The Legendary Mage (Alavin)

Alavin and the others grimaced at the bold suggestion.

Celesse smiled and nodded graciously. "Miss Eyla, it's a pleasure to meet you."

"The pleasure is mine." Eyla circled Celesse, growing more pleased with each glance. Rarely did she encounter such flawless beauty. No, Mariela was one, but too cold, too aloof for comfort. "Welcome to Cobalt Strike," Celesse replied politely.

Eyla playfully tapped Celesse's delicate hand with her fingertip. "Do you prefer men or women?"

Celesse gracefully withdrew her hand. "Miss Eyla jests."

"Eyla, stop it. Let me introduce..." Alavin began, but Eyla suddenly leaned close to Celesse and, to everyone's astonishment, planted a kiss on Celesse's tender cheek.

Silence enveloped the warehouse courtyard. All were stunned by the bold move.

Celesse stood slightly dazed until Eyla's lips parted, her tongue nearly grazing Celesse's cheek, snapping Celesse back to reality. She swiftly retreated next to Alavin. Her face flushed with a mix of embarrassment and annoyance, and she scolded Eyla. "Miss Eyla, such jests are unseemly!"

Eyla chuckled merrily, lightly hopping to Alavin's side, and winked at Celesse. "I'm claiming both of you!"

The onlookers couldn't help but facepalm. What a strange turn of events. Yet, looking at the whimsical Eyla, they couldn't muster any anger.

Godfred scratched his head, having thought that the two ladies would be at each other's throats upon meeting. But instead, they were hitting it off!

"Celesse! You're back!" Carlys ran from the base of the hill, playfully latching onto Celesse's arm. "I just heard our mentor returned, so I knew you would be here."

"I've just returned," Celesse said, regaining her composure.

Carlys suddenly sensed an odd tension and became wary of Eyla; she couldn't be challenging her sister, could she?

Alavin tried to ease the awkwardness. "Eyla, if you want to challenge someone, just do it. Why talk of cutting off fingers? That's a provocation, and it's too much."

"I made myself clear. If you're brave enough, step up; if not, stay back. It's all voluntary, and the loser must accept their fate," Eyla replied, not letting Celesse off the hook. Her mischievous gaze briefly landed on Celesse's ample bosom as she laughed joyously.

Celesse was actually very assertive inside but found it hard to cope with this woman. She had been wondering how to face her, only to end up being teased.

"You're a guest! At least show some respect for your host's dignity."

"I've been quite polite already. In Bloodlore, anyone who challenges me has to sign a death pact," Eyla said, her fingers dancing with a hint of blood magic around her alabaster tips. "Celesse, how about we have a duel?"

"Sure, I'd like to experience the secrets of Bloodlore."

"But I have one condition."

"Name it."

"If I win, you become my woman?"

"And if I win?"

"I'll become your woman."

Alavin quickly intervened. "Stop this now. We're heading back to Stormcast tomorrow."

"So soon? I'm not done having fun here. I heard there are some tough ones in Cobalt Strike's Advanced Mage, and I've been waiting for them to make a move these past few days, but not one has shown their face, the cowards." Eyla was addicted to the thrill, and she was also holding onto some anger. Just the other day, three had challenged her with lethal strikes, and she had nearly fallen to them.

"The Advanced Mages have gone out on their trials. Not many are left in the Organization."

"Hey! Have you made a breakthrough?" Eyla suddenly noticed a change in Alavin's aura.

Godfred and Grima immediately observed, and it was true! This was excellent news. If the Lord Alavin could maintain this pace, his potential for growth was boundless.

Carlys, however, was feeling downcast. "You're advancing too quickly. Wait for us, will you?"