Prince of Fire | Dragonfire Book One

Capítulo Quince

Never let your guard down. Always be aware of your surroundings.

~ The History of the Order

Chapter Fifteen

Elena finally had a day off. It wasn't as if she didn't like being an integral part of the Order, but it was exhausting at times. It was nice to occasionally take a break and talk with her friends. Or, rather, just Keira, considering that she didn't really have any other close friends outside of the Order. And just like before, she was eager to finally escape from her babysitting duties.

Luckily, she caught Keira on an open day, as her friend wasn't working at the cafe nor did she have any classes. So, plans were made and they were heading to the bowling alley and arcade place close to the campus. Although, Keira had said that she was going to bring another person. Elena was fine with her friend's decision, even though she didn't want to quite share her attention. However, whatever made her friend happy would make her happy. And perhaps the additional individual might make the afternoon more entertaining.

Elena dressed casually, donning a tight fitting t-shirt, jean shorts, and a pair of purple sandals. But, because she was going to the bowling alley, she brought an extra pair of socks for the bowling shoes.

Instead of driving, Elena ended up taking public transportation, feeling as if that mode of transportation was more relaxing and allowed more space for thoughts. She stared out the window, watching the streets pass by her, filled with other vehicles and people going in their own direction. Each person had their own destination, yet as they encountered others along their path, they seemed unaware that the others were also traveling in their own journey. A collection of individual parts formed a cohesive, but somewhat disjointed, system, where one piece can influence another.

If only she knew how her own piece affected the entire system.

When the bus arrived at her destination, Elena stepped off and looked around for Keira and her extra. They were supposed to meet outside the bowling alley slash arcade, which just so happened to be near a bus stop. Lo and behold, Keira, who was dressed in a white tank top and navy skirt, was standing right beside the building's entrance, with a young man beside her. Elena curiously examined the man, feeling as if she recognized his sandy blonde hair and handsome features.

Then, a thought invaded her mind. Was she the third wheel on a date?

Nevertheless, she walked forward to join them. Elena let a smile slip onto her face, warmly greeting Keira and the man. "Hello Keira and...company," she ended lamely, forgetting the man's name and making that fact rather obvious.

The man cringed as he chuckled, making Elena feel guilty. "I guess you forgot. My name is Connor," he smiled genuinely, to Elena's surprise. As soon as he revealed his name, again, Elena felt a confirming sense of familiarity. Connor had been one of the few members who had been at that dinner a few weeks ago, the one who had brought her into the group conversation.

"My apologies," Elena gave him a wry smile. "I don't remember names very well. It's not just yours that I would have forgotten." She did have a struggle with recalling names, but it just so happened that the night of the dinner, she had been more distracted with the news of her promotion to Lieutenant Colonel Ramírez.

"Also, Elena is often in her own little world," Keira piped in, smiling at both of them. "But it's time for her to join us in the real world and have some fun. So, let's go in!" she chirped, linking her arm with Elena's. Elena allowed herself to be dragged in, though she couldn't help but pretend to roll her eyes as a show for Keira and Connor.

Inside the building was dark but filled with many black lights and neon streaks on the wall. Keira's white tank top glowed brightly in the dim setting. Elena figured that the theme for the hour was cosmic bowling.