For a moment, there was silence.
Clara and Eliza exchanged glances, their surprise evident.
Then Clara reached across the table and placed a hand on Ariana's forehead, her brow furrowed.
"Are you feeling okay, Ari?
You've never talked like this before.
Especially not about Noah."
Eliza leaned closer, joining in.
"Yeah, are you sure you're not coming down with something?"
She asked, her tone a mix of teasing and concern.
Ariana swatted their hands away, her cheeks flushing a soft pink.
"I'm fine!"
She insisted, though her voice wavered slightly.
Clara narrowed her eyes playfully.
"Wait a second... Is Noah threatening you?
Did he force you to say these things about him?"
Eliza gasped in mock horror.
"That has to be it!
It's the only explanation!"
Ariana's face turned redder as she shook her head vigorously.
"N-no! It's nothing like that! I just...
I just think it's the right thing to do, that's all!"
Her words came out in a flustered rush, and she quickly changed the subject.
"Actually, he asked me to teach him spirit and beast taming."
Both girls froze, then burst out laughing.
"Spirit and beast taming?"
Clara repeated, doubling over.
"Noah wants you to teach him?
Oh, this I've got to see!"
Eliza wiped a tear from the corner of her eye.
"That's rich.
How does he expect to learn anything when half the academy is searching for him?"
Ariana's expression softened, and a small smile tugged at her lips.
"He's serious about it.
And I... I know a place where we can practice.
It's in the Eastern Forest, south of the meadows.
Hardly anyone goes there."
Clara raised an eyebrow.
"The Eastern Forest?
Isn't that... kind of secluded?"
"Exactly."
Ariana replied, her voice regaining some of its usual confidence.
Ariana chuckled, shaking her head.
"No, Buddy. I don't think that would work.
Noah's... difficult enough on his own without a spirit adding to it."
Buddy snorted, his large paws padding along the ground beside her.
{Alright, alright.
What about something small and scrappy, like a frost weasel?
Quick, sharp, and always ready for a fight.}
Ariana suppressed a giggle at the mental image.
"I don't think Noah would appreciate being bonded with something like that.
Besides, he needs a spirit that complements his power, not his personality quirks."
Buddy tilted his head, his silvery fur catching the sunlight.
{Fair enough.
Ice, you said?
A frost spirit, then.
Something elegant but deadly, like a snow fox or a glacier wisp.
Though...}
He smirked, his sharp teeth glinting.
{Wouldn't it be funny if he ended up with a penguin spirit?}
Ariana couldn't help but laugh, the sound light and musical.
"I don't think Noah's ego could handle a penguin companion."
Her laughter subsided, replaced by a thoughtful hum.
"Still, you might be onto something
A spirit tied to ice magic would suit him best.
It has to be strong and resilient—like him, in a way."
The two continued walking until the meadows gave way to an open space, where the afternoon sun bathed everything in a golden glow.
A glistening lake lay ahead, its surface shimmering and twinkling like a thousand diamonds.
The water was surrounded by vibrant greenery and patches of colorful flowers swaying gently in the breeze.
Ariana stopped for a moment, taking in the serene beauty of the place.
The air was crisp and filled with the scent of wildflowers.
Her eyes scanned the area, and on the far side of the lake, a figure caught her attention.
It was unmistakably Noah.
Her breath hitched as her gaze lingered.
He stood near the edge of the water, shirtless, his body wet and glistening from the lake.
The sunlight danced on his defined muscles, accentuating every curve and line.
His jet-black hair clung to his face in damp strands, and his golden eyes shimmered in the sunlight, matching the brilliance of the afternoon sky.
Strands of wet hair framed his sharp features, giving him an almost ethereal quality.
As if sensing her presence, Noah turned his head toward her.
His piercing gaze locked onto hers, and his lips curled into a smirk.
"Oh, you finally arrived..."
He said, his voice smooth and deep, carrying easily across the water.
Ariana's face immediately turned crimson.
She clutched her hands to her mouth, her fingers barely concealing her expression as she quickly averted her eyes.