Anger issues

As Elian handed his bags to a waiting butler, his gaze remained distant, his thoughts consumed by the events that had transpired in Eristia. With a heavy heart, he made his way to his first class, the weight of his newfound responsibilities bearing down upon him like a leaden cloak.

As he settled into his seat, his mind drifted back to the harrowing battle with the Vor'talon of Vengeance, the memory of their fierce struggle still fresh in his mind. The pain, the fear, the overwhelming sense of helplessness—all of it threatened to consume him, leaving him adrift in a sea of uncertainty and doubt.

Lost in his thoughts, Elian hardly noticed when Res rushed into the classroom, her expression filled with concern and compassion. She hurried to his side, her voice gentle but insistent as she spoke.

"Elian, I know what you're going through," she began, her eyes searching his for any sign of acknowledgment. "You're experiencing PTSD from the fight with the Vor'talon. But you don't have to go through this alone. We're here for you, always."

But Elian merely shrugged off her words, his gaze distant and unfocused as he stared off into the distance. "I'm fine, Res," he replied, his voice hollow and devoid of emotion. "I just need some time to process everything, that's all."

Res could see the pain and turmoil etched into every line of his face, the weight of his burdens bearing down upon him like a crushing weight. But she knew that he was too proud, too stubborn to admit when he needed help.

With a heavy heart, Res squeezed his hand gently, her silent gesture of support speaking volumes more than words ever could. And as the lesson began and the classroom buzzed with activity, she remained by his side, a silent guardian watching over him as he struggled to find his way back from the darkness that threatened to consume.

Elian entered Dean Cirala Thorne's office with a solemn expression, his mind still weighed down by the recent events that had unfolded in Eristia. Despite the congratulatory words from the Dean, his thoughts remained elsewhere, his attention focused inward as he grappled with the aftermath of his newfound role as a ruler.

As the other staff members filed out of the office at Elian's signal, Dean Thorne regarded him with a keen eye, noting the distant look in his gaze. Clearing his throat, he spoke with a mixture of admiration and concern.

"Elian, I've heard about the remarkable feat you accomplished in Eristia," he began, his tone laced with genuine respect. "Defeating a Vor'talon is no small feat, and you should be commended for your bravery and skill."

But as he observed Elian's unresponsive demeanor, a flicker of concern crossed her features. Leaning forward, he continued, his voice taking on a more serious tone.

"However, I can see that your mind is elsewhere,"he remarked, his eyes searching his for any hint of emotion. "And rightfully so. You've just stepped into a world of power and responsibility, one that will require you to be stronger than ever before."

Elian met his gaze with a steely resolve, his jaw set in determination. "I understand, Dean Thorne," he replied, his voice firm and unwavering. "I will do whatever it takes to protect my kingdom and its people."

Dean Thorne nodded, a glint of approval in his eyes. "That's what I like to hear," she said, a hint of pride coloring her words. "But remember, Elian, with great power comes great danger. You've made enemies, powerful ones who won't hesitate to strike when they see an opportunity."

Elian's expression darkened at her words, a silent acknowledgment of the challenges that lay ahead. "I'll be ready," he vowed, his voice tinged with determination. "No matter what comes our way, I'll do whatever it takes to protect those I care about."

With a nod of understanding, Dean Thorne offered him a reassuring smile. "I have no doubt about that, Elian," she said, her voice filled with confidence. "Just remember, you're not alone in this. We're here to support you every step of the way."

Elian entered his next class with a heavy heart, the weight of recent events still lingering in his mind. As he took his seat next to Res, he couldn't help but feel a sense of comfort in her presence, her unwavering support a beacon of light in the darkness that threatened to consume him.

As the teacher launched into a lecture on the advanced stages of mana manipulation, Elian's mind began to wander, his thoughts drifting back to the harrowing battle with the Vor'talon. He remembered the searing pain of each blow, the overwhelming sense of despair as he struggled to hold his ground against the relentless onslaught.

But as his thoughts threatened to overwhelm him, Elian felt Res's hand slip into his own, a silent gesture of reassurance that grounded him in the present moment. Feeling the warmth of her touch, he couldn't help but wonder what would become of him if she wasn't by his side.

Lost in his thoughts, Elian found himself contemplating the strength and resilience that Res embodied, her unwavering determination and unwavering support serving as a constant source of inspiration. In that moment, he realized just how much he relied on her presence, her unwavering belief in him giving him the courage to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

As the teacher's words faded into the background, Elian squeezed Res's hand gently, a silent gesture of gratitude for her steadfast companionship. And as they sat together, united in their shared journey, Elian couldn't help but feel a glimmer of hope stirring within him, a reminder that no matter what trials awaited them, they would face them together, hand in hand.

During lunch, Elian sat quietly at his usual spot, savoring the brief respite from his responsibilities as he enjoyed his meal. However, his moment of peace was shattered when a group of sixth years approached, their jeers echoing through the cafeteria like a discordant symphony.

"Look at Mr. Royalty over here," one of them sneered, disdain dripping from his words as he shoved Elian's tray aside.

Elian's brow furrowed in annoyance, but he remained composed, unwilling to escalate the situation unnecessarily. However, as the insults continued to fly, his patience wore thin, his temper simmering beneath the surface.

"Back off," he warned, his voice low and dangerous, but the group paid him no heed, emboldened by their numbers.

"Or what?" another taunted, stepping closer with a menacing grin.

Elian's eyes narrowed, his anger flaring as he repeated his command, his tone laced with frustration. "I said, back off."

But before he could react, a fist came hurtling towards his face. Acting on instinct, Elian seized the attacker's wrist, twisting it with a swift motion until a sickening crack filled the air. The bully cried out in pain, clutching his injured hand as Elian's gaze turned icy cold.

With a menacing glare, Elian's eyes began to glow with an ominous red light, his anger fueling the dark energy that surged within him. In a swift motion, he seized one of the bullies by the neck, his grip tightening with each passing second as he began to choke the life out of him.

But just as Elian's rage threatened to consume him, he felt a gentle hand on his shoulder, its touch calming and soothing. Turning to see his sister, Elara, her eyes shimmering with a soft golden glow, Elian felt the tendrils of her seductive magic weave their way into his mind, urging him to cease his violent actions.

Reluctantly, Elian released his grip, his chest heaving as he struggled to regain control of his emotions. With a deep breath, he pushed aside the darkness that threatened to overwhelm him, his gaze meeting Elara's with a mixture of gratitude and remorse. And as the tension in the cafeteria slowly dissipated, Elian couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt for allowing his anger to get the best of him once again.