Special orders.

"What the gods..." Zhilakoa winced as she felt her hand being pulled.

"Already picking fights on your first day, mmm?" Eryn fumed.

"Picking fights? I was almost killed. I was merely defending myself," Zhilakoa responded, as Kaida took a step back to give them some privacy.

"Let's get that fixed," Eryn said, his eyes drifting to her shoulder. "You shouldn't let people see you bleed here, they'll consider you fresh meat."

Eryn led her towards the blue crystal spire where third years stayed.

"Isn't this against the rules?" Zhilakoa whispered, trying to avoid being seen.

"We'll make an exception," Eryn replied, his voice low.

Lucky for them there weren't lot of people wandering around.

They reached his quarters, and Eryn ushered her inside.

Zhilakoa looked around, taking in the understated elegance of Eryn's chambers with its Soft blue gray walls.

"Take a seat," Eryn instructed, gesturing to the bed.

Zhilakoa sat, wincing in pain, as her eyes continued to explore the room. A collection of leather-bound books and scrolls lined a shelf above the desk, and a silver-studded leather belt, bearing the emblem of the Crystal Division, hung on the wall. Swords, daggers, shields littered the room.

"Let's take a look at that shoulder."

Zhilakoa's gaze returned to Eryn, her expression cautious. "Why do you care? You don't want to associate with me remember?"

"Yes, I haven't changed my mind," Eryn said as he shifted her shirt. "The least I can do is prevent you from bleeding to death on your first day."

"What are you doing?" Zhilakoa tensed at his fingers on her bare skin.

"Well princess, you have to take off your shirt so I can help you," Eryn said, his face refusing to betray the emotions swirling inside him.

"Princess?" Zhilakoa snorted.

"Mmhmm, do you have a problem taking off your shirt with me?" Eryn smiled as he watched Zhilakoa tense up.

"Ohh please," Zhilakoa said as she raised her shirt above her head took it off. "I'm worried you might not be able to control yourself."

Eryn laughed in an attempt to shake off the nervousness he felt seeing her like this. Toned abs, toned hands, that luscious curve of her breasts in her bra.

He straightened up, Zhilakoa peeking shyly at him through her lashes."What, don't tell me you haven't seen a woman shirtless before."

Eryn forced himself to breathe "This is nothing." He said as he cleaned her wound with a herb mix.

Zhilakoa winced as the mix touched her bare raw flesh. "Now I'm fully convinced you're trying to kill me."

Eryn laughed, a sound that amused Zhilakoa, a sound she had forgotten existed. "I thought you were anything but faint. "

"I'm not faint", Zhilakoa said through clenched teeth. She allowed herself to look at his face this time. Taking in every feature, his dark hair falling over his face,his eyes the colour of the deepest ocean, his mouth a sinful curve. She allowed herself to admire him and the lines etched in his forehead as he focused on her shoulder. "Eryn, why did you change all of a sudden?"

Eryn sighed softly as he went to grab the bandages. "This should help hold it together till it heals or till you see a healer."

"I don't want a healer, " Zhilakoa said.

"Anything but faint, " Eryn whispered under his breath.

"You're perfectly okay with pretending you didn't kiss me Eryn."

Eryn's hands finished wrapping Zhilakoa's shoulder, his touch lingering for a moment before he stepped back refusing to meet her gaze.

"You should go," Eryn said, his voice lower than his eyes fixed on the ground. "Before someone thinks I'm sinking my cock into you."

Zhilakoa's eyes flashed. "Like you did with your tongue in my mouth," a sly smile spreading across her face as she put her shirt back on.

Eryn's expression darkened, but he said nothing.

"Head to the common assembly for briefing," he instructed, pointing down the corridor. "Take the eastern stairway. I'll take another route to avoid...speculation."

Zhilakoa nodded and left Eryn's quarters, only turning back when she heard her name from his lips.

"Zhilakoa, careful. "

As she entered the grand assembly hall, Zhilakoa squinted at the sea of bodies, finally spotting Kaida amidst the cadets and made her way over.

"Hey," Kaida whispered, as Zhilakoa joined her on the line. "What happened with Grumpy?"

Zhilakoa's reply was cut short by the sound of drums, signaling the start of the briefing.

The room fell silent as three figures stepped onto the raised platform.

"I am Artena Lyrax, leader of the First Annex," declared a thin woman with piercing emerald eyes and raven-black hair.

"And I am Styx Rylan, leader of the Second Annex."

Zhilakoa's attention was drawn to the third figure, who stepped forward with an air of confidence.

"And I am Eryn Threnody, leader of the Third Annex."

Zhilakoa's eyes widened in shock. Leader? She hadn't realized Eryn held such a high rank.

Kaida's nudge brought Zhilakoa back to attention.

"Looks like your grumpy is more than just a pretty face," Kaida whispered, a grin spreading across her face.

Zhilakoa's mind reeled, trying to connect Eryn she thought she knew with the man before her, the Eryn she ran to, the Eryn who accepted her with open arms, the Eryn who...

Artena began the briefing, her voice commanding attention. "Welcome, cadets. Congratulations on making it past the balustrade. The Crystal palace as you all know is a training station for all those who have shown crystal dissonance."

Styx followed,"The balustrade was only the tip of the ice berg. The real challenge starts this very moment cadets."

Zhilakoa shook her head trying to focus on what was being said her mind threatening to shatter.

Finally Eryn spoke as she dragged her eyes to him. "As Styx said, this is the beginning of the end. But we will talk about that later. For now, it's time to sort out what annex you belong in." "Names will be called randomly by each of us the annex leaders. Once called, do well to form a new line next to your leader."

Names were called from 3 scrolls and everybody quickly arranged themselves according to their annex.

"Kaida Nir, 3rd annex" Eryn said as Kaida looked at Zhilakoa and went over to her annex.

"Zhilakoa Montengail, 1st annex" Artena said.

Zhilakoa tried to move her legs, screamed at them to work.

The world slowed, time slowed as Eryn's eyes found hers. "Zhilakoa Montegail will be in my annex." He said as everyone went silent. "Special orders."