The combat class raged on as students moved in synchronized chaos, their strikes landing against padded dummies or against each other in carefully measured sparring matches. The scent of sweat mixed with the faint smell of rubber mats, and the rhythmic sound of bodies colliding, grunts of effort, and Mr. Angus’s sharp commands filled the air.
Artemis focused, her eyes locked onto Ren as she tried to mirror his movements. Every punch, every block, every sidestep—she aimed to match his rhythm, but she could feel his hesitation, the way he held back. It wasn''t that he wasn’t capable; he was avoiding fully engaging with her, like he was afraid of something bad happening. Still, she was making progress. At least he wasn''t completely avoiding her anymore. That was something.
The piercing ring of the bell shattered the intensity of the moment, signaling the end of class and the school day. A collective sigh of relief passed through the students, and the pairs broke apart, peeling away toward the locker rooms. Artemis, still catching her breath, exchanged a glance with Ren, but before she could say anything, he turned and walked off.
She sighed, shaking off her disappointment as she joined Lydia and Kayla in the changing area.
“If I have to hear one of Eric’s ridiculous pickup lines one more time, I might actually throw him across the room,” Kayla groaned, yanking off her training gloves.
Lydia smirked as she pulled her hair out of its ponytail. “That bad, huh?”
Kayla scowled. “Worse. He thinks he’s charming, but he’s just… insufferable.”
Lydia chuckled. “I guess that depends on your definition of charming.”
Artemis raised an eyebrow. “And what about Sorrel? How was sparring with him?”
Lydia hesitated, then shrugged. “Surprisingly… not awful. He didn’t go easy on me, but he was careful. He was kind of a gentleman about it.”
Artemis grinned. “So, you’re warming up to him?”
Lydia scoffed. “Don’t push it.” But a slight smile played on her lips. “Maybe he’s not as bad as I thought.”
As they exited the training hall, Artemis caught sight of Ren walking ahead, his posture stiff, as if he were carrying the weight of an unseen burden. Determined, she quickened her pace. “Ren!” she called, jogging to catch up.
He stopped but didn’t turn right away. When she reached his side, he finally glanced at her, his eyes guarded.
“Why are you trying so hard to talk to me?” His voice was quiet, but there was a firmness to it, a warning. “I told you before—I bring bad luck. Being around me will only bring you misery.”
Artemis frowned but didn’t back down. “We’re partners now. I want to know who you are. Whatever happens, we’ll deal with it together. Isn’t that the point of having a partner?”
She extended her hand for a handshake, a silent promise of solidarity, but Ren only shook his head. “It’s better if we don’t get too close.” His words carried the weight of long-held belief. Before she could respond, Sorrel and Sakura appeared, falling into step beside him. Without another word, Ren walked away with them, leaving Artemis standing there, her hand still outstretched.
Lydia sighed beside her. “Maybe you should just give up on trying to be friends with him.”
Artemis shook her head. “No. He’s like this because people made him believe it. I don’t believe in bad luck, and I’m not giving up on him.”
Kayla raised an eyebrow but didn’t argue. “Just don’t push too hard. Some people need space.”
As they walked back toward the dorms, Artemis glanced up at the academy’s central tower. The large arched window of the headmaster’s office was open, and there, bathed in the golden light of the setting sun, stood Aiden Blake. His platinum hair caught the glow, making him look almost ethereal as he stared into the distance, lost in thought.
Something about the sight made Artemis slow her steps. “I’ll meet you guys at the dorm later. There’s something I need to do.”
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Lydia and Kayla exchanged glances but nodded, continuing on without her. Artemis turned and made her way toward the headmaster’s office, only to run into Archie Holmes, the second-year with an easygoing smile.
“Hey, Artemis! Survived your first day?”
She returned his grin. “Barely.”
Archie chuckled. “Yeah, Mt. Olympus Academy throws you straight into the deep end. Are you heading to see the headmaster?”
She nodded. “Yeah, just checking in.”
“Well, don’t let me keep you. If you ever need anything, just ask.”
Artemis thanked him before stepping inside Aiden’s office. The moment he saw her, his face lit up. “Artemis! How was your first day?”
She hesitated before sitting down. “It was… a lot. But not bad.”
Aiden nodded knowingly. “And have you called your mother yet?”
She smiled faintly. “I called her yesterday and I was going to call her again when I get back to the dorm.”
As she glanced around, her eyes landed on a framed photo on his desk. She stepped closer, heart skipping a beat when she realized what it was—a picture of her mother, Evelyn, smiling down at a baby—her. Aiden stood beside them, looking at the child with a depth of love that made Artemis’s chest tighten.
“That was before your mother left,” Aiden murmured. “She wanted to protect you. I agreed, but…” He trailed off, searching her face. “I never stopped thinking about you two.”
Artemis traced the edge of the frame with her fingers before setting it down. “I can tell.”
Aiden let out a breath, then, as if trying to lighten the mood, clapped his hands together. “So! Any trouble? Have you eaten? Need a better dorm? More pillows?”
She smirked. “You’re over the top.”
He gasped in mock offense. “I am an incredibly supportive father, thank you very much.”
“You’re a dork.”
"But a lovable one!" Aiden grinned. "I can’t help it—I finally get to be part of your life."
They talked for a while, Artemis sharing her thoughts on her classes and the people she had met. Eventually, she brought up her concerns about her chosen partner, Ren.
Aiden was silent for a long moment before speaking. "Ren had a difficult childhood. I can''t tell you all the details, he''ll have to tell you that himself. But he was made to believe he was cursed, that he would only bring misfortune to those around him. It’s not an easy belief to break. However… I have a feeling you’ll get through to him sooner or later. You remind me a lot of your mother."
Before Artemis could respond, Aiden suddenly reached into his desk and pulled out a small black box. She recognized it instantly—the same box her mother had given to her the morning of the attack. He hesitated for a moment before handing it to her. "Before I forget… this was meant to be your birthday present. You never got the chance to open it with everything that happened."
Artemis took the box. Her hands trembled slightly as she opened it, revealing a stunning black-plated ring. The centerpiece was a beautiful purplish-gray gem, half-round in shape, flanked on either side by two silver moons. Roses and vines were delicately etched around the band, adding an elegant touch. Along the inside of the ring, words were engraved: "To our moonlight, love Mom and Dad."
Her throat tightened as she traced the inscription with her thumb. "You and Mom had this made for me?"
Aiden nodded, a soft smile playing on his lips. "When you were a baby. We wanted you to have something that would always remind you that no matter where you are, you’re loved. And…" he hesitated before adding, "it’s more than just a ring. It’ll help keep you safe when I can’t be there to protect you."
Artemis swallowed past the lump in her throat. "Thank you… I love it." Slipping it onto her finger, she smiled. It fit perfectly.
She smiled more before getting up to leave. "Can I come by anytime? Just to talk?"
Aiden’s face lit up. "Of course. Don’t hesitate. I’d love to see you whenever you want to visit."
She could tell how happy he was to finally have her in his life, and for the first time, she felt like she was starting to accept him as her father. She slipped the ring onto her finger, feeling its cool metal against her skin, and knew she’d treasure it always.
After leaving the office, she made her way back toward the dorm, only to pause when she spotted Ren sitting under a tree by himself.
For a brief moment, she considered approaching him, but before she could take a step, he stood and walked away, disappearing into the distance.
Artemis sighed. "One step at a time, I guess."
Later that night, she sat on her bed and called her mom. Evelyn answered immediately, her voice warm with excitement. "Artemis! How’s everything going?"
They talked for a while, with Artemis giving just enough detail to reassure her mother that things were going well without revealing too much about the true nature of the school.
After ending the call, she dialed another number and set up a three-way call with Minjun and Andrea.
"Artemis!" Andrea’s voice came through first. "You survived your first day!"
Minjun laughed. "Tell us everything."
Artemis smiled, settling in as she caught up with her best friends, feeling a little more at home even in this strange new world.