lyriana push her so recklessly, especially on her first lesson? For all her brilliance, Lyriana's single-mindedness could be blinding, and i couldn't ignore the small flicker of guilt I felt for not stepping in sooner.

And then there was Nerina herself. My heart clenched as I recalled the vulnerable look in the younger mage's eyes, the unspoken gratitude in her voice as she had whispered a quiet thank you. That moment, so small yet so poignant, lingered like a spark threatening to ignite something within Me-a connection I hadn't sought, but now couldn't deny.

I have to protect her, I thought to myself, my golden eyes narrowing as I glanced back down the darkened hallway. Even if it means standing against Lyriana's methods.

As I strode through the labyrinthine halls of the Obsidian Tower, my calm demeanor could barely masked the storm brewing inside me. The blood in my veins seemed to burn hotter with restrained anger as I approached Lyriana's private chamber. I knew better than to confront her master lightly, but the image of Nerina, broken and staggering, refused to leave her mind.

With a sharp breath, i knocked on the obsidian door and stepped inside without waiting for a response. Lyriana stood at her desk, surrounded by floating runes and glowing tomes, her presence as commanding as ever.

"Solaria," Lyriana said without looking up, her voice smooth and dispassionate. "You don't usually interrupt without reason. Speak."

"Master," I began, bowing slightly, though my tone was laced with an uncharacteristic edge. "I have served you for years without question, but what you demanded of Nerina today was reckless, even by your standards."

Lyriana finally raised her gaze, her piercing eyes locking onto mine. "Reckless? Or necessary? She must learn the cost of power if she is to wield it."

"She's new to the tower. This was her first lesson," i pressed "Throwing her into a task like that-it's a wonder she didn't collapse completely. You can't afford to break her before she even begins."

Lyriana's expression remained impassive, though there was a flicker of something-amusement?-in her eyes. "You've grown soft, Solaria. Compassion is a weakness in our world. If Nerina cannot endure this, she is of no use to me-or to herself."

My jaw tightened, but I forced herself to calm down, bowing my head slightly in deference. "If she is to grow strong, she needs guidance, not a gauntlet. I only ask that you temper your approach, for her sake... and for your own goals."

Lyriana waved a hand dismissively. "If she survives, she will thank me in time. If not, the tower will find another."

I clenched her fists but said nothing further. I knew arguing with Lyriana was futile. With a stiff nod, I turned and left the chamber, my mind already focused on my next task.

The kitchens were quiet this time of night, the faint glow from the hearth casting long shadows against the stone walls. I moved through the room with practiced efficiency, gathering what I needed-a simple but nourishing meal. Warm bread, a small bowl of stew, and a carafe of tea. It was a small gesture, but one I hoped would be appreciated.

I had always prided myself on my discipline, my ability to keep my emotions in check. But tonight... tonight was different. As I prepared the meal, my mind kept drifting back to Nerina. Her eyes-so full of uncertainty, yet a spark of something more-lingered in my thoughts. The way she smiled earlier, shy but grateful, sent an unexpected warmth flooding through me.

I carried the tray through the twisting halls, the weight of it grounding me, but my thoughts were anything but steady. The memory of Nerina, vulnerable and alone, tugged at me in a way I didn't understand. I couldn't shake the feeling that I needed to do more.

When I reached her door, I paused for a moment, my fingers brushing against the wood. I could hear the quiet stillness from within, but something in me urged me forward. I knocked gently, then opened the door, stepping inside without waiting for an invitation.

Nerina was sitting on the edge of her bed, her head resting in her hands. She looked exhausted, her posture sagging with the weight of whatever had been done to her today. As I entered, her eyes lifted, wide with surprise.

"I thought you might need this," I said, my voice soft but firm. I set the tray down on the small table by the bed, watching her carefully. "Eat. You'll feel better."

For a moment, she seemed taken aback, then she blinked and offered me a faint smile. "You again. I didn't get to thank you properly earlier."

"There's no need," I replied, sinking gracefully into the chair across from her. My heart was racing slightly, but I didn't let it show. After a long silence, I added, my voice quiet, "But next time, don't hesitate to ask for help. You're not alone here."

The words felt weighty, like they carried more than just the simple intention behind them. I wasn't just speaking about the food I'd brought her, or even the task at hand. I could see something in her eyes-something I couldn't quite name. Gratitude, certainly, but also... something deeper, a flicker of connection.

The silence stretched between us, and I felt the tension in my chest. I wouldn't let Lyriana break her. Not if I could help it. I had seen what Lyriana could do to someone who didn't bend to her will. I wasn't blind to the dangers of this place, or to Lyriana's methods.

Finally, I stood, the weight of the moment pressing down on me. "Rest," I said, my voice more resolute than before. "And if Lyriana pushes you too hard again... I'll be here."

Her cheeks flushed slightly at my words, a delicate hint of color that didn't go unnoticed. I paused just long enough to take it in before turning to leave, allowing myself the smallest of smiles.

I wasn't sure what was happening between us, or where it would go, but for now, I would be here for her. That was all I knew.