The Forsaken Heir

In the grand library, the soft rustling of pages and the distant murmur of students filled the air. Elara sat at a secluded corner table, her golden-silver hair cascading over one shoulder as she flipped through a textbook on specialized arcane constructs. Across from her, Selene sat with a slight pout on her lips, her delicate fingers tracing the spine of a forgotten tome. Despite the grandeur of the library and the wealth of knowledge surrounding her, Selene's focus was elsewhere.

"It's been days," Selene muttered, pushing a strand of her long, jet-black hair behind her ear. Her usually graceful composure was replaced by a noticeable frustration. "I haven't seen Lorian at all."

Elara glanced up from her book, raising an eyebrow at Selene's tone. "He's probably just caught up in his training," she said, her voice carrying a knowing edge.

Selene blinked, confusion crossing her face. "Training? What for? I've seen him train before, but this... He's disappeared without a word."

Elara sighed, closing her book. "Honestly? I don't know. I tried to talk to him after class the other day. I even went to his room to see if he'd come out, but he just told me he was busy. He wouldn't even open the door."

Selene's frown deepened. "That doesn't sound like him... Why would he just shut everyone out like this?"

Elara smiled faintly. "You wouldn’t know this about him, but Lorian has a habit of doing this—disappearing into his own little world when he's training. It's like once he's set on something, nothing else matters. He shuts everyone out until he's done."

Selene blinked, clearly surprised. "Really? I had no idea. He's always seemed so... collected when we studied together. I didn't think he'd just vanish like that."

Elara chuckled softly. "Yeah, it's part of his charm. He can be pretty intense when he sets his mind to something. Once he locks onto a goal, he won't stop until he reaches it. I wouldn't take it personally; this is just how he is when he's determined."

Selene gave a slight nod, though her expression didn't fully relax. "I suppose," she murmured. "But it wouldn't kill him to take a break once in a while. He can be so stubborn."

Elara’s smile faded slightly as she leaned back in her chair. "Trust me, I know. Like I said, I tried talking to him after class. I thought maybe I could get him to come out for a bit, but he just said he was 'busy' and wouldn't even open his door. I don’t know what he’s training for, but it’s consuming him right now."

Selene's eyes widened slightly, concern starting to overshadow her frustration. "Do you think it's something serious? I mean, with everything that's been happening lately... Could it be dangerous?"

Elara shrugged, though her own concern flickered beneath the surface. "Honestly, I don't know. He didn’t say much when I asked. Just that he was 'busy' and didn’t have time to talk. But knowing Lorian, he’s pushing himself hard. That’s what worries me."

Selene frowned, her fingers absentmindedly tracing the edge of the book in front of her. "I just... don’t want to see him get hurt. Not again."

Elara’s gaze softened as she reached across the table, placing a reassuring hand on Selene’s. She noticed the way Selene’s fingers slightly trembled, the worry that she tried to hide behind her usually calm exterior. For someone who carried herself with such poise, it was rare to see her shaken. But Elara understood—Lorian was important to Selene, more than either of them probably realized.

"He’ll be fine, Selene. He always is. Lorian’s been through worse, and he’s stronger now than ever. He’ll come out of this just like he always does—better than before."

Selene sighed, though the warmth of Elara’s words seemed to soothe some of her worries. "You’re right. I just wish he wouldn’t do it alone."

Elara smirked, pulling her hand back and leaning into her chair. "He’s not alone. He’s got you—and me—looking out for him, even if he doesn’t always realize it."

Selene smiled faintly, her gaze drifting toward the window where the morning sun was beginning to filter through. "Yeah... I suppose you’re right. Still, I’ll feel better when he decides to show his face again."

Elara laughed lightly, her eyes twinkling. "Oh, he’ll show up eventually. Probably when he’s absolutely starving from all the training and realizes he hasn’t eaten in days."

Selene chuckled at that, the tension finally lifting from her shoulders. "Typical Lorian."

The two girls sat in comfortable silence for a moment, the soft hum of the library around them. Though Selene’s frustration had eased, a lingering worry remained in her heart. She trusted Lorian, but she couldn’t shake the feeling that he was pushing himself too hard, too fast.

Just come back soon, Lorian, Selene thought to herself, her gaze drifting back to the window.

Elara, watching her friend’s expression soften, quietly returned to her studies, knowing full well that Lorian would return when he was ready—he always did.

As the soft hum of the library settled around them, Elara returned to her book, and Selene remained lost in her thoughts, staring out the window. The comfortable silence was abruptly interrupted by a voice filled with thinly veiled amusement.

“Well, well. Talking about Lorian, are we? Guess you haven’t heard the latest rumors.”

Julian Veldt’s smirk preceded him as he approached their table, flanked by Lady Celeste Leclair and Lady Vivienne Valenwood. The trio, always seen together these days, moved with a certain confidence, but there was no mistaking the edge in Julian’s tone, especially when it came to Lorian.

Elara looked up, mildly surprised but unfazed. “Julian,” she greeted with a calm nod. “Overheard us, did you?”

Julian shrugged with a casual air, though the gleam in his eyes suggested he enjoyed holding their attention. “What can I say? You two weren’t exactly whispering. And I couldn’t help but notice you seem a little out of the loop. There’s some pretty juicy gossip going around about our friend Lorian.”

Selene’s concern deepened immediately, her gaze locking onto Julian. “What are you talking about? What rumors?”

Julian’s smirk widened as he leaned against the edge of their table. “Let’s just say Lorian’s been keeping a low profile for a reason. Word is, Zephyr Nimbus beat the living daylights out of him a few nights ago. Pretty badly, too.”

Elara’s eyes narrowed, her attention fully on Julian now. “Zephyr fought Lorian?”

“Fought might be a bit generous,” Julian replied with a chuckle. “From what I hear, it was more of a one-sided beatdown. Zephyr’s already Elite Rank, and Lorian… well, let’s just say he’s nowhere near that level yet.”

Selene gasped, her hand flying to her mouth. “Why wouldn’t he tell us? Is he alright?”

Julian raised an eyebrow, clearly enjoying the drama. “I’m guessing pride. He doesn’t want anyone to know how badly he got humiliated. Zephyr didn’t just win—he spread the word about how easy it was. Everyone knows by now.”

Elara sighed, setting her book down with a hint of frustration. “I tried to talk to him yesterday after class. He wouldn’t even come out of his room. Just said he was busy.”

Celeste, standing beside Julian, exchanged a glance with Vivienne, who remained silent but attentive. Celeste’s voice was gentle, but concern laced her words. “If he’s hurt and hiding away, that’s not good. Lorian’s always been determined, but this sounds different. He could be pushing himself too hard.”

Vivienne, quiet as ever, nodded in agreement, her gaze thoughtful. She had always been more reserved, but her support for Elara had grown more apparent since the family’s shift in dynamics. Now, her focus was on the growing tension surrounding Lorian.

Julian leaned in slightly, his tone soft but condescending. “Look, I don’t have anything against him, but Lorian’s been acting like he has something to prove ever since the whole heir business started. And now he’s paying for it. He tried to take on Zephyr—someone way out of his league—and now he’s probably holed up somewhere nursing his wounds, both physical and ego-related.”

Elara’s eyes flashed with irritation, but she kept her voice steady. “Lorian’s not running from a fight. He’s just… stubborn. He won’t stop until he feels like he’s ready.”

Julian chuckled again, clearly enjoying pushing her buttons. “Stubborn is one word for it. Self-destructive might be another.”

Selene’s eyes widened, clearly unsettled by Julian’s lack of empathy. “That’s not fair, Julian. Lorian may be stubborn, but he’s doing what he thinks is right.”

“Sure, but what’s that getting him?” Julian replied, crossing his arms. “He’s in over his head. Trying to prove something, like always. And now he’s hiding from the consequences.”

Elara’s expression softened slightly as she addressed Selene. “He won’t stop until he thinks he’s ready. That’s how Lorian is. He doesn’t want to show weakness, so he’ll shut everyone out until he feels like he’s strong enough.”

Celeste stepped forward, her voice gentle but firm. “But if he’s isolating himself after something like this, it’s dangerous. Lorian’s always been determined, but this is different. If Zephyr really hurt him, he could be pushing himself too far.”

Vivienne, though quiet, nodded in agreement. “We’ve seen him push himself beyond his limits before. He could end up doing more harm than good.”

Julian leaned in, his voice dropping slightly. “Look, I’m not saying I want anything bad to happen to him. But Lorian needs to learn his place. Zephyr showed him that, and now Lorian’s got two choices: either he accepts it, or he destroys himself trying to prove something that doesn’t matter.”

Elara’s golden eyes flickered with frustration, but she remained calm. “Lorian’s not going to destroy himself. He’s stronger than that.”

Julian raised an eyebrow, his smirk returning. “Is he? Because from what I’ve heard, Zephyr didn’t seem to think so.”

Selene’s voice trembled slightly as she looked back at Elara. “Do you think we should go to him? He might not open up, but... he can’t be alone like this.”

Elara gave her a reassuring nod. “I’ll try talking to him again. He can’t stay locked away forever.”

Julian, Celeste, and Vivienne exchanged glances, the unspoken tension thick in the air. None of them knew exactly what Lorian was training for or what drove him to challenge Zephyr, but they all shared the same unease: Lorian wasn’t the same as before. Not since Elara had been named heir, and not since Zephyr had privately beaten him and spread the word about it.

As the conversation wound down, the weight of Lorian’s absence pressed heavier on them all. Elara closed her book with a quiet thud, the determination in her golden eyes now replacing the earlier frustration. She stood up from the table, her posture firm.

“I’m going to check on him,” Elara said, her voice carrying a note of finality.

Selene immediately pushed her chair back, her violet eyes wide with concern. “I’m coming too,” she declared, her usual composure slipping slightly as she hurried to her feet.

Julian raised an eyebrow at the sudden movement but didn’t object. “Might as well come along,” he said, exchanging a glance with Celeste and Vivienne. The two girls nodded in silent agreement and stood to follow, their expressions a mixture of concern and curiosity.

As the group made their way through the winding corridors of the academy, the tension seemed to grow with each step. Elara led the way, her pace steady but quick, her mind racing with thoughts of Lorian. She couldn’t shake the worry that Julian’s words had stirred. If Lorian had really taken on Zephyr and lost that badly, why had he shut them all out?

Selene walked beside her, her brow furrowed with worry. “Why wouldn’t he tell us?” she muttered under her breath. “If he’s hurt, he shouldn’t be dealing with it alone.”

“He never tells anyone when he’s struggling,” Elara replied softly, her eyes focused ahead. “That’s just how he is. Stubborn to a fault.”

Julian trailed behind with his usual smirk, though his eyes flickered with curiosity. “Do you think he’s holed up in his room licking his wounds, or is he still training?”

“Probably both,” Elara said, her tone tight. “He’s too proud to ask for help. He’ll push himself until he’s barely standing, then do it all over again.”

Vivienne sighed softly from behind, her quiet voice carrying a hint of sympathy. “That sounds… exhausting.”

“It is,” Elara said, her jaw set. “But that’s Lorian. He doesn’t know any other way.”

When they finally reached the Bronze Hall, the heavy stone doors loomed before them. Elara didn’t hesitate as she pressed her hand to the enchanted sigil, unlocking the door to the dorms. The familiar click of the enchantment disengaging echoed through the quiet hallway as they stepped inside.

The dimly lit corridor stretched before them, each door leading to one of the student dormitories. Elara made a beeline for Lorian’s door, her heart pounding slightly in her chest.

She knocked firmly, her voice steady. “Lorian? It’s Elara. Open up.”

There was a long pause, the silence stretching out uncomfortably.

“Lorian, we’re worried about you,” Selene added, stepping closer to the door. “Please let us in.”

Still no response.

Julian leaned against the wall, crossing his arms with a bemused expression. “Maybe he’s pretending he’s not home.”

Elara shot him a sharp look before knocking again, louder this time. “Lorian, I’m not leaving until you open this door.”

After a long, tense silence, the door creaked open slightly, and Lorian’s head appeared in the small gap. His dark hair was tousled, and there were clear signs of fatigue in his eyes, but he forced a weak smile. “Elara, I’m fine. Really. You don’t need to worry.”

Selene immediately stepped closer, her violet eyes scanning his face with concern. “You don’t look fine. Lorian, please, just let us in. We’re worried about you.”

Lorian sighed, leaning against the doorframe as if debating whether to let them inside. “I’m just tired. I’ve been training, that’s all. I need to rest.”

He almost had them convinced. Elara’s golden eyes flickered with hesitation, and Selene’s shoulders relaxed slightly. It seemed like they might let him be—until Julian shoved his way past Elara, forcing the door open.

“Yeah, sure. Training,” Julian said sarcastically as he barged inside, brushing past Lorian. “Let’s see just how ‘fine’ you really are.”

“Julian!” Elara hissed, but it was too late. She and Selene followed him in, with Vivienne and Celeste right behind them.

Lorian stood there for a second, clearly frustrated, before letting out a resigned sigh. He knew what was coming next.

“Lorian...” Selene’s voice was soft, but her eyes were wide as she looked him over.

The scars on his arms and legs were hard to miss, jagged lines faintly glowing along the path of his mana channels. They weren’t as obvious as Julian had implied, but they were unmistakably there—evidence of something more than just standard training.

Elara’s eyes narrowed, her earlier worry deepening. “What the hell happened to you?”

Lorian held up his hands defensively. “Before anyone freaks out, they’re temporary. Just... side effects from pushing myself a little too far.”

Julian scoffed, his eyes flicking between the glowing lines on Lorian’s arms. “Side effects? You look like you’ve been struck by lightning.”

“I haven’t,” Lorian muttered, clearly irritated. “I told you, it’s from training.”

Selene stepped closer, her eyes never leaving the faint scars. “Lorian, this isn’t normal. What kind of training are you doing?”

Elara crossed her arms, clearly not buying his explanation. “You should’ve told us if something like this was happening.”

Lorian’s jaw tightened. “I didn’t tell anyone because I’m handling it. I’m fine.”

“You don’t look fine,” Vivienne said quietly, speaking for the first time as her eyes lingered on his arms.

Lorian sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. “Look, I appreciate the concern, but it’s really not a big deal. They’ll fade. I’ve got it under control.”

“You clearly don’t,” Elara shot back, her golden eyes sharp. “If this is what happens when you push yourself, then you need to stop. Now.”

Lorian’s frustration bubbled to the surface as he moved toward the door, pulling it open with a firm grip. “I’m not discussing this anymore. I’m fine, and I don’t need a lecture. You can all leave now.”

The room fell into a brief silence as everyone exchanged glances, the tension thick in the air. It was clear that Lorian wasn’t going to budge, but the concern in their eyes remained. Still, none of them pushed further, at least for now.

With a final sigh, Elara nodded reluctantly, her voice soft but firm. “We’ll leave. But don’t think for a second we’re not going to check on you again.”

Selene hesitated at the door, her violet eyes filled with worry. “Please, Lorian. Don’t do this alone.”

Lorian gave her a tired smile. “I’m not. I’ll be fine.”

As the group slowly filtered out of the room, Lorian closed the door behind them with a quiet click. He leaned against it for a moment, letting out a long breath. His eyes drifted to the glowing scars on his arms, and though he’d managed to brush off their concerns, a part of him knew they weren’t going to give up that easily.