"Has anyone of you ever encountered a forest full of dangers?"

The five glanced at one another. It was a given prospect when the memories of the sly Driren replayed inside their minds. They wanted to say yes, however, to keep everything low in an attempt to avoid answering more detailed questions about them, the five shook their heads. Almost in sync.

Lucian's concerned eyes grazed over Cynthia. Ever since the five had been summoned after the separation of the Kiorsa sisters, for their training, Cynthia seemed to be in her own world. She was full of laments and regrets and knowing her, she was probably blaming herself for the shower of Cora's tears.

Lucian thought of walking over to Cynthia to offer her some words of support and comfort. And, if the situation required, lend his shoulder for the girl to release her grief and sorrow.

The boy considered quietly scooting over to the girl who was standing beside Lena. Of course, Lena wouldn't mind if Lucian shoved the blonde aside. However, due to the last subtle disagreement the two had shared, nothing but a cold shoulder was what he had been receiving from Lena. Alana and Leon were listening intently to what their trainer, a muscular man, was blabbering on for particularly half an hour. He seemed too engrossed in his own words than actually pay attention to Lucian.

And when Lucian attempted to swap his place with Lena's, all empathy for the girl had long vanished. And now, something was burning inside his heart.

Before him, that sneaky boy Stefan had already made his way to Cynthia who was now leaning against the golden haired boy, while he held her close to him.

Lucian never understood why Luxuria had appointed Stefan to be with them, who was equally young like them. According to Alana and Leon, Luxuria had spoken highly of the boy because of his spectacular quick thinking ability and combat skills, despite being seveteen

Nevertheless, Lucian was confident that, the sly boy had manipulated his mother to let him stay. Apparently, Stefan was Luxuria's son. Not biological. Rather adoptive, although without legal procedures of adoption.

And Lucian also knew that if he were to reveal his inner thoughts to Lena, the girl would give him a stink eye, smack his head and then say, 'You are being childish.'

Perhaps Lucian really was being childish. When he should be focusing on what was in front of him...the war, he was focusing on this stupid jealousy.

Feelings were stupid and Lucian was now sure enough to get rid of whatever he had towards a certain sixteen-year-old, without her knowledge.

"What is your name, young man?"

Lucian flinched at the abrupt, booming voice. To others, Lucian's flinch was dramatic, since the man's vocal tone was normal. As normal as it could be for a male human.

"Lucian Haroise," the boy answered after clearing his throat.

"And do you remember my name, or were you too preoccupied in ogling Cynthia and Stefan?"

Lucian could not dare look up at the man's eyes. Not because he was intimidating, but rather, the entire situation was humiliating. For him. Especially when Cynthia was staring at him in curiosity.

"Eyes up."

With gritted teeth, he tried to manage as many curse phrases as he could to throw at the man in his imagination. Judging from his beefy and veiny arms, expressing such beautiful slurs would be nothing but stepping on his own grave.

"The name's Zephyr Nico but I would like to be addressed as Sir? Is that clear, Lucian?"

"Yes, Sir," Lucian emphasized the aforementioned word more, making Zephyr's eyes twitch in irritation.

He moved his gaze away from the blue eyed boy, but did not forget to make a mental note to keep a special eye on him.

"Where were we?"

Leon understood that Zephyr wanted him to respond, as now the stern, fixated stare had befallen upon the Dragonesian.

"You were speaking about the possible obstacles we could face while making our way through perilous forests."

Zephyr's eyes twitched twice, as he had not expected a treacherous species to actually listen to his words. Infuriation did not take long to conquer him as he made another mental note to keep an eye on this crimson eyed cheeky Dragonesian boy.

"Where are we going exactly? The forest surrounding the Main City or—"

"I understand your concern but I have not finished speaking. Except for this blondie, you three seem to lack basic etiquettes."

Alana shut her lips tight. She was so desperate to argue and present a logical debate, yet, she had learnt to control her anger when times required. She knew the man wasn't worth her or their time. He was just salty for some reason. However, any thoroughly not thought through action or speech could lead to the five getting kicked out of Bronte. And them ultimately losing the chance of getting inside Dravenue.

Alana pursed her lips, silently expressing that she was displeased.

"Well, what are you lot waiting for then? An invitation? Go outside!"

Alana, Leon, Lena, Lucian, and Cynthia scurried out of the room with Stefan following behind.

"Stefan, my boy."

Lena's eyes hung open wide, Lucian clenched his fists in irritation, Leon could only gaze in bewilderment, whereas Alana had quite literally expected such. Even Cynthia seemed to be startled at the sudden change of partial behaviour towards Stefan.

"Yes, Sir?" Stefan meekly asked, with his fingers intertwined behind him.

"Oh don't bother calling me Sir," Zephyr laughed it off as if he was a bosom friend of Stefan.

"Ah." Stefan, who was clearly aware of the stares on him, scratched his head, being embarrassed. "Yeah, okay. Well, what was it that you wanted to say?"

"You do know the task that these ungrateful kids are supposed to be doing, right?"

Stefan nodded stiffly. The words weren't even said to him, yet he felt offended for the other five.

Without any more word, he led the way and away from the rude Zephyr.

"I don't think we are welcome here," Lena murmured when they were finally out of the front gates of Bronte.

"Same thoughts," Lucian nodded in agreement.

"Although it is hurtful but expected, speaking realistically, if I may," Alana added with crossed arms.

"And I feel like it is mostly because of me." Exhausted, sighing, Leon looked above at the clear sky. "I am a Dragonesian after all."

"I really wish to deny your statement, but it is unfortunately the truth." Alana, who had always been blunt and never really hid the actual reality (unless they were in a situation where lying was required), spoke out her thoughts loud.

Leon's facial expression seemed to visibly sadden at the comment. Until...

"But what matters is," Alana continued, scooting closer to the Dragonesian, "We do not see you the way these people see you as. You are not a monster. You are a pure soul."

His crimson eyes looked over at the beaming Alana. He had to gulp in the process when unexpectedly his heart beat picked up pace. Leon was unaware of the reason for the sudden rush of emotions and bliss through his body but he knew he liked it. Every single bit of it as he allowed himself to get lost in Alana's enchanting orbs. It seemed as if all the blood was rushing to his cheeks as he desperately tried to avoid the blush that was forming.

"What in the world is happening to you, Leon?" Leon couldn't help but think when he felt the shock from the foreign emotions he was unable to decipher.

Previously, Leon had felt similar such feelings while he was with Alana Thornheart but as each day grew, the intensity he felt from those emotions, bloomed within him.

Yet, the Dragonesian Prince failed to term the emotions he was going through.

On the other hand, Lena, who had witnessed the sudden changes in both Alana and Leon's demeanour, scampered away from them. It did not take a genius to understand what was going on between the two, as a cheeky grin grew on Lena's lips. Her eyes roamed around and eventually fell upon the other three, who were plotting their own little love triangle.

Not so far away, as Stefan was trying his best to lift Cynthia's mood by showing her the various flowers and herbs in a nearby, barricaded garden, a certain blue eyed boy was fuming in jealousy. And soon that blue eyed boy, who had decided to put an end to his growing feelings, strode towards the same garden.

Well, perhaps the flower had already bloomed inside Lucian's stony heart.

Lena glanced back at the flustered Alana and Leon, engaged in their own silent gazes and then at the trio.

She sighed. Chuckled to herself and shook her head lightly before massaging her forehead.

A breathy murmur left her lips. "Young Lovebirds. What a pain in the ass, and that also, in the midst of arrival of a possible war.

Good luck to you, Lena."