As I reached the academy courtyard, a voice called out behind me.

  **"Lucian!"**

  I turned.

  Leonhart Ascarion stood there, golden hair shining under the sunlight, blue eyes sharp.

  For a guy who barely survived an assassination attempt, he looked way too calm.

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  I forced a smirk.

  **"What, the Hero himself wants to talk to the villain?"**

  Leonhart didn’t laugh.

  He stepped closer, lowering his voice.

  **"Someone tried to kill me last night."**

  I tilted my head, feigning surprise.

  **"Oh? That’s terrible. Who do you think it was?"**

  Leonhart narrowed his eyes.

  **"I don’t know. But I have a feeling…"**

  He stepped even closer.

  **"It won’t be the last attempt."**

  Our gazes locked.

  For a moment, I felt a chill.

  Leonhart **wasn’t an idiot.**

  He had instincts.

  And right now, those instincts were **whispering my name.**

  I gave him my best cocky grin.

  **"Well, good luck with that. You’re the Hero, right? I’m sure you’ll be fine."**

  Then I walked past him.

  I could feel his eyes burning into my back.

  ---