Chapter 60: I am waiting
Jaegar's laughter joined Pierre's in a harmonious duet, the jovial notes of their amusement filling the air with an infectious cheerfulness. Their laughter seemed to encapsulate the purity of their camaraderie, a bond forged through shared experiences and a deep, unspoken connection.
Their exchange required no words, their eyes serving as the vessels of their communication. A knowing glance passed between them, carrying a wealth of meaning that surpassed mere verbal expressions. A subtle shake of the head, a mutual understanding, all communicated without the need for spoken language.
Many words were exchanged between their knowing nods.
Jennifer, who turned and saw them, smiling like idiots, asked them, "What are you two up to?" Jennifer's question broke the silence, causing them to snap out of their shared moment. They looked at each other, their eyes still filled with unspoken understanding, before finally responding with a sheepish grin, "Oh, nothing really. Just having one of those moments."
Pierre winked at Jaegar.
Jennifer got up and said, "I'm leaving for the classes."
Pierre, too, hurriedly got up and said, "Jennifer, wait."
Jaegar, breathing out, got up and followed them.
The trio, comprising Jaegar, Pierre, and Jennifer, strode towards the academy, their footsteps echoing through the corridors lined with curious students.
As they moved along, the students around them couldn't help but steal glances at Jaegar, their hushed conversations creating a low hum of curiosity.
As they made their way, a ripple of hushed voices and whispers followed them, like shadows dancing along the walls. "The Bastard Prince," the words fluttered through the air, casting an unspoken tale of intrigue.
Whispers spread like wildfire, passing from one group to another.
Pierre and Jennifer exchanged glances, their eyes showed concern for Jaegar. But he was walking, seemingly unbothered by the hushed whispers of the students. The word bastard irked him as he clenched his fist, but he stopped himself from acting on his anger.
Amidst the sea of gazes, Jaegar spotted Jeanine and instinctively steered towards her, leaving his companions behind.
Jeanine, taken aback at first, couldn't suppress the warm smile that graced her lips. Their paths converged, and with a murmur of his name, a spark of familiarity rekindled.
Gathering herself, Jeanine refrained from the embrace she longed to share, mindful of the scrutinizing eyes around them. "When did you return?" she inquired, to which Jaegar responded with a casual, "A while." Urging him to accompany her, Jeanine led him away from prying gazes, guiding him down a corridor that offered solitude.
As the distance between them and the throngs of students grew, Jeanine grasped Jaegar's hand and steered him into an unoccupied room, shutting the door behind them.
Their embrace was a reunion of souls, and Jeanine's voice carried the weight of her emotions, "Where have you been all this time? Do you have any idea how much I've missed you?" Jaegar held her close, the familiarity of her presence a soothing balm for his wandering soul.
Even she didn't know that she had longed for him this much. Seeing him now, she understood.
Their intimate moment was briefly interrupted by a distant call, a voice piercing through the tranquility.
"Jaegar, where are you? The Headmaster is asking for you." Pierre's voice resonated, its urgency slicing through the air. Reluctantly, Jaegar released Jeanine from his embrace, promising, "I'll find you later."
Exiting the room, Jaegar exhaled softly, his gaze meeting Pierre's.
Jeanine left the room after they both left. She couldn't help but feel a pang of disappointment as she watched Jaegar walk away, longing for their moment to continue.
As he made his way towards the headmaster's office, Jaegar couldn't help but sigh at the commotion surrounding him. "Why is everyone so noisy today?" he muttered under his breath.
Upon reaching the headmaster's door, he found Ashfield standing with a warm smile on his face.
"Jaegar, how are you?" Ashfield inquired, with genuine warmth in his voice.
Jaegar's response came measured, "I'm well, thank you."
Ashfield's curiosity held an unspoken query, "Did she send you back, or..." Jaegar cut him off with a direct response, "I came back on my own."
However, Ashfield's tone took on a hint of concern, "Staying within the academy might not be the wisest path for you, Jaegar. The protection we can provide has its limits."
Jaegar's expression remained resolute, his determination unwavering. "I appreciate your concern, Headmaster, but I can manage on my own."
Ashfield's brows furrowed, a portrait of puzzlement etched across his features as he absorbed Jaegar's words.
"Jaegar," he spoke with an air of caution, "do you grasp the gravity of their intentions? Their aim was to end your life, and though fortune favored you previously, we cannot rely solely on luck. The next encounter may not be as forgiving."
A sly smile curved Jaegar's lips, a glint of crimson light shimmering in his eyes. "Ah, Headmaster, you see, I too am eagerly anticipating that moment. The very reason I've returned aligns with what you've just said."
Jaegar's gaze hardened, "Rest assured, this time, I am far more prepared."
Memories of that fateful night resurfaced, when the intrusion had shattered the silence, and his instincts had become his shield. Back then, he had reacted on sheer instinct, unaware of his own capabilities. He had danced with danger, narrowly evading its lethal grasp.
With a courteous nod, Jaegar took his leave from Ashfield's office.
Exiting the room, he crossed paths with Pierre, who led him to the classroom, where an aura of anticipation hung in the air.
They were immersed in the study of attack spells, and today's focus was on a unique group - those with combat backgrounds, each belonging to various echelons of command.
Pierre's words carried a note of importance as he explained, "Today, the classroom is graced by individuals with a rich history in combat, and they are from a battalion. Diverse levels of expertise are represented, providing us an opportunity to learn from their experiences."
As they moved in the direction of the open auditorium, a procession of master wizards and witches came into view.
The atmosphere buzzed with an air of anticipation, a congregation of remarkable magical practitioners converging for a purposeful gathering.
Amidst the procession, a figure emerged that commanded attention - a woman, draped in resplendent attire that resonated with elegance and regality. Her jet-black tresses cascaded down her back in a sophisticated ponytail, a fitting frame for her visage of unparalleled beauty. Her piercing emerald eyes sparkled with wisdom and power, captivating all who laid eyes upon her.
As she gracefully made her way to the centre of the auditorium, a hushed silence fell over the crowd, as if in awe of her presence.
Her countenance bore a grace that seemed almost otherworldly as if she were an ethereal being gracing the mortal realm.
The way she carried herself exuded confidence and poise as if she were born to command attention. Her elegant gown draped around her like a regal cloak, accentuating her statuesque figure and adding to the air of majesty that surrounded her. The shimmering fabric caught the light, casting a soft glow upon her, further enhancing her ethereal aura.
It was as if she had stepped out of a fairytale, captivating everyone with her enchanting presence.
The anticipation in the air grew even stronger, as everyone eagerly awaited the words that would soon escape her lips.
Jaegar's gaze became ensnared by her presence, drawn like a moth to a flame.
Pierre shared the sentiment, his entranced state mirrored in his words, "Isn't she absolutely stunning?"
Jaegar's silent agreement manifested in a nod, his eyes remaining fixated on her like an artist admiring a masterpiece. Her allure was beyond the ordinary; it was as if the enchanting touch of magic had crafted her very form.
As the assembly congregated with their peers, the woman, with an air of command and wisdom, embarked on an instructive discourse. She adeptly guided the crowd through intricate spells and profound magical insights.
Her voice resonated with a melodic charm, captivating everyone's attention and leaving them spellbound. Jaegar couldn't help but be drawn in by her captivating presence, feeling a deep sense of admiration for her knowledge and grace.
Yet, for Jaegar, her words formed an indistinct backdrop to the portrait of her presence. His focus remained on paying unwavering homage to her captivating elegance.
Upon the conclusion of her instructional discourse, the crowd began to disperse, the aura of purposeful learning still lingering in the air.
It was then that she, like an ethereal vision personified, traversed the distance between them.
With the measured grace of a sovereign, she positioned herself before Jaegar, her eyes traversing his form with a mixture of curiosity and recognition. Her voice, a melodious symphony, cascaded like a gentle breeze, "Hello, my little brother."
"Eh!" Jaegar gasped.