Ariana’s heels echoed through the narrow hallway, the sound swallowed quickly by the oppressive quiet of the Academy’s stone corridors. It was her first day as a meister-in-training, and already her nerves were eating at her. Her hands clutched her notebook so tightly the edges bent, but her smile stayed fixed. Smiling, she had learned, made people like her. And Ariana desperately wanted to be liked.

She paused before a heavy wooden door, the brass plate engraved with “Lecture Hall 3.” Voices buzzed on the other side—students settling in, teachers preparing—and Ariana smoothed her skirt before slipping inside.

The room was dimly lit, a chandelier of warped iron casting flickering shadows across the vaulted ceiling. Rows of mismatched desks stretched toward a raised dais at the front, where three teachers loomed like judges. Their eyes swept the students as if weighing their worth. Ariana slid into an empty seat near the back, the creak of the ancient wood drawing a few glances.

“Late on the first day?” A sharp voice whispered beside her. She turned to see a boy with sleek black hair and an impeccably neat uniform. His lips curled into a smirk. “Not a good look.”

“I-I’m not late,” Ariana stammered, her cheeks flushing. “Just… new.”

“New and unprepared,” he murmured, leaning back in his chair. “Perfect.”

Before she could muster a reply, a heavy cane struck the floor at the front of the room, silencing the murmurs. One of the teachers, a scarred man with a voice like gravel, stepped forward.

“Welcome to the Academy,” he growled, pacing slowly. His eyes swept over the room, narrowing on each student as if memorizing their weaknesses. “You’re here because you think you can handle the bond. Because you think you’re strong enough to wield a weapon and not get yourself killed. Let me tell you now: most of you won’t last.”

Ariana swallowed hard, her grip tightening on her notebook.

The teacher’s gaze landed on her, and his lips twitched in something like disdain. “And some of you,” he added, “are going to learn the hard way what it means to take on something… unwanted.”

A ripple of unease spread through the room. Ariana felt it too—like the walls themselves were pressing closer. She forced herself to keep smiling, even as the scarred man’s eyes bore into her.

“Hyde,” he barked, turning to another teacher. “Let’s see if she’s got the guts for it.”

The other man, thinner but just as severe, motioned for Ariana to stand. “Follow me,” he said curtly.

Ariana hesitated, her pulse quickening, but she obeyed. As she followed the man out of the lecture hall, whispers trailed her.

“Poor thing,” someone muttered.

“She’s going to regret this,” said another.

The heavy door swung shut behind her, and Ariana felt the weight of whatever lay ahead settle on her shoulders.

The corridor they entered was darker than the one she’d arrived through, lit only by dim, flickering torches. The air smelled of cold iron and something faintly metallic—blood, maybe. Ariana kept her chin up, her hands clasped tightly around her notebook, as the teacher led her deeper into the bowels of the Academy.

“What exactly am I being tested on?” she asked, her voice soft but steady.

Hyde didn’t look back at her. “You’re being given a chance,” he said simply. “Take it or leave it.”

The way he said it made it clear: leaving wasn’t an option.

The corridor sloped downward, the torches spaced farther apart now, shadows growing thicker with each step. Ariana could hear her own heartbeat echoing in her ears, but she pressed forward. Whatever they wanted her to do, she would prove she was capable. She had to.

They stopped in front of a massive iron door, its surface marred with scratches, dents, and symbols she didn’t recognize. Hyde produced a key from his coat, its teeth jagged and ancient, and slid it into the lock.

“I’ll be blunt,” he said, finally turning to face her. “This isn’t a test of your skill or strength. It’s about your resolve. What’s behind this door isn’t just a weapon—it’s a problem. One nobody else has been able to handle.”

Ariana blinked. “A problem?”

“A weapon that doesn’t obey, doesn’t bond, doesn’t listen,” Hyde said. “You’re the fourth student we’ve sent down here. The others left… shaken.”

He paused, his gaze searching hers for a moment. “If you don’t think you can do this, walk away now. No one will blame you.”

She hesitated, her fingers twitching against the spine of her notebook. The whispers of the other students played in her head. Poor thing… She’s going to regret this.

Ariana straightened her shoulders. “I’m not walking away.”

Hyde gave her a long, appraising look, then nodded. “Suit yourself.”

He unlocked the door with a heavy clunk and pushed it open.

Inside, the room was vast but suffocating, the air thick and heavy. Chains stretched from the walls to the center, where a figure sat slumped in the shadows. The only light came from a single, flickering bulb dangling overhead, casting jagged shadows across the floor.

Ariana stepped inside cautiously, her eyes adjusting to the dimness. The figure stirred, the faint sound of chains rattling echoing through the space.

“Come closer,” Hyde said from behind her, his voice low. “He’s been waiting.”

Ariana swallowed hard, forcing her feet to move. As she drew closer, the figure shifted again, and she realized just how massive he was. Even seated, he loomed. His shoulders were broad, his frame coiled with tension, as if he were a caged beast ready to pounce.

Then his head lifted, and two sharp, piercing eyes locked onto hers.

“Well,” the man said, his voice deep and rough, laced with a cruel amusement. “They’ve finally sent someone interesting.”

Ariana froze under his gaze. The bulb’s sickly light flickered across his face, highlighting sharp, angular features. His eyes—dark and predatory—glinted with something dangerous, though a crooked smirk tugged at his lips. His hair, wild and unkempt, fell over his forehead like a shadow that couldn’t quite hide the sharpness beneath.

Is he smiling? she thought, though the feeling it gave her wasn’t comforting.

“Step closer,” Hyde instructed from behind her.

She hesitated only a moment before obeying, her heels clicking softly against the stone floor. The closer she came, the larger the figure seemed to grow. Now she could see him clearly—his wrists were shackled, heavy iron cuffs biting into his skin as chains snaked around his arms and torso. His legs, sprawled lazily in front of him, were shackled too. And yet… there was something unsettlingly relaxed about the way he sat, as though the chains were merely an inconvenience.

Ariana’s throat felt dry, but she refused to falter. “You’re… a weapon?”

The man laughed. It wasn’t loud, but it was enough to send a shiver through her spine—a low, gravelly sound that didn’t match the stillness of the room.

“That’s what they call me,” he said, the chains clinking softly as he leaned forward just enough to tower even more. “But let’s not get caught up in labels. You can call me Day.”

Day. The name didn’t fit. It felt sharp, harsh, like a blade scraping against stone. Ariana tried to hold his gaze, but something about him—the weight of him—made it almost impossible.

“Are you the one they sent to ‘fix’ me?” Day continued, voice dripping with mockery. “A little soft thing like you? How charming.”

Ariana straightened, fighting back the unease pooling in her stomach. She thought of the whispers from the other students, of the warnings Hyde had given her, and forced herself to speak. “I’m here because nobody else could handle you.”

Day tilted his head, his smirk widening into something sharper. “And you think you can?”

Her pulse quickened, but she didn’t look away. “I’m willing to try.”

For a moment, there was only silence. Hyde, watching from the doorway, said nothing. The chains rattled again as Day shifted, his eyes narrowing slightly, though the smirk never left his face. Then, to her surprise, he laughed again—a short, barking laugh that echoed through the room.

“You’re brave, I’ll give you that.” His gaze softened just a fraction, though it still held that edge of danger. “But bravery won’t save you, girl. I’m not like the others. I don’t listen. I don’t obey.”

“You’ll listen to me,” Ariana said, the words slipping out before she could stop them.

The room went still. Day blinked, as if her audacity had genuinely caught him off guard. For the first time, the chains went quiet, his body going still, his dark gaze fixed on her with unsettling focus. The tension between them thickened, heavy like the very air in the room.

“Is that so?” Day murmured, his voice quieter now, though no less dangerous. “We’ll see about that, little meister.”

From behind her, Hyde cleared his throat. “Time’s up. You’ll be responsible for him now.”

Ariana’s stomach dropped. “Wait—what?”

Hyde turned the key in the door, his voice flat. “You heard me. If you think you can handle him, take him with you. The choice is yours.”

Ariana turned back to Day, her heart pounding in her chest. Day, still shackled but now sitting straighter, looked at her like a wolf sizing up prey. And yet… there was something else there, too. Curiosity. Intrigue.

“Well, princess?” he drawled. “You heard the man. Are you gonna take me with you?”

Ariana’s fingers twitched against her notebook. Every instinct told her to back away, to run like the other students had. And yet, she stayed rooted where she stood.

“Yes,” she said, surprising even herself. “I’ll take you.”

The smirk returned, but this time it was slower, darker, as if Day had just found something very interesting.

“Good choice,” he murmured.

The chains rattled one last time, echoing like the sound of something inevitable

The sound of the chains echoed in Ariana’s ears as Hyde stepped past her, keys jangling in his hand. Without hesitation, he crouched by Day’s shackles, unlocking each one with a heavy clank.

“You’re really letting him go?” Ariana asked, her voice just above a whisper.

Hyde shot her a warning look. “He’s your responsibility now. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.”

Day’s smirk never faltered as the last chain fell away. He rolled his shoulders, the muscles in his arms flexing as though he were waking from a long sleep. Ariana could feel the weight of his presence—his power—stretching into the air like smoke. He stood slowly, rising to his full height, and she instinctively took a step back.

He towered over her, easily a foot taller, his shadow engulfing her like a dark tide. In the dim light, he looked even more like a creature than a man—sharp jawline, shoulders broad enough to block out the room’s meager light, and eyes so dark they seemed bottomless.

“You’re small,” Day said finally, his voice a low rumble that vibrated in her chest. “Fragile, even.”

Ariana lifted her chin, ignoring the way her palms were beginning to sweat. “Looks can be deceiving.”

For a moment, Day stared at her, his dark eyes boring into hers as if he were peeling away every layer she had to see what was underneath. Then, to her surprise, he laughed—an actual laugh, deep and throaty, that filled the room.

“You’ve got some bite after all,” he said, his grin sharp and almost… approving. “Fine. This might actually be fun.”

“Fun?” Hyde muttered, shaking his head. “This isn’t a game, Day.”

Day turned slightly, eyeing the older man with that same lazy, dangerous smile. “Everything’s a game if you’re playing it right.”

“Just behave,” Hyde snapped, shoving the heavy keyring back into his coat. “You step out of line, and you’ll go right back in here, understand?”

Day’s smile thinned. “Sure, sure.”

Hyde sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose as if he already regretted the decision. Then he turned to Ariana. “I’ll have the paperwork sent to your dorm. He’s yours now. Good luck, Miss Ariana—you’ll need it.”

Ariana barely had time to process what he said before Hyde disappeared back through the iron door, locking it behind him with a decisive clunk. She was alone with Day.

Her fingers twitched against the notebook she still held like a lifeline. “So…” she began, trying to sound calm. “Now what?”

Day tilted his head, eyeing her again with unsettling intensity. “Now? You tell me, little meister.” He took a step closer, and Ariana swore she felt the floor vibrate beneath his weight. “You wanted me, didn’t you? So where do we go from here?”

Ariana swallowed hard, keeping her ground. “I guess I’ll show you where we’re supposed to go. The dorms—”

“Dorms?” Day interrupted, his smile widening, though there was something cruel in it. “You’re taking me home already? How bold of you.”

Her face burned, but she scowled at him. “That’s not what I meant.”

He chuckled again, clearly enjoying her discomfort. “Relax, princess. I’ll behave… for now.” He moved past her, his presence brushing against her like a cold draft as he strode toward the door. “But don’t think I’m yours yet. I haven’t decided if you’re worth it.”

She turned to follow him, her heart pounding harder with each step. She didn’t need Hyde’s warnings to know she was walking a fine line with Day—one wrong step, and she’d fall.

But as she watched him walk ahead of her, broad shoulders cutting through the heavy darkness, she realized something strange: she didn’t want to turn back.

No matter how dangerous Day was—no matter how impossible this bond seemed—Ariana couldn’t shake the feeling that she needed him.

And for better or worse, she had a feeling he needed her, too.

The iron door slammed shut behind them, and the oppressive air of the chamber seemed to lift. The hallway felt brighter now, but that did little to ease the tension coiling in Ariana’s chest. Day walked ahead of her, his steps unhurried but deliberate, his towering frame filling the narrow corridor. He moved with an ease that belied the chains that had only recently bound him, his broad shoulders swaying slightly as he glanced over his shoulder at her.

“You coming, or are you going to stand there and stare all day?” he asked, his grin sharp and teasing.

Ariana jolted, realizing she had stopped walking. “I’m coming,” she muttered, quickening her pace to catch up.

As they climbed the stairs back to the Academy’s main floor, the whispers began. Students who had lingered in the halls turned to watch, their eyes wide with shock and curiosity. A few leaned toward their friends, murmuring behind cupped hands, while others outright gawked.

“That’s him?”

“She’s his meister? No way.”

“She won’t last a week.”

The words pricked at Ariana’s confidence, but she held her head high. Day, on the other hand, seemed completely unbothered. If anything, he seemed to enjoy the attention.

“Well, aren’t we popular?” he said, his voice loud enough for the onlookers to hear. His smirk widened as the murmurs grew louder. “Haven’t even done anything yet.”

Ariana glared at him. “You’re not helping.”

“Not trying to.”

She rolled her eyes but said nothing, focusing instead on putting one foot in front of the other. The weight of their stares was almost unbearable, but she reminded herself of why she was here. This was her chance to prove herself, to stand out.

And Day—troublemaker or not—was her key to doing that.

As they neared the dorms, a figure stepped into their path. Ariana recognized him immediately: Leon, the boy from the lecture hall who had mocked her for being late. His dark hair was neatly combed, his uniform immaculate, but the smug look on his face was anything but welcoming.

“Well, well,” Leon said, crossing his arms. “So it’s true. You really took him on.”

Ariana stopped, meeting his gaze. “What of it?”

Leon snorted. “You must have a death wish.” His eyes flicked to Day, sizing him up with a mixture of disdain and apprehension. “You think you can actually handle that thing?”

Day’s smirk vanished in an instant, replaced by a sharp, predatory glare. “Thing?” he echoed, his voice low and dangerous.

Leon’s confidence faltered, but only slightly. “I’m just saying what everyone else is thinking. He’s not a weapon—he’s a liability. And you’re just some people-pleasing nobody who’s going to get herself killed trying to prove otherwise.”

Ariana clenched her fists, her nails digging into her palms. “I’m not a nobody.”

Leon opened his mouth to respond, but before he could, Day took a single step forward. The movement was small, almost casual, but the effect was immediate. Leon’s bravado crumbled, his eyes widening as he took a step back.

“You’ve got a lot to say for someone who reeks of fear,” Day said, his voice soft but cutting. “Careful, kid. Keep running your mouth, and I might start thinking you want to test me out.”

Leon paled, his jaw working as he struggled to find a retort. Finally, he turned on his heel and stormed off, muttering under his breath.

Day watched him go, his smirk returning. “What a delightfully spineless little bastard.”

“You didn’t have to do that,” Ariana said, though she couldn’t help feeling a flicker of satisfaction.

“Yes, I did,” Day replied simply.

She sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. “You’re going to make my life ten times harder, aren’t you?”

“Probably,” he said, shrugging. “But hey, isn’t that what you signed up for?”

She didn’t answer, mostly because she didn’t know how. Instead, she started walking again, motioning for him to follow.

They reached the dormitory a few minutes later. It was a towering, ivy-covered building with wide stone steps and heavy wooden doors. Ariana pushed the doors open and led Day inside, her nerves fraying as she realized she had no idea what to expect next.

“This is where you’re staying?” Day asked, glancing around the common area with mild interest. “Cozy.”

“It’s where we’re staying,” Ariana corrected, her cheeks flushing.

Day raised an eyebrow. “Oh? Sharing already? Bold move, princess.”

She groaned, her face burning as she hurried up the stairs to her assigned room. Day followed, his long strides making it impossible for her to put any distance between them.

When they reached her door, she hesitated. This was it—her new reality. She glanced at Day, who leaned casually against the wall, his eyes glittering with amusement.

“Ready to play house?” he teased.

Ariana ignored him, unlocking the door and stepping inside. The room was small but clean, with two beds on opposite sides, a desk, and a wardrobe. Day followed her in, ducking slightly to avoid hitting his head on the low doorway.

“Nice digs,” he said, dropping onto one of the beds without waiting for her input.

“That’s my bed,” she snapped.

“Not anymore,” he said, stretching out lazily.

Ariana crossed her arms, glaring at Day sprawled across her bed. “If we’re going to be partners, you’re going to have to learn some boundaries.”

Day propped himself up on one elbow, smirking. “Boundaries? Didn’t think you’d care about that after dragging me out of that dungeon.”

“I didn’t drag you out,” she shot back. “I made a decision—one I’m starting to question.”

He chuckled, leaning back again. “Too late for second thoughts, princess. We’re stuck with each other now. Might as well get comfortable.”

Ariana sighed, deciding it wasn’t worth the fight. She grabbed her notebook and perched on the opposite bed, determined to ignore him. But her focus faltered when Day’s voice broke the silence.

“So,” he drawled, “you’ve seen me, but you haven’t seen me.”

She glanced up, confused. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

Day swung his legs off the bed, sitting up in one fluid motion. “I mean this.” In an instant, his body began to shimmer, a crimson glow radiating from his form. The air around him vibrated, charged with energy.

Ariana stood, her heart pounding as she watched his figure dissolve into the massive shape of a battle axe. The transformation was seamless, like a fire burning away his human form.

The weapon landed with a heavy thud on the floor, nearly toppling the small table beside the bed. Ariana took a step closer, her breath catching at the sight of it.

The axe was enormous—easily taller than she was—with a deep crimson blade that gleamed menacingly in the dim light. A single spike jutted from the tip, curved like the fang of some great beast. The handle was wrapped in worn bandages, frayed at the edges, giving it a rough, almost primal look.

“What do you think?” Day’s voice came from nowhere and everywhere at once, resonating from the weapon itself.

Ariana crouched beside the axe, her fingers hovering over the handle. The energy radiating from it was palpable, almost alive. “It’s… intimidating,” she admitted.

“Good,” Day said, his tone carrying a hint of pride. “Means it suits me.”

She reached out, her hand brushing against the bandaged handle. The moment she touched it, a spark jolted up her arm, making her gasp.

“Careful,” Day warned, his voice softer now. “I don’t exactly play nice.”

Ariana clenched her jaw, tightening her grip on the handle. The energy crackling beneath her skin was overwhelming, but she refused to let it scare her. She lifted the axe slowly, the weight of it surprising her. It was heavy—far heavier than any weapon she’d trained with before—but she adjusted her stance, steadying herself.

“Not bad,” Day said, sounding almost impressed. “You’re stronger than you look.”

“Thanks,” she muttered, adjusting her grip. She could feel the power coursing through the weapon, like a storm barely contained within the blade.

But then the energy shifted, surging wildly as the axe seemed to resist her hold. Her arms trembled as the weapon grew heavier, almost dragging her to the ground.

“Whoa, whoa!” Day’s voice rang out, sharp and amused. “You’ve got to sync with me, princess. Otherwise, I’m just dead weight.”

“Sync?” she managed through gritted teeth.

“Yeah, you know—actually connect with me. You can’t just grab me and hope for the best.”

Ariana groaned, her knees threatening to buckle. “Couldn’t have mentioned that sooner?”

“Where’s the fun in that?”

She glared at the blade, sweat beading on her forehead. “Fine. How do I do it?”

“Relax,” Day said, his tone unusually calm. “Stop fighting me. Feel the rhythm. Let me in.”

The words sent a shiver down her spine, but she took a deep breath, forcing herself to steady her mind. She closed her eyes, focusing on the weapon in her hands—the pulse of its energy, the rhythm of its power.

Slowly, the resistance began to fade. The axe grew lighter, its energy aligning with hers. When she opened her eyes, the blade seemed to shimmer, its crimson glow brighter than before.

“There you go,” Day said, his voice softer now. “Not bad for your first try.”

Ariana exhaled, lowering the axe carefully to the floor. Her arms felt like jelly, but there was a sense of accomplishment bubbling beneath her exhaustion.

“Looks like we’re stuck with each other after all,” she said, managing a small smile.

Day chuckled. “Looks like it.”

She sat back on her bed, staring at the weapon as its glow began to fade. For the first time since meeting Day, she felt a flicker of hope.