The Only Son Amongst The Daughters Of Eros

She still didn't pull back or argue. It was almost like she couldn't, like she wouldn't dare fight against Aeric's touch.

"Yes," she muttered frightenedly.

"Can you say one of them?" he asked gently, no malice in his eyes, yet one would be unwise to think it wasn't intended.

Melina gulped and said, "Classless."

Aeric smirked. "Classless." he repeated. "Do I look very Classless to you now, Melina of Moonlight?"

Melina shook her head slowly. "No," he answered. "I'm really sorry, Aeric. I don't want to hate you. I don't hate you. I was just following my mother's orders. She's my... mother. You would understand if she was yours. I can't disobey her. I'm so sorry!"

Aeric looked down at the Crest on her cleavage, waiting for it to burn. But... it didn't.

She was telling the truth.

Aeric looked up at her, frowning. "If you're truly sorry, Melina. You have to prove to be worthy of my forgiveness. Will you be willing to do that?"

Melina nodded. "Yes."

"Okay." Aeric nodded as well.

~ ~ ~

The sun hung low in the sky, casting golden hues over the field where Aeric and Melina sat.

From a viewer's standpoint, the quiet was palpable, save for the soft rustle of leaves in the breeze. But it wasn't all peace. One could see Melina fidgeting on the bench, her nervous energy evident in the way her fingers played with the hem of her skirt.

Aeric, on the other hand, was leaned back with an air of nonchalance, his gaze steady and apathetic.

This outside viewer was Luna, worried about her sister, she had gone to search for her. And after walking around the Institution, she had finally found them.

She couldn't wait any longer and decided to decipher what was happening there. The tranquility broke with the sound of her boots on grass.

Luna strode toward them, her posture radiating authority and her expression a mix of curiosity and suspicion. She moved her sharp eyes between Aeric and her sister before settling on Melina.

Then she stopped.

Aeric lifted his gaze at her.

"What's going on here?" Luna demanded with her low and firm voice.

Aeric sighed and stood slowly, his hands slipping into his pockets. "Nothing," he said with a casual tone. "We're just talking."

Obviously not believing him, Luna's eyes narrowed as she focused on her sister. "Melina," she said softly, her voice taking on a protective edge. "Are you okay?"

Melina hesitated for a fraction of a second and then she gave her sister a half assuring smile. "I'm fine, Luna. Really."

That also didn't really convince the Moonlight Princess and Commander. As Aeric tried to walk past her, her piercing gaze flickered back to him, sizing him up.

Instantly, the air between the both of them grew tense, and right there, Aeric suddenly felt the weight of Luna's Divinity.

She was a Diamond Ranked Player, wielding the powerful Silver Knight Class that practically radiating from her presence. Aeric knew full well that if this moment escalated into a fight, he'd stand no chance against her.

But that didn't make waver. His eyes remained hers, steady and unflinching. Confidence oozed from his stance, despite the invisible pressure she exuded.

"If you'll excuse us," Aeric said coolly, raising a brow and breaking the silence.

He walked past Luna, brushing shoulders with her ever so slightly. "Come now, Melina."

Melina hesitated but quickly followed, giving her sister a quick smile before trailing behind Aeric, her movements obedient and meek.

Experience tales with empire

Aeric didn't look back.Nôv(el)B\\jnn

They walked towards the entrance of the Institution, Aeric then spoke to her. "If you're really sorry for everything that's happened, this is your chance to prove it, Melina."

Melina nodded again, understanding the reminder. She'd barely ever been in the Starlight Region and she hadn't fought that many beasts, so, even though her resolve was present, it still wavered.

They walked passed the classrooms and went into the High Daughters' Hall. There, Aeric found Faeryn standing near a marble fountain, her arms crossed as she surveyed the area.

She was a similar sleek, green armor which she wore yesterday, and her sharp gaze quickly caught Aeric approaching.

"Aeric of Starlight," she greeted. "You're here to see me."

Aeric nodded. "I've come to collect the debt you so kindly offered me."

Faeryn raised a brow. "Already? That's fast for something you weren't enthusiastic about at first."

Aeric smirked faintly. "Well, circumstances happen to align themselves for a good reason. I don't have much time to waste," he said. "I've got a problem. It needs solving, and it involves monsters. Are you in?"

Faeryn tilted her head, studying him with an amused expression. "I have no choice, Aeric of Starlight. It is a debt, isn't it?" she said, a spark of intrigue in her tone. "I'm in."

Aeric breathed out.

A short while later, Aeric stood before a quiet door in one of the academy's lesser-used halls. He turned to Melina, who stood dutifully by his side. "Wait here," he instructed.

She nodded silently as Aeric entered the room. Inside, the shadows seemed to cling to the corners, and out of a burst of shadows, a familiar figure came out, red hair glistening.

Nyx of Twilight revealed herself, her violet eyes sizing Aeric up flirtatiously. "Calling me here like this is risky, Aeric," she said. "And no, I've got no updates on Aryanne or my mother."

"That's not why I called you," Aeric replied, his voice steady. "I'm building a team to slay some monsters."

"Oh. Fancy. Why telling me?" Nyx purred.

"I've come to trust you in battle, Nyx. You're competent," Aeric said. "And I'll like you to join me."

Nyx's lips curved into a smirk. "First the compliments and then the offer. Master Aeric, you're speaking my language as of late," she said. "Count me in."

The school bells rang and lessons came to and end, Celestia was standing outside a door with Phoebe, their conversation light and easy.

But then, shifting her glance, Celestia's expression darkened when she saw Aeric approached with Melina trailing behind him. She frowned, worry creasing her features.

'He's been with her all day.'

Aeric approached them, hands in his pockets, his expression softer than usual. "Uh... I really want to apologize for being distant today," he said, his tone sincere.

Celestia's frown deepened. "Is everything okay?"

Aeric nodded, then sighed. "There's been something on my mind and I need your help." Aeric went ahead with a detailed explanation of the Mursbridge and Gulydurk situation and how the Wave War affects it.

"My people are suffering, and I can't let it continue. I know they're not your people, but I really need help. I can't do this alone."

Celestia's eyes softened as she reached out, taking Aeric's hand in hers. "I didn't know," she said kindly. "I'm so sorry. Of course, I'll join you to fight."

Phoebe grinned, her newfound cheerfulness lighting up the moment. "You can count me in, too, Master Aeric," she said enthusiastically.

Aeric nodded, his expression finally breaking into a faint smile. He glanced at Melina, who also surprisingly gave a small, nervous smile.

When Aeric turned around, she attempted to whisper it to see how it sounded in her lips. "Mas.... Master Aeric?"

"Master Aeric?"