The group had been traveling for several days along a winding path bordered by dense forests and crystal-clear rivers. Sunlight filtered through the leaves, creating an almost peaceful atmosphere despite the underlying tension of their quest. Frost often led the way with Zetch, discussing strategy, while Lyseria stayed slightly behind, observing everything with quiet curiosity.
Caden, meanwhile, was spending more and more time with Aletha.
That evening, as they set up camp near a calm river, Caden and Aletha worked together to pitch their tent. Their laughter echoed frequently. Aletha, still a little sore from her earlier fall, slipped on a wet stone. Instinctively, Caden caught her by the waist, steadying her against him.
"Careful now—the water isn't your element here yet," he joked with a warm smile.
Aletha blushed slightly but laughed in return, placing a hand on his arm.
"Thanks… you always show up at the right moment. Now stop teasing me and help instead!"
A little further away, Bella clenched her teeth as she hammered the stakes of her own tent with more force than necessary. Every laugh, every shared glance between Caden and Aletha tightened something in her chest. They were supposed to be together. At least, that's what she believed. Caden had kissed her, they had shared moments… so why had he been growing so close to Aletha these past few days?
Frost, who was arranging the campfire, approached her quietly. His voice was low, almost fatherly.
"Breathe, Bella. You're going to break those stakes if you keep going like that."
Bella drove the last stake into the ground and stood up, trying to keep her tone neutral.
"I'm fine. It's just… they spend a lot of time together. Very close. Fishing, training… setting up tents. I don't understand. He's with me, isn't he?"
Frost placed a calming hand on her shoulder, his emerald-green eyes filled with gentleness.
"Caden cares about you, Bella. But caring isn't always love. And sometimes, hearts naturally gravitate toward those who resemble them the most in hardship. He and Aletha both carry that inner fire… that impulsiveness. It might be nothing more than that. Don't let jealousy consume you. You're better than that."
Bella lowered her gaze, her throat tightening.
"It's just that… I really love him, Frost. And seeing him laugh like that with her… it hurts."
"I know," Frost murmured. "But forcing things will only break everything. Watch. And protect your own heart."
At that moment, Caden and Aletha returned from the river with several fresh fish. Caden proudly carried their catch.
"Look at this! Aletha managed to catch them using a mini water vortex. She's amazing!"
Aletha smiled, clearly proud, and gave Caden a playful nudge with her shoulder.
"That's thanks to your fire—we cooked them so fast. We make a great team, the two of us."
Bella forced a smile, but her fists were clenched behind her back.
---
Far to the north, hidden within black mountains, in a dark and damp lair, Nox sat upon a carved stone throne. His pale, angular face was lit by the greenish glow of a magical mirror. Through its enchanted surface, he watched the young mages' camp as if he were there.
A cruel, mocking laugh escaped his lips.
"Would you look at that… The little Lion flirting with the Fish while his dear Libra burns inside. Pathetic. That jealousy will end up weakening them. Perfect."
He shifted his focus to Frost, who was quietly calming Bella.
Nox's smile vanished instantly. His black eyes narrowed.
"And him… Frost. The Virgo. Too calm. Too powerful. Too… perceptive. He could become a real threat. The others are impulsive children, but him… he sees too much. He will have to be dealt with first."
Nox ran a hand over the mirror, making the image disappear. He slowly stood up, his dark cloak rippling around him.
"Enjoy your little romantic journey, children of the zodiac. Soon, your broken hearts will be the least of your worries."