The sun was high into the sky, painting the city in hues of gold and warmth. A gentle breeze rustled the leaves, carrying with it the sounds of city that was slowly returning to normal. Children, their laughter echoing in the crisp air, rushed to school, their small feet running along paths. Vendors called out to passing crowds, offering fresh bread and fruits. Conversations buzzed in every corner, the peace opposite to the chaos that had consumed the city just a few days before.

    I strolled along the silent street, my hands buried deep in my pockets. Each exhale released a puff of white mist, quickly dissipating in the cold morning air.

    "It''s cold..." I muttered, blowing into my hands to warm them. "Sighhh... Couldn''t the weather at least match the mood?"

    The stillness around me felt strange, almost surreal. After everything that had happened, it was hard to believe the city could carry on like this. But people were adaptive, if nothing else.

    I reached the gates of the college, standing tall and imposing. Students talking about, their experience a mix of excitement and exhaustion.

    Near the steps, I spotted Ryan, Kyle, and Silvia, huddled together in familiar conversation.

    "Yo, Austin!" Ryan called out, waving me over. Continue reading stories on My Virtual Library Empire

    I approached them, offering a casual nod.

    "Man, did you catch the tournament?" Kyle asked, his eyes practically sparkling. "That was insane!"

    Silvia chimed in, brushing a strand of her blonde hair behind her ear. "Seriously, I couldn''t believe how intense it got. And that final moment... Ugh, gives me chills just thinking about it!"

    Ryan leaned closer, grinning. "You saw it, right? You''ve got to have thoughts on it."

    I shrugged nonchalantly. "Yeah, I saw it. Pretty wild."

    "That''s all you''re gonna say?" Kyle threw his hands up in mock exasperation. "Come on, man, give us something! Did you had hots for Cutiepie as well?

    Silvia frowned slightly. "People are saying she''s still out there..the real one somewhere, but no one knows for sure."

    I suppressed a smirk, keeping my expression neutral. "Beats me. Maybe she''ll show up again and not Zero."

    As we continued chatting, I felt Alpha''s presence nearby. Our eyes met briefly, a soft, knowing glance passing between us. It was fleeting, but it carried an understanding.

    The day went on as usual. Classes resumed, the hum of lectures filling the halls. I sat by the window, half-listening as the teacher taught. My gaze wandered to the view outside, the sun casting long shadows across the campus grounds.

    "Austin!"

    Her voice snapped me back to attention. Ms. Harlow, the teacher, stood at the front, her hands on her hips. She was striking, as always, her pink coat revealing her curves. Her fitted skirt and stockings only added to the allure that kept half the class perpetually distracted.

    "Yes?" I replied evenly, meeting her gaze.

    She arched an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed by my lack of focus. "If you''re done daydreaming, perhaps you can answer the question I just asked."

    I leaned back in my chair, folding my arms. "The capital of Erythia is Velanor. Founded in 1243, it became a central hub for trade due to its proximity to the Silverstream River."

    A murmur of approval rippled through the class.

    Ms. Harlow''s lips pressed into a thin line, though the faintest hint of a smile tugged at the corners. "Correct. But next time, I''d appreciate it if you paid attention without me having to call you out."

    Her mind was elsewhere, replaying the events of the day. The memory of her defeat at my hands was like a shadow trailing her, an ache that refused to be ignored. She wasn''t accustomed to losing. The sensation was foreign, unsettling even, and yet, deep within, there was a spark of something else—curiosity, intrigue.

    She stopped at a small bakery nestled between two larger shops. The scent of freshly baked goods wafted out. She stepped inside, her presence drawing the attention of the shopkeeper, who stood wide-eyed for a moment before bowing deeply.

    "Your Majesty," the shopkeeper stammered, "how can I serve you tonight?"

    "A slice of the velvet cake, please," she replied with a faint smile, her voice gentle.

    The shopkeeper moved quickly, carefully packaging the slice as if it were a treasure. She took it, her gloved hands cradling the box as she stepped back into the cold.

    The streets were quieter now, the bustle of the day long gone. She walked down a slope, her figure illuminated by the soft glow of the lamps lining the path. The world around her peaceful, yet her thoughts refused to quiet.

    And then, she heard it.

    A faint sound, like the scuff of a shoe against the pavement, echoed behind her. Her steps faltered for a moment. Turning her head slightly, she glanced over her shoulder, but the street was empty. The shadows stretched long and thin, but none moved.

    She shook her head. I''m imagining things.

    Adjusting the box in her hands, she continued walking. The cake was warm against her palms, the thought of its sweetness a small comfort.

    But then, she heard it again—a soft step, closer this time. Her breath hitched, and her body tensed instinctively.

    Someone''s there.

    Her hand twitched, ready to summon her power if needed. She was no stranger to threats, and though she had dismissed her guards, she was far from defenseless.

    The sound came again, and this time she spun on her heel, her eyes sharp and focused.

    "Who''s there?" she demanded, her voice steady but low.

    The street was silent.

    "Show yourself," she commanded, scanning the shadows for any sign of movement.

    The silence stretched, and she was about to turn back when she felt it—a presence behind her, close, too close.

    Before she could react, a firm arm wrapped around her waist, pulling her back gently but firmly.

    "Calm down," came a familiar voice, smooth and calm, a hint of amusement laced within it. "You''ll waste the cake."

    Her eyes widened, and she froze for a moment, her body stiff against mine.

    "You," she breathed, her voice barely a whisper.

    "Yes, me," I replied, my grip on her waist steady but unthreatening. "Do you always greet people with such hostility?"

    Her body relaxed slightly, though her eyes remained narrowed and breathes heavy.

    "What are you doing here?"