The Project From Hell
Viremoor Academy — Ancient Lineage Studies Class]
The classroom is filled with ancient tomes, glowing glyphs, and floating scrolls. Students shuffle to their assigned seats as Professor Eldros prepares to make their lives miserable.
Professor Eldros
(dry tone)
Professor Eldros
For this term, you’ll partner up for your Legacy Presentation.
Professor Eldros
Your partner reflects your bloodline’s alliances — or tensions.
Lucian D'Arveil
(muttering)
Lucian D'Arveil
Oh, this is gonna be a disaster.
Professor Eldros
D'Arveil.
Thalorion.
Together.
Professor Eldros
(groaning, under his breath)
Professor Eldros
Of course.
Riven Thalorion
We’ve been assigned. Let’s get on with it.
Lucian D'Arveil
(leaning back, grinning)
Lucian D'Arveil
You could at least pretend to sound thrilled, Riven.
Riven Thalorion
I’m containing my excitement internally.
Professor Eldros
Your topic:
The Blood Wars: Origins of Vampire and Dragon Relations.
Lucian D'Arveil
(sarcastically)
Lucian D'Arveil
How fitting.
Riven Thalorion
(without missing a beat)
Riven Thalorion
Ironic, actually.
[The bell rings. Students start leaving. Lucian and Riven stay back by their desk.]
Lucian D'Arveil
(mock serious)
Lucian D'Arveil
You realize we’re probably the worst possible people to write this together, right?
Riven Thalorion
(arms crossed)
Riven Thalorion
We don’t have to like each other to finish the work.
Lucian D'Arveil
grinning wider)
Lucian D'Arveil
You sure? I think we’ve got great chemistry.
Riven Thalorion
If you call constant arguments ‘chemistry.’
Lucian D'Arveil
(chuckling)
Lucian D'Arveil
Hey, tension keeps things interesting.
A small silence falls between them as Riven glances sideways at Lucian, almost studying him.]
Riven Thalorion
(more serious now)
Riven Thalorion
Why do you always push people?
Riven Thalorion
You act like you don’t care, but you clearly do.
Lucian D'Arveil
(eyes narrowing slightly, voice softer for a moment)
Lucian D'Arveil
Because if I don't... they push me instead.
Riven Thalorion
(quiet, nodding faintly)
Riven Thalorion
Fair enough.
Lucian D'Arveil
Wow. Did we just have a moment?
Lucian D'Arveil
Should we hug or something?
[they gather their books, still throwing small verbal jabs — but the air between them is… different now.]
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