The Whisper of the Wind

Steam filled the chamber. The marble bath was covered with petals drifting gently across the water, perfuming the air. Blair let her cloak and travel clothes fall, revealing skin marked with fine scars—traces of training and battles long hidden beneath her dress.

She sank into the water, closing her eyes. Heat wrapped around her, and she exhaled a sigh that carried away exhaustion, fear, and relief.

Resting her head against the edge of the tub, she let the moonlight from the window fall across her silver hair. She looked outside, where in the distance, across the castle courtyards, she saw Asori’s silhouette speaking with the Sage.

Her heart beat faster, and she thought:

—That kiss… it was only an act of desperation. Nothing more. Then why can’t I stop remembering it?

Her fingers brushed her lips, her cheeks flushing, before a quiet, solitary smile curved her face.

—Jason was supposed to be the chosen one… but it was Asori who appeared. And now, after all this time… maybe, maybe I’m not so alone.

The water stirred as she closed her eyes again. That was when she felt it: a strange pull, a vibration in her chest. Like an invisible thread tying her to something else.

Blair straightened, startled.
—What is this…?

It was faint, but undeniable: she could feel Asori. She couldn’t see him, but she knew where he was, what he was doing. A light awareness, like an echo of his presence.

—The Sweet Kiss… —she whispered, realization dawning.

Her blush deepened as she understood what it meant.

—He… he can feel me too.

In the courtyard, Asori froze. A sudden warmth rushed through him, and in an instant, a fleeting image flashed in his mind: Blair, in the bath, surrounded by steam, her bare skin glistening beneath the water.

—What the hell?! —he shouted, clutching his head, red as a tomato.

The Sage of Air watched him, barely hiding a smile.
—You feel it, don’t you?

Asori swallowed hard, panicked.
—I… I… no! It’s just…!

The Sage chuckled, calm and deep.
—The bond of the Sweet Kiss. Two souls intertwined. She can sense you… and you can sense her.

Asori clenched his fists, desperate.
—This is a curse, not a gift!

The Sage tilted his head, amused.
—Depends on how you see it. Though… don’t blame her if she thinks you’re a pervert right now.

Asori nearly choked.
—What?! No, no, no!

The Sage laughed again, but his expression soon turned serious.

—Do you remember what I told you, Asori? —his voice grave—. Blair is stronger than Zeknier. Far stronger.

Asori stared, disbelieving.
—Stronger? Her?

—Yes. But there’s a catch. That power isn’t always hers. When she enters her Awakening state, the power threatens to consume her. She doesn’t control it. And in that state… she can be as dangerous as the enemy she fights.

Asori fell silent, recalling the fury of his own Awakening.

The Sage continued.
—Blair fled the castle because she had a dream. In it, she saw someone with an Orb strong enough to stand against Zeknier. A warrior capable of changing destiny.

Asori fixed his gaze on him, dread rising.
—And I suppose that warrior is me?

The Sage nodded slowly.
—And she found you.

Asori shut his eyes, frustrated.
—Great. Destiny hates me.

The Sage gave a low laugh, then spoke with calm clarity.
—Don’t mistake me, boy. I’m a pacifist as well. I care nothing for war. But there is one truth I’ve learned: no matter how far you run, the wind always catches you. Your power has awakened. Whether you want it or not, you must learn to control it.

Asori’s fists tightened, his gaze hardening.
—And if I don’t want to?

The Sage leaned closer, his eyes shining like a storm.
—Then you won’t survive.

Asori drew in a sharp breath.
—How do you know so much about this?

The Sage smiled serenely.
—Because I too once bore the Orb of Air. Two generations ago.

Asori’s eyes widened in shock.

—After me came the strongest bearer in our history. His power was so great he even challenged the gods themselves and one of them feared his strength. But one day, he vanished… and the Orb sought a new master.

The Sage placed a hand on Asori’s shoulder.
—That master is you.

The wind surged, whipping through the trees as if confirming his words.

Asori trembled, eyes shut.
—And what… am I supposed to do with that?

The Sage’s smile was enigmatic.
—Begin by thanking Blair. She saved you. Train, and learn to listen to the wind. The great decisions will come later.

Silence filled the courtyard. The wind blew softly, like a whisper.

And Asori listened—and for the first time, it didn’t sound like noise.