Forbidden Mate Legacy

Since she left the library, Amelia couldn't sleep until very late. After waking up, washing herself, and eating her breakfast, she headed out. The Academy grounds felt different on resting days–lighter, freer, as if the weight of training and lessons had momentarily lifted. The usual tension that hung in the air between the three factions had loosened, allowing students to breathe without watching their backs every second.

Amelia stretched her arms above her head, soaking in the gentle morning sun as she strolled through the courtyard. It was rare to have time for leisure, and for once she didn't have to think about the trials, the prophecy, the looming pressures of being princess, or the unsettling dreams that had plagued her nights.

She glanced around, searching for some known faces. The Academy was vast, but on days like these, familiar faces were easy to spot.

"Amelia" A cheerful voice rang out.

She turned just in time to see Serah, the ever-lively witch, wave at her. Serah's brother, Eryk, stood beside her, arms crossed as usual, his face a perfect mask of disinterest. Beside them was Marcus, the ever–reliable human knight-in-training, and Tairin, the sharp-eyed demon warrior who had an uncanny way of blending into the shadows.

Amelia smiled and quickened her space. "I was wondering where you all disappeared to."

"You're the one who took forever," Serah teased, looping her arm through Amelia's. "We've been planning the perfect way to spend our free day, and you almost made us leave without you."

Eryk scoffed. "You were the only one planning."

"And you were the only one complaining," Serah shot back, sticking out her tongue at her brother.

Marcus chuckled. "Enough bickering. Let's go before we waste half the day standing here."

"Where exactly are we going?" Amelia asked as they started walking.

Serah grinned mischievously. "You will see."

The group made their way toward the Academy's lake, a peaceful area rarely used for anything other than water combat training. Today, however, it was quiet, with only a few other students scattered around, enjoying the momentary peace.

Amelia took in the scenery–crystal-clear water reflecting the sky, the gentle rustling of leaves, and the rare laughter of students from different factions actually getting along.

Serah plopped onto the grass, patting the spot beside her. "Come, sit."

Amelia did, smoothing her skirt as she settled in. "This is nice."

Eryk sat on a nearby rock, his arms still crossed. "Well see how long it stays nice before someone starts fighting."

Marcus chuckled. "Let's hope that doesn't happen."

Tairin, who had been silent until now, finally spoke. "There's always tension underneath. It never truly goes away." his black eyes flickered towards Amelia. "But at least for now, we can pretend."

Amelia nodded, understanding what he meant. No matter how peaceful today felt, war still brewed between their kingdoms. Their friendships, no matter how genuine, existed on borrowed time.

"Well," Serah interrupted the solemn mood, "If we only have a short time to enjoy this, then let's make it count. I brought something fun."

She pulled out a small, enchanted vial, the liquid inside shimmering in different colors.

Amelia raised a brow. "What is that?"

Serah grinned. "A light painter."

Serah explained. "They're rare outside Solaria. Apparently, their magic lets them capture not just an image, but emotions too."

Marcus groaned. "You mean that ridiculous spell that creates illusions in the air?"

"It's not ridiculous!" Serah huffed. "It's fun."

Eryk sighed. "Here we go again."

Ignoring her brother, Serah opened the vial, and instantly, thin streams of light swirled into the air, forming different shapes as if responding to her thoughts. A delicate flower bloomed, then transformed into a butterfly before shifting into a dragon.

Amelia smiled. "That's beautiful."

Serah smirked. "See? Someone appreciates art."

"Let me try," Amelia said, reaching for the vial.

Serah handed it over, and Amelia focused. Slowly the light transformed into a vague shape of a wolf, its luminous body pulsing as if it were alive.

The moment she created it, an odd chill ran down her spine. The others grew silent as they watched the shape flicker before vanishing.

"That was…" Serah trailed off, eyes unreadable.

Marcus cleared his throat. "That was impressive, Amelia."

She forced a smile. "Just a random shape." but deep down she knew it wasn't and they knew it.

The moment passed, and soon, they fell back into easy conversation, teasing and laughing as the day stretched on. For now, Amelia allowed herself to enjoy the moment, pushing aside the strange feeling in her chest.

Because resting days did not come often, and she wasn't about to waste this one worrying about things she couldn't understand-at least, not yet.