NOVEL NEXT The young heirs
Julian walked up to the three young son and daughters of the duke family, his presence radiating confidence.
"Congratulations on becoming mages to all of you," he said with a charming smile, his voice smooth as silk.
Issable and Julia both felt their cheeks heat up, captivated by his handsome features.
"Thank you, Julian," Issable managed to say, her voice slightly shy.
"Yeah, congratulations," Julia added, her gaze lingering on him, a hint of admiration in her eyes.
Marcus, however, crossed his arms, a frown on his face. "You too," he grumbled, clearly annoyed by the attention Julian was receiving.
Julian raised an eyebrow, unfazed. "No hard feelings, Marcus. Just trying to spread a little cheer," he replied, his tone playful, knowing he had made an impression.
Julia's eyes sparkled with curiosity as she turned to the group.
"So, what elements do you all focus on?" she asked eagerly, her enthusiasm shining through.
Issable smiled, her excitement matching Julia's. "I focus on water. I find its fluidity fascinating," she said, her tone animated.
Marcus rolled his eyes slightly but joined in, "I'm working with earth. It's solid and reliable, unlike some people."
He shot a sideways glance at Julian, trying to maintain his tough demeanor.
Julian chuckled softly, his confidence unwavering. "Lightning," he replied, a glint of mischief in his eyes. "I like to think it's the most electrifying choice."
Julia grinned, clearly impressed.
"That's amazing! Lightning must be so powerful!" she exclaimed, her admiration for Julian evident.
Julia smiled warmly, her cheeks flushing slightly. "I focus on light magic," she said, her voice soft yet confident. "I believe it can bring hope and clarity, especially in dark times."
Issable's eyes widened with admiration. "Light magic? That sounds beautiful! You must have some incredible spells."
Julian nodded, intrigued. "Light and lightning together could create some spectacular effects," he added, his mind racing with possibilities.
Marcus shrugged, trying to play it cool. "Yeah, whatever. Just make sure you don't get blinded by your own magic."
Julia laughed, brushing off his comment.
"I'll be sure to keep that in mind, Marcus." She then turned back to Julian, her eyes sparkling.
"Do you think we could team up sometime? Lightning and light could be a powerful combination."
Julian flashed a charming smile, his blue eyes glinting mischievously. "Well, how can I say no to such a pretty lady?" he said, his tone playful yet sincere.
Julia's cheeks turned a deeper shade of pink as she giggled, clearly flattered by his compliment.
"You really know how to make a girl feel special," she replied, her smile widening.
Issable watched with a mixture of admiration and jealousy, while Marcus rolled his eyes, trying to maintain his cool demeanor.
"Don't get too carried away, Julian. Remember, we've got to keep our focus on our training," he said, attempting to steer the conversation back to more serious matters.
But Julian only laughed lightly. "Of course, Marcus. Training is important. But a little fun never hurt anyone, right?"
His gaze remained fixed on Julia, clearly enjoying the playful banter between them.
Julian extended one hand to Julia with a confident smile. "Shall we dance, Lady Julia?" he asked, his voice smooth and inviting.
Julia's eyes sparkled with excitement as she looked at him, momentarily taken aback by the charm he exuded.
"I would love to, Julian!" she replied, her voice bright and eager.
As they moved to the dance floor, the atmosphere shifted. Music filled the air, a soft melody that seemed to weave around them like magic.
Julian led her gracefully, his movements fluid and natural, making it easy for Julia to lose herself in the rhythm.
She found herself laughing, her initial shyness melting away as they twirled and swayed together, the world around them fading into a blur.
In that moment, it felt like they were the only two people in the room, the gaze of onlookers falling away as they shared this intimate connection on the dance floor.
Julia, feeling a bit breathless from their dance, stopped and leaned against a nearby pillar, a playful smile on her lips.
Julian, not missing a beat, turned his attention to Issabel, extending his hand with a charming grin.
"Will you give me a chance too, Lady Issabel?" he asked, his eyes sparkling with mischief.
Julia chuckled, watching the exchange. "Playing both ways, are we, Julian?" she teased, raising an eyebrow at him.
Issabel blushed at the attention, her cheeks warming as she glanced between Julian and Julia.
"Well, I suppose it would be rude to refuse," she said, taking his hand and stepping onto the dance floor.
Julian flashed a confident smile as he led her into the dance, his charm working its magic once again.
"I promise to make this a dance you won't forget," he said, and as the music swelled, they began to move together, the atmosphere around them filled with laughter and joy.