Damon and Anaya strolled out of the academy’s bustling cafeteria, their voices mingling with the echoes of laughter and chatter from other students. The golden hues of the setting sun painted the courtyard in warm light, casting long shadows across the cobblestones.
Anaya brushed a strand of her peach-colored hair from her face, her delicate features glowing in the twilight.
She had grown even more beautiful in the past year, her curvy yet slender figure now more pronounced, and her peach-colored eyes sparkling with life. Damon couldn’t help but glance at her every so often, a smile tugging at his lips.
They were deep in conversation about the Dean’s recent address.
“The way he talked about preparing us for war,” Anaya said, her voice tinged with unease, “it’s like they’re bracing for something far worse than they’re letting on.”
Damon placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder, his tone calm but confident. “It’s not like we didn’t know this was coming, Anaya. But we’ve made it this far, haven’t we? We’re stronger now, and we’ll only get stronger.”
Her lips curved into a faint smile, though worry still lingered in her eyes. Damon, noticing her hesitation, decided to lighten the mood.
“Speaking of dates,” he began, his voice casual but teasing, “your birthday is in a week, right?”
Anaya’s smile brightened as she nodded.
“And,” Damon continued, his grin widening, “that also marks one year since we started dating.”
Anaya let out a delighted laugh, her cheeks flushing. “I know! Can you believe it’s been a year already?”
“I can,” Damon replied softly, leaning closer. “And it’s been the best year of my life.”
Anaya’s heart fluttered at his words, and before she could reply, Damon closed the distance between them, pressing a gentle kiss to her lips. “Keep that in mind.”
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***
Their relationship had begun on Anaya’s birthday, a day neither of them would forget. It had been a year ago, just after the first-year exams. Damon had been heading to the cafeteria for a quick meal when a sudden thought struck him.
‘Anaya’s probably in the library. Maybe I should check on her.’
Sure enough, when he arrived, there she was, organizing the shelves and sorting through books left in disarray by careless students.
Damon had planned to sneak up on her and give her a playful scare, but his sharp ears caught her murmuring under her breath.
She was frustrated, lamenting her ruined birthday. Her father, the academy librarian, had grounded her as punishment for a recent mishap and tasked her with supervising the library for the entire day.
Damon’s heart ached at the thought of her spending her birthday alone, and he quickly changed his approach.
He stepped into the room, softly singing a cheerful birthday tune. Anaya turned, startled at first, but her expression quickly softened into a radiant smile.
“Happy birthday,” Damon said warmly, his voice sincere.
“Thanks, Damon,” she replied, her voice filled with gratitude.
Determined to make her day special, Damon spent the entire afternoon with her in the library. He brought snacks and drinks from the cafeteria, each trip met with a look of appreciation that made his efforts worth it. By the end of the day, Anaya was smiling brighter than ever.
In a moment of courage, Damon took her hands and asked, “Anaya, will you be my girlfriend?”
Anaya’s cheeks flushed, and after a brief pause, she nodded. Damon grinned, sealing the moment with a kiss on her forehead.
***
Back in the courtyard, Damon chuckled at the memory. “So, what do you want for your birthday? Or for our anniversary?”
Anaya tilted her head thoughtfully, her peach-colored hair cascading over her shoulder. “I just want a day of freedom,” she said finally. “No watchful eyes, no rules… just one day where I can do whatever I want.”
“Your dad’s still keeping tabs on you, huh?” Damon asked, a hint of sympathy in his voice.
“Always,” Anaya sighed, rolling her eyes. “Being the second daughter of the academy librarian isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. He thinks I’m some fragile vase he has to keep under lock and key.”
Damon nodded, determination glinting in his silver eyes. “Alright. Consider it done.”
Anaya arched an eyebrow, her lips curling into a playful smirk. “You can’t seriously make that happen.”
Damon’s grin turned mischievous. “We’ll see.”
He murmured under his breath, “I’ll find a way.”
The pair was just about to head toward the library when a familiar voice called out to them.
“Damon! Anaya!”
They turned to see Daveon Acheon approaching, his lean, athletic frame cutting a sharp figure in the dimming light. His calm demeanor and quiet strength were unmistakable, and his presence always carried a sense of assurance.
“What’s up, Daveon? Eaten yet?” Damon asked, curiosity evident in his tone.
Daveon stopped a few steps away, his expression neutral. “I haven’t but I’ll be sure to do that later as our guardian, Ex-General Leana wants to see us immediately.”
Anaya’s brow furrowed slightly. “What for?”
Daveon shrugged. “She didn’t say. Just that it’s important.”
Damon raised an eyebrow. “We’re not in trouble, are we?”
Daveon shook his head. “Doesn’t seem like it. She mentioned something about introductions.”
Damon sighed in relief but couldn’t shake the feeling that their guardian wasn’t one for casual conversations.
“Well, let’s not keep her waiting,” he said, motioning for the others to follow.
As the trio walked toward their guardian’s quarters, the cafeteria faded into the distance behind their backs. But at least, they’d completed their mission at the cafeteria earlier.
The academy grounds, usually lively, now felt quieter, the weight of their responsibilities settling over them like a heavy cloak.
Damon glanced at Anaya, who gave him a reassuring smile, and then at Daveon, who walked with a steady and firm expression.
For a moment, Damon pictured Damien being the one beside him rather than Daveon and he didn’t know when he said it but he said it. “I wish you were here with me, brother.”
“Huh? What’d you say?” Daveon and Anaya turned to him slightly curious.
“Were you just speaking to yourself?” Anaya asked, to which Damon shrugged.
“It’s nothing serious.” He looked at them both and let out a sigh of relief. “What a lovely day to be alive.”