Chapter six

By the time she made her way down the stairs, Theron was already waiting for her in the front courtyard. He stood near a black car, his posture straight, his expression calm— maybe even too calm.

Leora quickened her steps. “Good morning, Theron.”

He bowed his head slightly. “Good morning, Luna.”

“How long have you been waiting for me?” she asked staring at the black circles under his eyes.

‘Looks like he didn't get any sleep’ she thought to herself.

“Two hours my lady” he replied 

She tilted her head. “Do you always stand this stiff? Don’t your legs get tired?”

“No, Luna.”

“Really? Not even a little?”

He opened the car back door for her without meeting her gaze. “No, my lady.”

Leora scoffed as she slid into the seat. “You’re really not much of a talker, are you?”

Theron closed the door, walked around, and got into the driver’s seat. “Not when it’s unnecessary.”

“That’s… none of business, just make sure that you sleep next time. I can't have you following me around looking like I overwork you” she muttered under her breath.

The car hummed to life, and they drove in silence for a while. Leora shifted in her seat, stealing a glance at him. His focus remained straight ahead, hands steady on the wheel.

“So…” she tried again, studying him. “I hear you’re one of the best warrior here,” she said casually. “You look very young, maybe just a few years older than me. How did you become the best?”

Theron’s hands tightened slightly on the wheel, but his voice remained calm. “I worked hard for my place, my lady.”

“That’s all?” she raised an eyebrow. “No secret training? No magic bloodline? No tragic backstory?”

He gave her a fleeting glance through the rearview mirror. “That’s all.”

She hummed “ I also heard that you were found wounded and battered a few distance from the kingdom gate when you were just ten and ever since then you've been part of the Crestwood warriors…is that true?”

His knuckles whitened around the wheel for just a second, then relaxed.

“Seems like you know just about everything.You’ve done your research.”he smiled slightly “ Is there anything else the Luna wishes to know?” 

“There is nothing wrong in keeping track of the person that's always going to be with me. Unless you are hiding something you don't want me to find out about” she furrowed her brows.

“Of course not my lady, it would be foolish of me to keep things from you. My life is in your hands, you can kill me whenever you feel like it” he said.

“I might just do that” Leora responded, staring out the window.

Theron glanced at her from the car rearview mirror. He wasn't going to give her a chance to discard him and she definitely didn't have it in her to kill him.

When they finally reached the academy grounds, the gates opened and the car rolled in. The building stretched high and wide, its gray stone walls engraved with the silver crest of Crestwood—a full moon held by two crossed wolf claws. Dark banners fluttered from the towers, each embroidered with the same magical symbol in silver thread, glowing faintly under the morning light.

Students were already gathering outside, their uniforms neat and uniform—black tunics trimmed with silver, belts fastened with moonstone buckles, and cloaks bearing the academy’s crest over the chest. The moment the sleek car came into view, whispers erupted.

“Look! It’s her—”

“Is that the Luna?”

The car stopped, and Theron immediately stepped out. His presence alone seemed to shift the air. Girls nearby gasped, nudging each other, their eyes following his every move.

“Who is that with her?!”

“Oh my gosh, he’s gorgeous—”

“Isn’t that Theron? .”

“Ohhh, I’ve heard about him!”

Theron walked around to Leora’s side and opened her door for her. Leora stepped out, straightening her uniform. She could feel dozens of eyes burning into her, but it was Theron who seemed to draw the most attention.

Oh my gosh, it’s Luna!”

“Look at her—she’s glowing.”

“Is that her guard? He’s so fine.”

“No way, Theron’s with her? That’s Theron?”

“He is Theron, right? I heard he’s untouchable.”

“He’s so cute. Oh my god. Look at him!”

“Do you think they’re… together?”

Leora glanced at Theron, smirking. “Seems like you’ve got a couple of fans.”

His expression didn’t change. “I don’t have fans.”

“Oh really? Then what are they? Look at them…staring at you like you just walked out of some magazine.”

“They’re not fans,” he said flatly.

“Okay… friends then?”

“I don’t keep friends.”

Leora raised her brows.”Well, I am not surprised, it's not like I expected someone as cold as you to have friends”.

His lips twitched faintly—though it was gone before she could be sure it was a smile. “They are… unnecessary.”

She blinked at him, then shook her head with a chuckle. “Wow. You’re really something else, Theron.”

He bowed slightly. “As you say, Luna.”

Theron said nothing more as he led the way, just a few steps before her, his eyes scanning the crowd like a hawk.

Leora rolled her eyes and walked ahead toward the school building, the weight of curious stares still following her. But despite that, she seemed to perfectly hide the fear growing in her.

Just before they enter the academy, a messenger rushes up the courtyard stairs and bows low before Theron. He whispers something quickly. Theron stiffens, but then nods and dismisses him.

Leora notices. “What was that about?”

Theron gives her a calm, empty smile. “Nothing important, Luna”.