My arms still hurt when I entered the Universal studies, collapsing on the chair next to Sanna. Daniel recently decided I was ready to drop the daggers and move on to katana blades. I loved to fight with them, but they were a hard work since every maneuver must've been strategically planned. Aside from that, the blades were wickedly sharp so every ounce of concentration was needed if you wanted to keep your head intact.

I massaged the back of my neck and rolled my shoulders back and forth, to relieve the tension.

"Still not better?" Sanna looked up from her scribblings.

"It will be, today was a long one." I shrugged.

"What are you doing?" I leaned closer to her, peeking over her shoulder.

"Planning the anniversary ceremony." She smiled and tapped the pencil against her notebook.

"Ok. What exactly are we celebrating?" I said, confused.

"Right! I forgot you are still new around here. It will be 487 years since Division 10 was built here, but we mostly celebrate the fact that we went through it all together, the good and the bad." She nodded, affectionately smiling at the surrounding people.

"487 years?" I drew out a long breath "I think I will never get used to this."

"You will be, in fifty years or so when every human you know will be gray and old." She laughed, but her expression suddenly changed when she looked at me "Oh! I am so stupid sometimes! I am so sorry Korina, I don't know what was I thinking!" She grabbed my hands, frantically apologizing.

"That's the reality, but it still kills me inside that I won't see the people I grew up with ever again." I told her, saddened.

"I know that we cannot ever replace them, but we are all here when you will need us."

"I know and I am very grateful for that." I hugged her tightly, feeling her squeezing me back.

"Hey! Why do I feel left out?" Ria's face appeared beside us, grinning.

"Don't! We were just talking about the anniversary coming up the next week." She swatted Ria's outstretched hands away.

"Right, that." She grimaced "Do you guys already have a dance partner?"

"Excuse me? What dance?" My eyes flickered from Sanna to Ria.

"It's just a formality. There is a Maximillian's speech first, then follows the dance and after that-just fun." Sanna explained to me.

"No, nobody has asked me yet." I shrugged "Can't I just go by myself?"

"Sadly not. I don't have a partner either, at least not yet." Ria drummed her fingers on the table.

I nodded at her "What about you?" I turned to Sanna.

A blush crept up her cheeks "I usually go with Rob, but this year I would like to ask someone else."

Ria and I exchanged amused glances "Oh? Do tell!" Ria pushed her chair closer, leaning in curiously.

"Well, I was thinking of inviting Elliot. Do you think that would be foolish thing to do?" Sanna said shyly with uncertainty written all over her face.

"Why would it be foolish? You two are good friends, besides you can never go wrong with Elliot." I said smiling.

"Absolutely! I think he will be thrilled." Ria discreetly glanced towards Elliot, but he saw her and waved to us.

"So you like him then?" I playfully pushed Sanna's shoulder "Well you have a good taste, I give you that. He is an awesome guy."

"He is." She said embarrassed, looking up at him with an affectionate expression on her face.

I rested my chin on my palm, looking at her "Go ask him." I urged her.

"Now?" Her eyes widened "But-" She stalled, nervously fidgeting in her chair.

"Of course! You wouldn't want somebody stealing him right in front of your nose, would you?" Ria pushed her gently.

Sanna stood up slowly, nervously tucking a lock of hair behind her ear. She smoothed down her blouse, hesitantly heading towards him.

As he saw her approach his lips widened in a bright smile, inviting her to sit down.

Ria's head and mine almost bumped together as we listened in, googling them like a pair of starved owls. Sanna suddenly turned around, casting us a warning look. She moved her finger in a circular motion "Turn around." She mouthed.

We both whined in protest as we reluctantly obeyed her.

Shortly after Sanna joined Elliot, Yannik and Illiana entered the room, maneuvering around the tables, sitting in their usual spot in the front. I lowered my head, looking at anything else but them. I was trying to distract myself with sketching, but I couldn't find inspiration so I just randomly doodled.

Sighing loudly, I leaned back in my chair, sneaking glances at them as they quietly and intently talked about something. She was gripping his forearms tightly, with saddened expression on her face. He nodded at her, putting his hand on her shoulder. I saw her taking his hand in between her palms, clasping it gently.

I turned away from them, devastation crushing over me like a heavy weight. Sanna suddenly plopped down beside me, looking absolutely ecstatic.

"So?" I said, smiling at her infectious bright face.

"He said he already wanted to ask me himself." She beamed "So yes, we are going together!"

Ria clapped her hands, her face elated "That is amazing, Sanna!" She looked at me and we both nodded in unison.

"It's only us now!" Ria smacked me on the back.

"Awesome." I scowled, shifting my attention to the lecturer in front of the room.

Leaning forward, I rested my head on my folded hands.

I listened to the old mage half-heartedly as his monotonous voice slowly lulled me to sleep. My eyelids started to droop, and I didn't even try to fight to stay awake.

All of a sudden my comm beeped quietly, alerting me I've got a message. I reluctantly opened my eyes, tapping on it. I almost fell off the chair in surprise, my eyes wide open now.

"I didn't take you for an ill-mannered person, Korina. Please don't tell me you are too tired for our sparing match later? Or are you just trying to get out of it? ☺

Anger stirred deep inside of me, but then I reminded myself that I don't have the reason to be angry with him. He is nothing but kind.

I sighed, typing reluctantly. Spending too much time around Traxx does that. Absolutely not, we are still on. ☺

I saw him read the text. Lifting his head up he grinned, shaking his head at me. I nodded at him, but I didn't return his smile. Instead, I leaned back on the table, closing my eyes once more.

"Korina." Somebody shook me gently. "Hey." A musical voice said with amusement. "Wake up!"

I groaned, turning my head away "Just a minute longer." I said half-asleep.

The person laughed again "Come on, sleepyhead."

"Not now Daniel, I am exhausted." I whined.

The hand was suddenly gone, the voice quiet. "I am not Daniel." He said grimly.

I lifted my head, opening my heavy eyes "Yannik? What are you doing here?" I asked him, confused.

"You fell asleep in a lecture hall, everybody already left. You asked me to show you some moves, remember?" He said, his voice suddenly all serious.

"Right!" I rapidly lifted myself up, shaking my head.

"If you'd rather we postpone it..." He started, looking at me.

"No!" I cut him off. "I am fully awake now. Let's get going shall we?" I offered him a small smile.

We walked in awkward silence, both of us buried in our thoughts. It felt weirdly similar to the first time we were walking together to the gym.

"I am going to change, all right?" I said as we arrived, heading straight for the wardrobes.

I put on my gray yoga pants and white "Winnie the Pooh" bear t-shirt, grabbing a bottle of water. I knew the t-shirt was ridiculous, but it was the only thing I had from my home since it was in my purse when they grabbed me. Maximillian was kind enough to retrieve it for me. I've always loved the cartoon when I was a child, so Lena recently bought it for my birthday.

When I stepped into the gym, he was already waiting for me, warming himself up. "What is this?" He laughed, pointing at my shirt.

"Don't judge. It was a gift from my friend back at home. Besides, the bear is adorable." I walked by him, glaring at him.

"All right." He lifted his hands in surrender, smiling wide.

"So are we going to do this or you're just all talk?" I teased him, taking my combat stance.

He moved so suddenly I barely had the chance to react. He twisted my wrists behind me, pressing my back tightly against his chest. I was so stunned by his strength as he held me completely immobile. "How good are you exactly?" I said surprised.

"Good." He said simply, his warm breath tickling my earlobe. Boiling heat spread through me, its fire leaving me completely breathless.

He loosened his iron grip, stepping away from me. "Come on! Show me what you got!" He clapped. He grabbed his black t-shirt, stripping it off, baring his smooth chest.

He was perfectly sculptured, like a piece of an art and I couldn't control myself as I quietly groaned. His markings were now perfectly visible. On the both sides of his body, right below his chest were tattoos of roots, spreading almost to the stomach, but not close enough to be touching.

There was another inscription on the nape of his neck, the same one I've noticed the first time I saw him. This one was spreading all the way to his lower back.

"Dear God." I mouthed as I shamelessly stared at his exposed skin, his solid chest falling and rising with rapid breaths.

I shook my head, willing myself to wake up from a daze. He was so distracting I knew right away that I would lose, and badly.

I gulped, my throat suddenly all parched. Grabbing the bottle of water, I swallowed the cool liquid down, quenching my thirst.

He lifted his eyebrows "Already? We've barely started!"

I closed my eyes, waiting for this insane heat wave to pass, but it only grew stronger. To hell with it, I thought, letting myself loose.

I sprinted towards him. Kicking my leg out, I intended to knock him over, but he sidestepped and his foot connected with my chest.

"Ouch!" I grabbed my chest, pretending he's injured me. I glared at him accusingly.

"Did I hurt you, Korina?" He said worried, stepping too close to me. I reacted as fast as I could. Putting my hands on his waist I lifted him up and slammed him on the ground.

He hissed in pain "Sneaky." He smiled, narrowing his eyes. His hands shot out as he gripped my ankles, yanking me off my feet. I recovered immediately as I straddled his waist squeezing his throat with my hands. "You are dead." I smiled.

"Hardly." He mused. He smashed his palm heels into my chest, knocking me over.

I gathered myself off the ground, breathing hard "Ok now you are pissing me off."

He laughed as I charged towards him. Bending low, I intended to kick him, but he reacted accordingly, protecting himself against my incoming blow. His eyes momentarily widened as my fist smashed into his cheek. He bent over to cover his head, but that was a mistake. I grabbed his head, connecting my knee with his nose.

He collapsed, rolling on the floor and groaning in pain.

"Yannik?" I stepped towards him. His back was plastered to the floor, his hands still covering his face.

In a flash, he rolled on his hip striking me with his foot. I cried out in pain as my knee gave way and I lost my footing. I barely caught myself with my hands. "You stole my tactic!" I growled, outraged.

"Well, one can always learn something new." He smiled viciously.

I quickly dodged another blow, intended for my stomach. He may be well skilled, but I was much faster. I spun on my heel, hitting him hard with my fist. He reacted too slow, as his fists were still lowered, my strike knocking his head backward.

I took a few steps back, watching him as he shook his head trying to compose himself.

As he started to sprint towards me, I hurriedly assessed my surroundings, searching for something I could use against him. Right above my head was a small metallic vent, so I grabbed it tight, propping myself up. I lifted my legs, aiming to kick his chest and force him to back up. Instead, he gripped my tights, and we collided with the wall behind us.

We were both breathing hard, and I felt drugged by his closeness and his delicious scent. My legs were wrapped around his waist and my arms clutched behind his neck. His palms were pressed against the wall on either side of my head, protecting me from the impact.

I watched him wide-eyed as he pressed me tight against the wall, closing the distance between our bodies. His lips were only an inch away from mine, his closeness making my head dizzy.

His eyes flickered down to my lips, his head slowly tilting to the side. His head moved closer and his lips stopped right in front of mine. As he lifted his eyes to look at me, there was a pure lust reflecting in them.

His lips slightly opened as he slowly brushed them against mine.

Suddenly his gentleness was gone. He gripped my tights, holding me up with his hands, he slammed his lips against mine. I felt his body shaking as he quietly groaned. I felt drunk on him, my body pulsing with desire as he kissed me full on. I was already too far gone, not thinking rationally. As I was about to grab his spikes to pull his mouth even tightly against mine, he suddenly stopped.

His body jerked away from mine, his hands slipping me back to the floor. Dread washed over me when I looked into his eyes, knowing exactly where this was leading. His expression changed from wild astonishment to complete detachment. He slowly stepped away from me, moving backward. "I am so sorry." His voice broke "This was a big mistake."

"Yannik!" I gripped his hand, trying to stop him. "Wait, I-"

"No Korina! No, this shouldn't have happened." He buried his hands into his spikes, nervously pulling at them.

I stared into his eyes, terrified at what he was about to say.

"I messed this up so badly!" He buried his face in his hands. "I shouldn't have done it."

"No! What are you talking about? Please!" I grabbed him again, but he was already pushing me away.

"I am so sorry." He apologized again, slowly turning away from me.

"Yannik!" I yelled after him. "Yannik!"

He finally turned around, his expression serious "Leave me alone, Korina!" He said with a harsh voice.

"I don't understand! Can't we at least talk about it?" I reasoned with him.

"There is nothing to talk about! This was a mistake! I knew we should've never become friends. You are not good for me." He told me cruelly.

I let him walk away, stunned with the pain as it was crushing me to pieces. My body slumped to the ground like it was weightless. I rested my cheek on the cold surface, numb and nauseous with agony radiating inside my chest.

Why did it hurt that much? And why is he the only one with the power to hurt me so? How can out of something so good become something this bad?

I silently screamed into my hands, emptiness enveloping my heart. Suddenly I was back on my feet kicking and punching the metal wall until my knuckles bleed and I collapsed from extortion.

I don't know how long was I just lying there, staring into nothingness.

"Jesus Christ!" Somebody rushed to my side, but I was so detached I didn't hear what the person was saying. I only heard a white noise, like I was sinking underwater. I felt a pair of hands wrapping around me, carrying me. The person sat me down, putting something wet and cold to my cheek.

"Get yourself together, Korina!" They slapped me gently.

"What the hell happened?" The person said aggravated. "Korina, for God's sake!" They shook me hard, my teeth rattling in my mouth.

And then the numbness subsided and I felt the pain assaulting me with all its might. Tears slowly fell to my cheeks as I looked Daniel in the eyes.

"You scared the hell out of me!" He almost yelled, his expression nervous and worried.

My head fell to my chest as loud sobs tore out of my throat. My body shook uncontrollably and no matter how badly I wanted to push the pain away, I couldn't.

Daniel wrapped his arms around me, holding me tight, rocking me as if he would be holding a child. "It's all right." He whispered quietly. "Everything is going to be all right."

I only shook my head, trying to explain that it won't.

"Is this about him, Korina?" He asked me, looking into my red, puffy eyes. "What happened?"

"How do you know?" I asked with confusion. I haven't said a word to him about Yannik.

"I am not blind. So is it?"

I looked at him with doubt in my eyes "Why would I be talking to you about another guy?"

"I am your friend, aren't I?" He said confused.

"Yes, but you've told me you liked me." I glared at him. "Wouldn't that be selfish and cruel of me?"

He laughed "No. I want you, it's true. But I feel nothing deeper than physical attraction, I never have and I never want to." He shrugged casually. "But I'll always like beautiful women."

I rolled my eyes at him, shaking my head. "He kissed me, then rejected me." I gulped, tears threatening to spill out of my eyes.

"To every other woman I would say to get over the guy, but honestly I am worried by the strength of your reaction Korina."

"What do you mean?" I lifted my head, feeling strangely weakened.

"I am trying to say that nobody would be this destroyed over some crush." He looked at me meaningfully.

My brows furrowed in confusion "I really like him, that is all."

"Is it, Korina?" He studied me closely. "So you don't feel his presence when he steps in the room? Or like he is the center of your universe? The magnetic pull of his body? Or maybe like you can't breathe when he is not around?"

My blood froze in my body as I realized what he was suggesting. This couldn't be happening, this was not real. I looked at him in pure horror "And what if I do?"

"Then he would be your Anuemat, your soul mate."

"No, this can't be, you are wrong!" I said panicked.

"Korina, calm down!" He held me tight as I struggled to get away. "I am only guessing!"

"But he doesn't like me! Don't you understand? This will be a disaster! He said I was a mistake!" I screamed at him, shaking him.

"You need to calm down!" He gripped my wrists, so I couldn't hurt him. "Incomplete bonds are rare, Korina."

"But not impossible." I quietly cried, burying my face in my hands.

"I will kill him!" He suddenly yelled, kicking the chair.

"No. You know what? To hell with this! I am not here to chase some guy, my purpose is to hunt down Cerberuses." Straitening my back I stood up. Wiping my tears away, I closed my eyes, begging the pain to disappear. But it never did.

Daniel looked at me and nodded doubtfully. "Let's get you cleaned up and head to the canteen."

I stopped short when he mentioned the canteen, pulling him back "I cannot go there."

"You want to show him that you are strong? Then you better do that with your head held high!" He encouraged me.

I nodded, unsure how will I pull off this charade.

I showered and changed out of my torn gym clothes, regretfully clutching my Pooh bear t-shirt, now stained with blood. I stalled as long as I could, however, I knew I couldn't delay this any longer so I forced myself to step out of the showers. I found Daniel leaning on the wall, patiently waiting for me.

As I stepped closer to him, he hugged my shoulders, playfully nudging me "You know, I intended to ask you to the dance, but I think we both know now that it would never work out." He laughed quietly.

"Obviously." I smiled at him weakly. "Daniel? Thank you for your help back there." I nodded gratefully. "I don't know how would I do this without you, not just today, but ever since I've got here."

"Well you are a family now, aren't you?" He smiled and squeezed me tightly.

We walked towards the canteen with him still holding me. I knew it was his way of consoling me, protecting my pale face from the curious glances. When we entered he didn't leave my side, and I was grateful for the distraction.

As I sat down next to Kellan and Ria, her forehead creased as she watched me with worry. "What happened? You look like a ghost!" Her eyes flickered from me to Daniel.

"Yannik happened." He spat.

"He kissed me and then, well things went wrong. Overall it was a mistake." I shrugged at her.

"I say we kick his ass, Daniel." She hissed.

I put my hand on hers shaking my head "Leave it Ria. Please?"

She let out a harsh breath "Are you serious right now? He kissed you and then invited Illiana to the dance? What the hell?"

"What?" My vision spun, as nausea threatened to overwhelm me.

Daniel growled loudly meaning to stand up and head over to Yannik, but I grabbed his hand, forcing him back down.

"Daniel, no! Leave it! You won't change anything." He stared at me and then finally complied.

"He made his decision." I shrugged.

I made a mistake of looking at him. He was laughing like he didn't have a care in the world. Illiana was nudging him playfully, smiling at his words.

I put down my food, not hungry anyway. I prayed to God he wasn't my other half. I looked up to where Sam was sitting, and I understood why her skin always looked so pale, so translucent. Even though she smiled, her eyes were hollow, void of feelings. Our eyes met, like she sensed I was studying her, but her expression wasn't hateful anymore, it was resigned like she already accepted her fate. I nodded at her, offering a smile and she returned it, even though it was barely visible. How could she stand sitting so close to Daniel, pretending not to care? I wasn't nearly as brave and strong as she was.

Traxx joined our table, his forehead suspiciously sweaty.

He just stood there, fidgeting with his long dreadlocks.

"Do you intend to sit or just stand there ogling us?" Kellan smirked.

He ignored him, his eyes nervously flickering to Ria. He cleared his throat, his face shade of bright red as he embarrassedly kneeled beside her chair.

Her eyes went round as she watched him with disbelief. "Are you proposing me, big guy?" She laughed nervously.

"Go with me to the dance!" His question was more of a command than a plea.

"What the hell? Did you just order me?" She crossed her hands over her chest "No way!" She was about to turn around, but he pulled a beautiful white rose out of his jacket. "That came out all wrong." He put his hand on hers "Ria, I would be honored if you would be my partner to the dance." He said sincerely, looking directly into her eyes.

She just stared at him, completely speechless. After a moment she composed herself and took the rose "Well, if you say it like that." She grinned, burying her nose in the flower, inhaling deeply.

The canteen erupted in cheers, whistling and clapping loudly "Way to go Traxx!" Somebody yelled.

"Awesome!" Traxx beamed, smacking Ria on her back. She winced, glaring at him.

I laughed quietly at their display. Pinching the bridge of my nose I shook my head at Traxx's awkward behavior.

"Oh come on! Everybody's paired up!" Kellan whined.

"It's your own bloody fault nobody likes you." Traxx pointed at him, still grinning.

"Funny. Korina are you going with someone?" He turned to me.

"No." I shook my head at him "Do you want to go together?" I asked shrugging.

"Yeah sure, what the hell." He shrugged back, not really caring.

"That was truly romantic of you Kellan." Traxx smirked.

"I am not going there in a search for a romance." Kellan grimaced "I will sit at the bar."

"Poor Korina." Said Sam and my head jerked up to see if I heard right. She was normally quiet and really reserved, but Sanna told me it wasn't always like this.

I waved my hand at her, smiling "I will be probably joining him, anyway."

My eyes involuntary peered at Yannik, still hoping he would acknowledge me. But that was just a wishful thinking. He ignored me completely, never glancing at me, not even once. I regretted this whole situation. He was right after all, this should never have happened. Maybe Samantha was right, maybe it was better to have someone close as a friend, instead not having him around at all.