Chapter 114

  Dav: (Standing up) I'm going to check on the brats.

  See you tomorrow, goodnight.

  Director: Goodnight, professor.

  Selene: (Small smile) Goodnight, Dav.

  Narrator: As he turned, everyone watched his back intently.

  To them, that back meant a lot: an impenetrable shield, an unwavering presence that would protect them from any threat. For some, it was a goal to surpass.

  For others, the best friend one could wish for. And for others still... the one who would give his life for them.

  Waving his hand in farewell, he walked toward the students' rooms.

  He often looked at his hands, now marked by time and pain, for someone still so young.

  His daily, nightly thought:

  "I can't afford to be weak."

  Arriving at Arthur's room, Dav opened the door and saw the three brats gathered near Leo's bed, intent on studying.

  They looked at him, smiling.

  He didn't say much, just a few words full of warmth.

  "Good luck for tomorrow, guys."

  Closing the door, he left, ensuring that the others were also studying without staying up too late.

  He knocked on Elysia's room, and upon entering, saw the two reading different books, each for a different lesson.

  Again, he spoke few words.

  With a smile, he said, "Don't stay up too late. Goodnight, brats."

  Before closing the door, Dav looked at Elysia until the last second with a small smile on his face and pride in his eyes.

  This narrative has been purloined without the author's approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.

  Elysia understood immediately and continued studying, but with a smile on her face and more focus.

  For the last room, he went to check on Gabriel and Cedric.

  He found them on the floor, books on their faces and chests, tired and already snoring like two normal children.

  Without worries.

  Without problems.

  He covered them with blankets and left, chuckling silently, closing the door without making a sound.

  With the silence in the dormitory corridors, he ensured everyone was asleep.

  Then he headed to his room, accompanied only by the sound of his footsteps, his breathing, and the wind against the windows.

  He paused for a moment in front of a window, observing the full moon in all its splendor.

  [Clenching his fists]

  Dav: If even a god is watching me and can hear me... make sure I can always be there to protect them all.

  [Releasing his fists, he looked to his left and silently walked toward his room.]

  There, he saw a small lost kitten waiting for him, her back against the door and eyes closed, enjoying the thrill of the wind in her hair.

  Dav: (Approaching with a tired smile) Did the other kitty fall asleep earlier tonight?

  [Iris looked at him, placing a hand on his face.]

  Iris: (Tenderly) Lucrezia wanted to sleep with her... because she felt a bit sad sleeping alone.

  Narrator: With a gaze full of sweetness and eyes wide open only for him, she let him approach.

  Dav took her by the waist, bringing his forehead to hers as a sign of respect and loyalty.

  Iris: (Looking up and meeting his eyes) You've gotten taller since our first meeting...

  your growth spurt came a bit late, I suppose.

  Narrator: With a kiss, she silenced him before he could say anything to ruin the moment.

  They entered the room together and prepared to sleep, after a night of cuddles and embraces.

  The next day.

  Narrator: Dav allowed himself to wake up a bit later than usual.

  The bed was empty beside him but well made.

  Iris, as always, had already gone to help Margherita with breakfast, gently covering him before leaving.

  9:30 AM.

  Narrator: The exam would start soon, but Dav decided to have a leisurely breakfast before heading to the arena to train Selene.

  Cafeteria

  Narrator: Upon arrival, he saw Selene waiting for him seated at a table, who knows for how long.

  She watched him with slightly sleepy eyes but a small smile already on her lips.

  Dav: (Approaching) Have you already had breakfast?

  [Selene nodded and, without saying anything, handed him the tray with his breakfast, as if she knew exactly what he wanted.]

  Dav: (Bowing theatrically) Thank you, my lady.

  [She laughed, shaking her head at that silly early morning joke.]

  Narrator: Behind the counter, Iris was arranging the croissants in the displays.

  Hearing Dav's voice, she turned to look at him.

  She watched him affectionately, a spontaneous smile on her lips, admiring that man who took care of everyone every day, even with his nonsense.

  After finishing breakfast, Dav and Selene got up to head to the arena.

  But before fully exiting, Dav winked toward the counter, knowing well that Iris was watching him.

  She looked at him sweetly, closing one eye and sticking out her tongue in a playful and affectionate grimace, as if to say: (Stupid!)

  END OF CHAPTER 114