The special training rooms had an intensity all their own.
Far removed from the bustling atmosphere of the academy's usual training grounds.
Reserved only for top-tier students.
The room's silence, heightened by the ambient hum of protective enchantments, felt dense, expectant.
Draven and Ariana faced off, each gripping wooden practice swords.
But only one of them seemed fully focused.
Draven swung his sword in a controlled arc, aiming for her shoulder.
A simple, predictable move that she'd blocked hundreds of times in their years training together.
Yet, to his surprise, Ariana hesitated.
The wooden sword connected with her shoulder, making her wince.
"Ari, what's up with you?"
Draven asked, concern evident in his eyes.
"You could've blocked that in your sleep.
Don't tell me you're getting rusty on me."
Ariana forced a grin.
Shrugging off the hit as she readied her stance again.
"I'm fine, Draven.
Just... got a lot on my mind."
Draven raised an eyebrow, doubt creeping into his expression.
"A lot on your mind?
Since when does that make you let your guard down?"
He smirked, tossing his sword from hand to hand.
"Come on, don't tell me you're getting sentimental on me?"
"Sentimental?
You wish."
She scoffed, rolling her eyes.
They sparred again, exchanging blows in a sequence of footwork and quick strikes.
But Draven wasn't fooled.
She was letting her guard down just enough to take another hit on her side.
Another to her arm.
This wasn't like her.
He'd known Ariana since they were kids.
She wasn't the type to get distracted during a fight.
Something was bothering her, something big.
"Ari."
He said, stepping back after a series of poorly executed parries on her end.
"Talk to me.
I'm not going to keep hitting you just to make a point.
You've been off all morning.
Draven, watching her descent into what looked like madness, raised an eyebrow, chuckling softly.
"What in the world are you doing?"
He stepped forward, grabbing her wrist to stop her before she knocked herself unconscious.
"If you're trying to shake some sense into yourself, I can do it for you."
With a mischievous grin, he gave her a gentle bonk on the head with his own sword.
"Ow! Draven!"
She protested, rubbing her head with a sheepish smile.
His playful gesture helped pull her out of her chaotic thoughts, and she let out a light laugh.
"There's the Ari I know."
Draven said, laughing along with her.
"Now, what do you say we wrap this up before you injure yourself?"
Ariana nodded, exhaling a breath she didn't realize she was holding.
"Yeah... maybe a break would be a good idea."
As they sheathed their practice swords, Ariana's gaze drifted, and she muttered under her breath.
"I could really use something sweet right now."
Draven grinned.
"Sweets, huh?
How about we hit up the sweet shop?
We can clear our heads and grab something sugary.
It's on me."
Her eyes brightened, and she nodded eagerly.
"Yes, please! You have no idea how much I need that right now."
They walked out of the training room side by side, Ariana clutching her sword loosely at her side.
The quiet hallways of the special training wing felt serene.
And she let her mind drift, feeling a bit more at ease.
But, like an annoying fly buzzing around her head, the memory of Noah's unexpected "thank you" still lingered.
'What if he's just trying to mess with me?'
'Or confuse me?'
No matter how she spun it, the moment nagged at her.
There was no way the infamous Noah Ashbourne would say something genuine to her... would he?
The possibility alone was enough to make her head spin.
And Draven seemed to sense her inner struggle as they reached the academy's garden pathway leading to the shop.
"Ari, you look like you're overthinking again."
He teased, bumping her shoulder.
"Come on, we're about to drown ourselves in sugar.
Let all that stuff go for now, alright?"
She took a deep breath and grinned back at him.
Finally managing to push aside her lingering questions.
"Fine, fine. I'll try to focus on what really matters...
Sweets!"
Draven chuckled, giving her a reassuring nod.