Atticus was a bit surprised. He had recognized her serene presence the moment she entered, but it didn't change the fact that her visit was highly unusual. Rising from his seated position, he bowed respectfully.
"Come on, sweetie, we're way past that now. Give me a hug instead," Seraphina said with a warm smile.
But Atticus hesitated, glancing up at her before clearing his throat. 'What a deadly trap.'
Despite being over a century old, Seraphina didn't look her age at all. Her flawless skin, perfectly accentuated curves, and youthful features made her appear to be in her thirties.
She might technically be older than Atticus, but considering his maturity far exceeded his physical age, it didn't make the situation any less awkward.
Atticus constantly had to remind himself that she was an old granny to maintain his composure.
Seeing his wary look, Seraphina chuckled. "You're looking at me like I'm going to eat you alive. Relax."
"Anyway, I can see you've got something on your mind. How about this aunty helps you out? I've got a great idea for dealing with those pests outside," she offered with a sly grin.
Atticus's bright eyes dimmed instantly. He had been hoping she might offer to teach him how to use his Spirit element, but clearly, he had been wrong.
"What's with that look? Don't you want my help?" Seraphina teased.
Atticus sighed. He could already guess what she was going to suggest, but he knew he had no choice but to listen. "What's the idea… aunty?"
Her smile widened, clearly pleased by how he addressed her. "Simple: make your relationship with Zoey public."
'I knew it,' Atticus thought, frowning.
"You do know she said no to me, right?" he replied, his tone flat.
"What?" Seraphina's smile vanished.
"Yeah," Atticus nodded. "She said no."
"What do you mean she said no? You asked her out, and she refused?" Seraphina was utterly shocked.
She had assumed their relationship was already settled, especially after hearing about their bond back at the academy.
This was why she had asked Atticus about his intentions with Zoey in the past, and his answer had more than satisfied her. She hadn't bothered to ask about the current status of their relationship, assuming it was a done deal.
But now, hearing this, Seraphina's gaze grew distant as she tried to process the revelation.
"What the hell is wrong with that girl?" she muttered to herself, baffled. "Did her mother's stupidity somehow reach her?"
She appeared to be venting to herself. "I just don't get it. From what I've heard about the two of you at the academy, it was obvious she liked you. No one could force her to act like that unless she wanted to. If she liked you, why the hell would she say no? How hard is it to just listen to your own feelings? What's with all the unnecessary drama?"
Seraphina took a deep breath, as if regaining her composure. 'Looks like I'll have to pay the academy a visit. Thank goodness he's still interested in her.'
Throughout the entire scene, Atticus stood silently to the side, letting her mutter to herself.
Seraphina sighed heavily, her demeanor shifting slightly.
"Alright, let's get to why I'm here today," she said, changing the topic. Atticus welcomed the shift, preferring it this way.
She smiled warmly at him. "Your bloodline is quite peculiar, and although I'd love to say, 'I won't ask any questions,' I'm just too curious. Can you tell aunty more about it?"
Atticus's expression tightened. Since meeting her, Seraphina had always been kind to him, helping him in significant ways. She hadn't given him any reason to not trust her.
But Atticus wasn't someone who trusted people easily. If it were up to him, not even Magnus would know the full extent of his abilities.
While he trusted his grandfather, he disliked the idea of anyone, human or otherwise, knowing too much about him. Now, with the entire planet's eyes on him, the fewer people who knew his secrets, the better.
Seraphina seemed to sense his hesitation and chuckled lightly. "Alright, alright, you men and your secrets. I'll go straight to the point, then. I'm sure you noticed the Starhaven family didn't send any gifts."
Atticus nodded. He had noticed but hadn't given it much thought. It was their choice whether to send gifts or not.
"Well, that was all me," she admitted. "I can feel a faint amount of spiritual energy around you. It's a stretch, but I believe you have a good chance of bonding with a spirit."
Atticus remained composed, showing no surprise. Magnus had already told him that Seraphina knew about his Spirit element.
"Hmm, I expected you to be shocked. You're no fun," Seraphina teased, pouting slightly before flicking her hair dramatically behind her shoulder. The motion was almost ethereal, making her seem like a goddess for a moment.
"Anyway," she continued, "the best gift I can offer you is this beautiful aunty teaching you how to channel that energy. I think it's time for you to gain a gorgeous master."
Despite her playful tone, Atticus knew she was serious. He maintained a calm expression, even as the corners of his lips threatened to twitch at her theatrics.
"So, what do you say?" she asked, her eyes sparkling.
For Atticus, the answer was obvious. He agreed without hesitation, and Seraphina's smile grew even wider.
His schedule was becoming increasingly packed, but he would make it work. He had to.
"Alright," Seraphina said cheerfully, "I'll leave you to your training for now. Just let me know when you're ready. Our training will take place at my sector."
As she spoke, her gaze drifted momentarily toward the incubator at one end of the training room. She smiled knowingly before turning back to Atticus. With a graceful wave, she exited the room.
Finally alone again, Atticus settled back onto the ground, taking a moment to calm the egg's emotions. It seemed excited, likely due to Seraphina's presence.
Magnus had left him to train, but Atticus could still feel his grandfather's lingering gaze from their earlier conversation.
'The Spirit element, huh,' Atticus murmured to himself. 'I wonder what kind of spirit I'll bond with.'
He didn't mind the idea of traveling to the Starhaven sector for training. As the primary home of the Starhaven family, it was the most suitable place to bond with a spirit. If he was going to unlock the full potential of his Spirit element, there was no better place.
After a few moments of reflection, Atticus cleared his mind and prepared to resume his training.