Chapter 29: forming bonds
As the conversation drifted on, the tension around the table eased, replaced by a warm, almost comfortable banter. Even Reynard's usual arrogance felt less grating, softened by Dorian's dry interjections and Elyreina's soft laughter. Selene, though quiet, listened intently, her eyes flickering between them, lingering a fraction longer on Lyrian when he spoke.
"So," Dorian drawled, leaning back with a smirk. "Is the plan for tomorrow just… wing it and hope we don't die, or does someone actually have a strategy?"
Reynard scoffed.
"Winging it worked just fine so far."
Lyrian, who had been quietly observing, arched a brow.
"Is that what you call getting thrown into a boulder by that King-Tier beast?" he remarked dryly, his tone light but sparse.
Reynard's eyes narrowed.
"It was a tactical retreat."
"Right," Dorian snorted. "Running for your life is very tactical."
Elyreina hid a smile behind her hand, eyes glinting with amusement.
"Well, as long as we don't split up, we should be fine," she said gently. "It's safer if we cover each other's weaknesses."
Reynard smirked, though it softened a bit.
"Guess you're right. Not all of us can play ghost like you."
Elyreina's cheeks tinted pink, and she ducked her head with a faint laugh.
"It's not that impressive…"
"It is," Lyrian interjected quietly, earning a surprised glance from her. His tone was casual, but his eyes were unwavering. "That beast didn't even see you coming."
She smiled shyly, warmth blossoming in her chest.
"Thanks…"
Dorian snorted.
"Great, now that we're all friends," he drawled. "How about the part where we don't get mauled to death?"
Selene's voice was soft but firm.
"We should focus on controlling the battlefield. If we can funnel the enemies into tighter spaces, my arrows and Reynard's speed would be more effective."
Reynard grinned, eyes glinting.
"See, she gets it."
"Then Dorian's spatial tricks can keep them from flanking us," Lyrian added briefly, his words few but precise. "And I can handle crowd control."
"And if things go wrong, Elyreina can cover our retreat," Dorian remarked, eyes glinting. "Solid plan."
Lyrian smirked faintly but said nothing, letting the others fill the silence. His eyes flickered now and then, more focused on listening than speaking.
The conversation drifted to less dangerous topics—stories of past training disasters, failed spells, and a particularly disastrous encounter Dorian had with a teleportation glyph that landed him in the academy's gardens, covered in mud. Even Selene's lips twitched at that one, eyes glinting softly.
It wasn't until the candles in the chandeliers had burned low, casting flickering shadows along the walls, that they finally rose, gathering their things.
Reynard stretched, stifling a yawn.
"Well, if we're all getting killed tomorrow, might as well get some sleep first," he muttered, though his eyes were glinting with reluctant warmth.
Dorian chuckled.
"Sentimental already?"
"Shut up."
Elyreina giggled softly, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear.
"Thank you," she said quietly, glancing at them. "For… tonight."
Lyrian's smirk softened slightly.
"It wasn't bad," he admitted simply, tone low but sincere.
Selene's eyes lingered on him for a moment, a faint frown creasing her brow before she turned, cloak swishing behind her as she headed for the dormitories. The others followed, parting with quiet goodnights at the hallway's fork.
Elyreina hesitated, glancing back at Lyrian.
"Are you… alright?" she asked softly, eyes warm with concern.
He blinked, momentarily thrown by the sincerity in her gaze before offering a faint nod.
"I'm fine," he replied curtly, voice even.
She smiled faintly, unconvinced but unwilling to push.
"Goodnight, Lyrian," she murmured, voice like a soothing whisper.
He hesitated, glancing away with a noncommittal grunt.
"Yeah… you too."
As she disappeared around the corner, Lyrian let out a slow breath, eyes darkening as the flickering torchlight cast shadows across his face. For a moment, the air felt colder—clinging with whispers that slithered just beyond hearing.
He shoved the unease down, jaw tightening as he turned away, footsteps echoing softly down the stone corridor.