The school nurse, a kind-hearted woman with a warm smile, entered the room. "Don't worry, Grey," she said reassuringly. "Kairah will be okay. She's just exhausted from using too much magic. She needs rest and hydration, and she'll be back to normal in no time."
Grey's gaze remained fixed on Kairah, his expression still soft. "Thank you, Nurse," he said, his voice low and polite.
The nurse nodded and began to check Kairah's vital signs, making notes on her chart. "I'll make sure she gets plenty of rest and fluids. You can stay with her, Grey, but try not to worry too much. She's in good hands."
As the nurse continued to tend to Kairah, Grey's eyes never left her face. He seemed to be studying her, his expression a mixture of concern and...something else. Kaira's eyes fluttered open, and she was met with the sight of Grey sitting beside her, his piercing gaze fixed on hers. As her memories of the previous events flooded back, she realized that Grey was the one who had saved her. A mix of emotions swirled within her - gratitude, confusion, and a hint of wariness.
"Grey," she whispered, her voice hoarse.
Grey's expression softened, and he leaned forward, his eyes locked on hers. "Hey, you're awake. How are you feeling?"
Kaira's gaze searched his face, trying to read his motivations. Why had he saved her? What did he want from her? But all she saw was genuine concern etched on his features.
With a gentle smile, Grey reached out and brushed a strand of hair behind her ear, his touch sending a shiver down her spine. "You're safe now, Kaira. You're going to be okay."
As Kaira's eyes met Grey's, she felt a spark of connection, a sense of understanding that went beyond mere gratitude. But what did it mean? Only time would tell.
Kaira's eyes locked onto Grey's, her mind racing with questions. Why was Grey acting so differently towards her? She was used to his cold demeanor, not this...softness.
"Grey, why...?" she started to ask, her voice barely above a whisper.
Grey's expression turned neutral, but his eyes seemed to hold a hint of warmth. "No need to thank me, Kairah," he said, his voice low. "You'd have done the same for me."
Kaira's face twisted in a mix of confusion and gratitude. "Still, thank you," she said softly, her eyes never leaving his.
Grey's gaze held hers for a moment before he nodded slightly. "Get some rest, Kairah. You're not fully recovered yet."
As Kairah nodded, she couldn't help but wonder what was going on with Grey. Was he truly concerned about her, or was there something more to his actions? The Royals, led by Lily Rose, entered the room, their faces etched with concern. "Kaira, how are you feeling?" Lily asked, her voice filled with genuine worry.
Kaira's eyes widened slightly as she took in the Royals' apologetic expressions. "I'm...I'm okay, thanks," she replied, her voice still weak.
Valir Vladd stepped forward, his eyes locked on Kaira's. "We're deeply sorry for what happened, Kairah. We didn't mean for things to go that far."
Ana Krimpton nodded in agreement, her expression somber. "Yes, we're truly sorry. We let our emotions get the better of us."
Lily Rose added, "We'll make sure something like this never happens again. Can you forgive us?"
Kaira's gaze drifted between the Royals, her mind reeling with their sudden change in behavior. Were they genuinely sorry, or was this just an act?
Grey, still sitting beside Kaira, watched the Royals with a neutral expression, his eyes never leaving their faces.The Royals exchanged glances, and Lily Rose spoke up, her voice filled with a newfound warmth. "Kaira, we know we haven't exactly been...welcoming to you. But we'd like to change that. Would you like to...be friends?"
Kaira's eyes widened in surprise, her mind racing with the sudden shift. Friends with the Royals? It was unexpected, to say the least.
Valir Vladd added, his smile charming, "We could start with a dinner party at my family's estate. It would be a great opportunity for us to get to know each other better."
Ana Krimpton nodded, her expression softening. "Yes, and we could show you around the academy, introduce you to some of our friends."
Grey's gaze remained neutral, but his eyes seemed to be watching Kaira, waiting for her response.
Kaira hesitated, unsure of what to make of the Royals' sudden change of heart. Could she trust them? Should she give them a chance?
The Royals' faces lit up with excitement as they mentioned the upcoming dinner party. "It would be a great opportunity for you to meet some of the most influential people in the kingdom," Lily Rose said, her voice filled with enthusiasm.
Valir Vladd added, "Yes, and our parents will be there too. My parents, the Duke and Duchess of Vladd, will be attending, as well as Grey's parents, the King and Queen of the Night Kingdom."
Ana Krimpton's eyes sparkled. "And of course, King Arthur and Queen Aurora Cromwell will be there. They're the highest-ranking monarchs in all the kingdoms, and it's a rare opportunity to meet them."
Kaira's eyes widened as she listened to the list of esteemed guests. She felt a mix of excitement and intimidation at the prospect of meeting so many powerful people.
Grey's expression remained neutral, but his eyes seemed to hold a hint of warning, as if cautioning Kaira about something.
The Royals continued to discuss the details of the dinner party, and Kaira listened intently, trying to process the magnitude of what they were proposing.
Kaira's eyes lit up with determination as she nodded her agreement. "I'll do it. I'll attend the dinner party."
Lily Rose smiled, relieved. "Great! We'll make sure everything goes smoothly."
Ana Krimpton added, her voice playful, "Just wear a dress, and you'll fit right in."
Valir Vladd chuckled. "Ana's right. You'll be stunning, Kaira."
Grey's expression remained neutral, but his eyes seemed to hold a hint of approval.
Kaira's mind was already racing with thoughts of meeting King Arthur and Queen Aurora Cromwell. She felt a sense of wonder and excitement at the prospect of meeting the highest-ranking monarchs in the kingdoms.
The Royals began to discuss the details of the dinner party, and Kaira listened intently, feeling a sense of anticipation building within her. She was ready to take on this new challenge and make the most of this opportunity.
As the Royals departed, Grey remained seated beside Kaira, his expression calm and collected. Kaira turned to him, her curiosity getting the better of her.
"Grey, will you be attending the dinner party too?" she asked, her eyes searching his face for a hint of his intentions.
Grey's gaze met hers, his eyes unreadable. "Yes, I'll be there," he replied, his voice low and smooth.
Kaira's eyes lingered on his face, trying to decipher his thoughts. What role would Grey play at the dinner party? Would he be her ally, or would he maintain his distance?
Grey's expression gave away nothing, but his eyes seemed to hold a hint of awareness, as if he knew something Kaira didn't.
The silence between them was palpable, and Kaira felt a sense of anticipation building within her. What would happen at the dinner party, and how would Grey's presence affect things? The nurse smiled and nodded. "You're free to go, Kairah. Just make sure to take it easy and not overexert yourself."
Grey stood up, his movements fluid and efficient. "I'll take you home," he said, his voice firm.
Kaira's eyes met his, and she felt a flutter in her chest. "No, it's okay, Grey. I can go home on my own," she protested.
But Grey's expression was resolute. "I'll take you home," he repeated, his tone brooking no argument.
Kaira's heart skipped a beat as she realized Grey was determined to see her home safely. What did this mean? Was he being protective, or was there something more to it?