BXBX NOVEL Chapter 62: The winter carnival
Lorcan\'s gaze bore into him, the weight of his words hanging in the air, heavy and laden with a stark truth. A hush followed as if the world itself was pausing to absorb the gravity of what had been said. Lorcan\'s voice, when it came, carried a note of sternness that seemed to punctuate the silence.
Jaegar\'s lips curled into a quizzical smile, a glint of provocation gleaming in his eyes. "Insecurity, Lorcan? Could it be that the presence of a certain someone casts a shadow over your achievements?" he quipped, his words a playful barb aimed at unravelling Lorcan\'s composure.
A spark ignited in Lorcan\'s eyes, and the ember of annoyance fanned into a flickering flame. "Don\'t flatter yourself," he retorted sharply, his patience worn thin by the sparks of a rivalry that refused to fade. "But make no mistake, Ambrose. Your plans of grandeur, your thirst for the spotlight—it ends here."
Jaegar\'s grin remained, etched upon his features, as he countered Lorcan\'s challenge. "We will see about that, brother."
"Don\'t you dare!"
Lorcan\'s frustration manifested in a glare, his jaw set in firm resolve. Without another word, he and Ethan pivoted sharply, their exit punctuated by an undercurrent of intensity.
But as the footsteps of the departing duo faded, another figure lingered, an enigmatic presence shrouded in allure.
Veronica, her aura as beguiling as moonlight. Her voice, soft and melodic, wove a thread of intrigue. "Forgive the intrusion, a proper introduction seems long overdue," she mused, her words a serenade of curiosity. "Veronica Izzard Crew, at your service, Mr. Ambrose."
Her name held a certain cadence, a whisper of mystique that hinted at her enigmatic nature. Jaegar met her gaze, his curiosity mirrored in his eyes, his interest piqued by this woman who seemed to navigate the currents of their world with ease.
A chuckle from the periphery signalled Pierre\'s approach, his hand connecting with Jaegar\'s shoulder in a friendly gesture. "Mr. Popular, it seems," Pierre jested his words a playful ribbing. "It looks like you\'ve got the attention of the ladies."
A wry smile curved Jaegar\'s lips as he nodded in acknowledgement. "Perhaps it\'s a side effect of my moniker," he replied, amusement lacing his voice. Then, a query born of genuine curiosity surfaced. "The game they speak of, Pierre, the tournament—is it in full swing?"
Pierre\'s explanation flowed, a stream of words that painted a vivid picture of the Quinquennial Winter Carnival. A festival that surfaced only once every five years, where academia converged in a spectacle of skill and spirit. Intricate events and exhilarating contests unfurled under its banner, drawing students from various schools into its fold.
"The grand soccer match, among others," Pierre added, a glint of excitement in his eyes. "The trials to determine our players, it\'s happening as we speak."
Jaegar\'s response was swift, his impatience tingling at his fingertips. "Then why delay?" he exclaimed, his voice brimming with eagerness. "Let\'s not tarry any longer, Pierre. Let\'s fucking gooo!"
The sprawling field lay before them, a patchwork quilt of eager faces and animated chatter. The atmosphere buzzed with anticipation, a collective energy that seemed to electrify the air. Though not the grand spectacle of the central game, this selection match had drawn every student like a magnet, their eyes fixed on the unfolding drama.
Lorcan stood tall and confident on the verdant turf, a figure of determination amidst the spirited players of four grouped teams. The stage was set for the clash between Lionallores and Dracanores, a duel that promised excitement and a chance at glory. Amidst the sea of hopeful faces, one figure emerged, threading his way through the crowd, a beacon of attention.
As Jaegar\'s footsteps touched the field, a ripple of recognition spread like wildfire. Parker, with his boisterous enthusiasm, hailed him, a voice above the throng. "Jaegar."
The collective gaze swivelled to Jaegar, a moment of shared acknowledgement before his friend Pierre offered words of joy. "Go on, mate, let\'s see you work that magic on the pitch!"
Drawing closer to Parker, Jaegar found himself enveloped in a jubilant embrace. The pat on his back resonated with a joy that transcended words. "Back in action, Jaegar!" Parker exulted, his fervour echoed by the chorus of voices that erupted around them. A collective cheer of agreement followed, a resounding affirmation of unity.
In a flicker of movement, Jaegar\'s gaze met Lorcan\'s, a sly smirk playing at the corner of his lips. A silent challenge passed between them, a duel of wills and determination. On the sidelines, Coach Henry, a seasoned mentor with a wealth of experience, observed the unfolding scene with a practised eye.
The two teams assembled, their spirits intertwining with the exuberance of youth and the promise of achievement. Songs of encouragement filled the air, each team offering their praises in spirited harmony. Amidst the jubilation, the spotlight seemed to follow Jaegar, a magnet for attention as his princely lineage and formidable abilities were thrust into the limelight.
His power strike at the last game was etched into their minds, which they never forgot. Their cheers were louder than ever, fueled by the anticipation of witnessing another display of Jaegar\'s unrivalled skill.
Jaegar\'s thoughts churned with a potent mixture of determination and a simmering desire for vindication. Lorcan\'s warning had been heeded, yet here he stood, ready to embrace the challenge before him. With every step he took on that field, he was not merely a player; he was a symbol of resilience, a figure that had emerged from the shadows to cast his own light.
Jaegar wanted to crush Lorcan\'s team without mercy, making him suffer a humiliating defeat for messing with him.
The game was about to begin.