The eerie glow of the Rift pulsed behind them, casting long, wavering shadows over the rocky terrain. Ethan adjusted the makeshift bandage on Eline's shoulder, his fingers moving with surprising gentleness. The assassin remained tense under his touch, but she didn't protest.
"Done." Ethan leaned back, admiring his handiwork. "Try not to get stabbed again."
Eline scoffed. "You say that as if I let myself get injured."
Ethan chuckled. "Fair enough."
She stood up, testing her arm with a slight wince before adjusting her daggers at her waist. "So, what now?"
Ethan dusted off his clothes and stretched his muscles. "I don't know about you, but I was planning on heading back to the academy. I'm sure news of my little incident with Aldric has spread by now."
Eline tilted her head. "You don't seem worried."
"Worried?" Ethan smirked. "Nah. More like excited."
Eline narrowed her eyes. "You really are insane."
"Maybe." Ethan's grin widened. "But you have to admit, it's kinda fun."
Eline shook her head, sighing. "You have no idea what kind of storm you've kicked up. Aldric wasn't just some arrogant noble—he was connected to a much bigger faction."
Ethan raised an eyebrow. "Let me guess—his family's coming for revenge?"
"It's not just his family." Eline crossed her arms. "Aldric had powerful allies. The moment they confirm you were the one who killed him, you'll have half the academy's elite breathing down your neck."
Ethan rolled his shoulders, unfazed. "Sounds like a good workout."
Eline gave him a flat look. "You're either the bravest or the dumbest person I've ever met."
Ethan's smirk remained. "I get that a lot."
She studied him for a moment before sighing again. "I don't know why I'm doing this, but I'll help you."
Ethan blinked. "Huh?"
Eline clicked her tongue, as if annoyed at herself. "I'll help you navigate this mess. If Aldric's allies come after you, I'll make sure you're prepared."
Ethan raised an eyebrow. "That's awfully nice of you, considering you tried to kill me an hour ago."
Eline looked away. "Don't misunderstand. I have my own reasons."
Ethan leaned in slightly, grinning. "Oh? Are you falling for me already?"
Eline's face twitched. "Shut up."
He laughed. "Fine, fine. But seriously, why the sudden change of heart?"
Eline hesitated, then sighed. "Let's just say… I failed my mission, and that means I'm expendable to my employer. If I go back now, I'll be killed for my failure."
Ethan frowned. "So you need protection."
Eline's pride clearly resisted the idea, but she nodded. "For now."
Ethan grinned. "Well, I can't say no to a deadly assassin as my ally."
Eline rolled her eyes. "Don't make me regret this."
Ethan extended a hand. "Partners, then?"
Eline hesitated for only a moment before shaking his hand. "Partners."
The moment their hands met, a gust of wind blew through the Rift, as if sealing their agreement.
Returning to the Academy
The journey back to the academy was mostly quiet. Eline was naturally reserved, and Ethan, while usually talkative, was lost in thought. The moment he stepped back into the academy grounds, all eyes turned to him.
The whispers started immediately.
"That's him…""He really killed Aldric?""He's walking around like nothing happened.""Does he have a death wish?"
Ethan ignored the murmurs, walking with a relaxed posture, as if he hadn't just made half the academy his enemy.
Eline, walking beside him, kept her hood up, blending into the shadows as much as possible. "You sure you want to walk in like this?"
"Why not?" Ethan grinned. "It's more fun this way."
Just as they were about to reach the dormitories, a familiar voice called out.
"Ethan!"
He turned to see Sylvia storming toward him, her violet eyes blazing with frustration. "You idiot! Where have you been? Do you have any idea what's happening right now?"
Ethan smirked. "Missed me that much?"
Sylvia ignored his teasing. "The academy's been in an uproar since Aldric's body was found. The council is meeting as we speak, and the higher-ups are demanding an investigation."
Ethan nodded. "Let them investigate."
Sylvia stared at him. "You're seriously not worried?"
"Nope." Ethan crossed his arms. "They won't have any solid evidence. No witnesses, no murder weapon, nothing that directly ties me to it."
Sylvia frowned. "That's… true, but—" Her gaze shifted to Eline.
"…Who's this?"
Eline remained silent, her crimson eyes cool and unreadable.
Ethan grinned. "Oh, this is Eline. She's my new assassin bodyguard."
Eline pinched the bridge of her nose. "Don't introduce me like that."
Sylvia's eyes narrowed. "Assassin?"
Ethan scratched his cheek. "Uh… yeah. Funny story. She tried to kill me, then we fought some monsters together, and now she's working with me."
Sylvia stared at him, then sighed. "Of course. Only you would turn an assassination attempt into a recruitment."
Ethan laughed. "What can I say? I'm persuasive."
Sylvia looked back at Eline. "And you trust her?"
Ethan shrugged. "Not really, but I trust that she wants to stay alive. That's good enough for me."
Eline finally spoke. "I don't expect you to trust me. But I have no reason to betray him—at least not right now."
Sylvia didn't seem convinced but let it go. "Fine. Just don't come crying to me if she stabs you in your sleep."
Ethan chuckled. "Duly noted."
Before Sylvia could continue, another voice interrupted.
"So this is the infamous Ethan."
They turned to see a group of students approaching. At the front stood a tall figure with sharp, golden eyes and flowing silver hair. He was dressed in noble attire, his presence exuding arrogance and authority.
Eline stiffened. "Great. Just what we needed."
Ethan raised an eyebrow. "And you are?"
The noble smirked. "Lucian Aldric. Aldric's older brother."
Ethan's smirk didn't falter. "Ah. So you're here to avenge your brother?"
Lucian's golden eyes gleamed with amusement. "Oh, no. That would be too easy." He stepped closer, lowering his voice. "I'd rather make your life hell before I kill you."
Ethan grinned. "That's cute. But I should warn you—I'm not easy to kill."
Lucian's smirk widened. "Neither was my brother. Look how that turned out."
Ethan's grin sharpened. "Then I guess you should start preparing your grave, too."
The air grew tense, the weight of their silent challenge thick between them.
Lucian chuckled, stepping back. "Enjoy your days while you can, Ethan. Because soon, you won't have any left."
He turned and walked away, his group following.
Sylvia sighed. "You really do have a death wish."
Ethan smirked. "Nah. I just like making things interesting."
Eline shook her head. "This is going to be a disaster."
Ethan stretched. "Yep. And I can't wait."
To be continued…