Chapitre 29
Tensions, part 2

When she entered the Academy, the first thing Igvid noticed was the couple. Brooms in hands, they were only inches away from the other. Even if they were working – cleaning a burnt mess the dragons seemed to have caused – she could feel the chemistry in the air. There was no more tension left.

Igvid could feel the attraction in the air, and saw the glances and smiles they were sharing. It looked like there were invisible strands tying them together, waiting for the slighest sign of weakness to reunite them. It looked like they had never fought. It was even worst than before, theu seemed even closer. How was this even possible ? How could Nuffink forgive Frost from cheating on him ? How could Frost convince him he had done nothing ? How did the white devil managed to turn Nuffink against her ?

The blond had not talked to her since he had blamed her of telling the others, and that had been two days ago ! He had never gave her the silent treatment for that long !

And speaking about the others, Igvid noticed the hesitants looks Gorth was giving her, he seemed uneasy and disappointed. She frowned with suspicion. The tall guy quickly averted his eyes and focused back on his work, he seemed to be checking sketchings and plans with Zephyr, surely about one of her latest inventions. Igvid didn't like this look. Nuffink not talking to her, she could at least understand why, but why did Gorth seemed upset with her ?

She wanted to ask him, but she got distracted as she heard Birdlegs burst out in laughter. Her voice was mixed with another one that was really starting to get on the brunette's nerves. She looked at her blond friend and noticed she was talking and laughing with Frost, while Nuffink was next to them looking fondly at the boy. Nuffink's stare was one she was dreaming he would look at her with. So saying he adressed it to Frost, that made her want to puke.

According to her, Frost didn't deserve such a stare, he didn't even deserved Nuffink. She felt the urge to cut the boy's head clean off his shoulders. She clenched her fists and starting to stomp her way towards him, but she was stopped by a strong hold of her arm.

Turning back, she met a death glare she would have never thought would come from… Zephyr. The chief's daughter was holding her arm so strongly she could have almost hurt her.

''Leave them alone.'' She growled lowly.

''What ?! Me letting them alone ?! Frost is the one that should leave Nuffink alone !''

''Look Igvid, Nuffink assured Frost had done nothing wrong, they made up, end of the history. I don't know what you think you saw that night nore even if you actually saw something but… just drop it, please.''

''You've got to be kidding me !''

That was all a joke, Igvid thought. She couldn't believe Zephyr was defending Frost. How did the brat managed to convince Nuffink nothing had happened with Selina ? How did he convinced Zephyr ? Was that why Gorth seemed disappointed with her ? Dis this white snake managed to turn all her friends against her ? Seriously ? It was going too far, Frost was going way too far ! She had to teach him ! He had to pay !

Scandalized, the brunette tore her arm from Zephyr's grip, who glared even more at her. She also seemed disappointed. That was the worst for Igvid. Her friends being mad at her and giving her cold shoulder or silent treament, she could handle it. The feeling of disappointing them ? Not a chance.

''Why did you even say all these terrible things, Igvid ?''

''I didn't make it up ! I saw them !''

''What did you see, exactly ? Frost happen to leave the house at night to go to the beach, that we know. He still has troubles to sleep at night and it's also where he uses to meet a beluga from his home. Plus Ruffrunner is almost all the time with him, even there, they play together. It wouldn't be surprising Selina had joined them to play, since they're friends. Just friends.''

Her ocean blue eyes turned sharper, boring deep into pale blue ones, and Igvid froze.

''What did you really see ?'' The chief's daughter insisted, her voice as sharp as her gaze.

''They… They were naked, Zephyr. I swear.''

The auburn ginger head young woman sighed, runing a hand on her face.

''There must be an explanation for this, but it's really low of you to have accused Frost like this, and even more so to tell this to Nuffink.''

''Zephyr !'' Igvid scandalized.

''Stop it, please. You should apologize to both of them and drop this.''

The chief's daughter left without adding a word, leaving Igvid on spot, shocked. The brunette was convinced Frost was cheating, so how could he get away with this and puting all the blame on her instead ? And she had to apologize ?!

Her eyes drifted towards Gorth, who was looking disappointed at her. Then she glanced towards her little brother, Sneezelout didn't even dare to meet her eyes, glancing down to the bucket he was filling with water. In the end, she looked to Birdlegs, Nuffink and Frost. The threesome were still talking in a pretty good mood. A wave of burning anger washed over the Jorgenson girl as she saw Frost's broad smile. That little… He was really good, not only did he managed to fool Nuffink, but he also turned the other riders against her. Surely to punish for finding him out.

She had expected he would have been able to fool Nuffink, but the others… It didn't matter, she just had to strike back. He was the one she had to work on so he would admit his wrong. If Nuffink didn't want to see the truth and protect himself from Frost, then the boy was the one Igvid had to convince to leave. He was smart and knew how to protect his behind, so she had to be smarter.

And it started with numbing his supicion, and gaining back Nuffink's trust. So Igvid decided to do just as Zephyr said, apologize. She would apologize to Nuffink, but she'd rather die than doing the same to Frost. So she walked to them but only adressed the blond viking. She barely paid attention to Frost's anxious face when she arrived.

''Nuffink, can I talk to you for a moment ?''

The viking's smile turned into a frown.

''Depends.'' His voice was just as unwelcoming as his crossed arms. ''What do you want to talk about ?''

He really sounded and looked upset. It was definitive, h was mad at her for talking about the whole story to the others.

''I want to apologize.''

Instantly, the blond's eyebrow lifted, and anger was replaced by a bit of sadness. He sighed and nodded, accepting to follow her. They didn't went far, just out of the arena, but it was enough to make Frost look at them waryly.

Last time these two had been talking in private, Igvid had pit Nuffink against him – even if he couldn't blame her for misunderstanding what was really happening with Selina – so Frost was afraid of another fight. Birdlegs felt his tension and put a reassuring hand on his thin shoulder.

''You okay ?'' She asked, true concern puring from her calm and soft voice.

He only hummed in reply, gaze lingering on the entrance.

''She just wants to apologize for the misunderstanding. She's not that bad, you know.''

''Sure, maybe… I mean she has not really been nice with me, especially lately.''

''She has always cared for Nuffink, she's just protective of him. She's protective of all of us, but since he had been hurt by Avock… She doesn't hate you, and you'll see she'll be nice with you again, once she realises Nuffink is happy with you.''

He lowered his head, suddenly dejected.

''Are you really sure about this ? Look at how all of this had hurt him. How can you be so sure he's happy ? Maybe I do him more bad than good…''

Birdlegs was taken aback, finding herself unable to say something. Nuffink has assured her and the other riders that the story with Selina was nothing but a misapprehension, that Frost had not cheated on him, and the boy's reaction had just proved it. He really cared for Nuffink's feelings and it was obvious he would never intentionnaly hurt him. To the extend he felt guilty even if it was just a misunderstanding.

Birdlegs found herself unable to find the words to comfort him, she could do nothing but look sad and remain silent. Still, a part of her mind was moved seeing the real care and concern the boy had for Nuffink. There was no doubt the boy had true feelings for him.

When they left the Academy, Nuffink leant against the wall, arms crossed. Igvid looked like she was torn, and worried. He supposed she was feeling guilty for the whole story.

''I'm sorry, Nuffink. I shouldn't have tell the others that soon, but they were worried about you.''

Nuffink sighed and straightened, letting his arms drop on his sides.

''I can see why you did it, but from now on I'd like you to try and figure things out instead of jumping on conclusions. If I was the only one affected by this misunderstanding, I would have just let it go, but I hope you realise that you hurt Frost and Selina, too.''

Inwardly, the brunette wanted to scream, scandalized. She was the one who hurt them ?! Was that really how Nuffink was seeing the situation ? Gods, Frost was really good if he had convinced the viking of this. Outwardly, she frowned and nodded, averting her gaze. She was doing this in try to hold back her rage, but at the same time she was hoping Nuffink would take it as her feeling guilty.

It turned out like this as, after a few moment of silence, the blond viking sighed and patted her shoulder.

''Well, let's get back, the Academy won't clean itself on its own.''

He went ahead, Igvid quickly following while her thoughts were swirling. Nuffink seemed to have cool down and started to warm up again to her, but she didn't feel like she had get back his trust. Well, at least it was a good start.

They didn't came to the subject again at the Academy, but Igvid didn't talk to Frost either. The riders simply went to their own work, the mood almost back to normal. Almost, because Igvid was feeling some tension in the air, like uneasiness, whenever she was coming close to Gorth or Zephyr. Sneezelout didn't seem to mind while Birdlegs was acting the same as usual. Igvid couldn't care less about Frost, she wasn't paying his feeligns the slightest attention, as to Nuffink… He woudl talk to her, but only if he had to give her instructions.

They cleaned the burnt mess the entire morning, then they all took lunch together, and started a training session in the afternoon, which lasted for the rest of the day. Zephyr gave them individual exercices, surely she wanted to avoid any fights between Igvid and Frost so she made sure everyone was working alone with their own dragon. So she invited everyone to work on a silent signal to tell their dragon to attack sneakily.

Frost's lack of experience showed againg as Ruffrunner couldn't associate any gesture to instruction. The draogn even had troubles with words, actually, he had quickly gotten used to Frost using his body and weight to direct him. The dragon was a beginner too, after all.

Several times, Nuffink paused in his own training with Pouncer to try and help him, but the two Night Lights instantly got distracted and started to play together, dragging along Dart every time, much to Zephyr's dismay. The training session turned out into a giant joke as Gorth and Birdlegs joined them in try to separate the mischievous dragons.

When they decided to call it a day, Igvid heard Nuffink and Frost talking about taking a flight over the island. She didn't like this idea, which meant the two would spent time alone, though she smiled as she realised their plans would not come to fruition. Indeed, just when they were about to leave, the snow-haired boy crouched next to Ruffrunner's left front leg, eyeing it waryly. It was swollen.

''Got a problem ?'' Nuffink enquired.

''There's something wrong with his paw.''

The blond got a closer look.

''He must have gotten that during the training, or the wrestling with his siblings. Dragons are quite the commotion.''

''It's not a good idea to make him fly in this state, we should get back home to take care of it.''

Concerned blue eyes looked up to the viking, who smiled, endeared. Nuffink leant in and kissed his boyfriend's forehead.

''You really care for him.''

''It's only thanks to him I can fly, it's the least I can do for him. Right, buddy ?''

The boy scratched the dragon behind his ear, which seemed to be his favorite spot seeing his reaction, closing his eyes and purring. Nuffink chuckled seeing this.

''It's not as bad as it seemed, it must be just a sprain.''

Frost couldn't protest as he saw Igvid come towards them. Nuffink gave her curious look.

''You already apologize.'' He said, half surprise and half curious.

''I want to talk to Frost, this time.''

She looked down to the boy, who flinched by reflex. After being ignored for weeks, she was finally talking to him, but he wasn't sure it was a good thing.

''Coming ?'' Her voice was so harsh and more pressing that it didn't really comforted him.

He gave an hesitant look to his boyfriend, who simply smiled and nodded encouragingly. It didn't take genius to see the blond wanted them to get along.

''Go on, I'll take care of Ruffrunner.''

Frost nodded and stroked the dragon goodbye. The dragon warbbled and nudged the boy's chest, making him chuckle. Thought the merman's msile dropped as he faced Igvid, whom he followed.

Nuffink couldn't help but smile. Igvid had apologize to him, so for her to talk to Frost, according to him it could only mean she wanted to apologize to him too. Frost expected this too, but that didn't mean he was comfortable being along with her. The farther away from the Academy they were getting, the more uneasy and worried he grew. Why did they have to go that far ? Was she that proud she didn't want any witness to hear her apologies ?

They walked for longer than he had anticipated. They went through the forest and didn't stop until the were on the other side of the village, plain west, near the cliffs. Nuffink may had tell him Ruffrunner's injury was not concerning, Frost couldn't help but worry for his winged friend. Not that he wanted to disrespect Igvid and her apologies, but he wanted to get over it fast so he could get back to his dragon. And the more they were walking, the longer it would take to get back.

''Igvid, we're far enough now, aren't we ?''

The brunette abruptly stopped and clenched her fists. When she turned around to face him, she glared daggers at him, making him start and back.

''If you think I'll apologize, you're wrong ! You're the one who should ! I don't know what you said to Nuffink, I don't know how you managed to fool him into thinking you haven't done anything wrong, but I know what I saw ! You have convinced the others, but you won't trick me !''

Frost was stunned, he wasn't expecting such outburst. Then he realised she didn't want to make up but drag it out of him.

''Nuffink had already been through enough because of Avock, I can't let you do the same thing to him, you hear me ?!''

Despite her harsh tone and words and her death glare, Frost suddenly forgot how frightening she was. Birdlegs had told him she wasn't a bad person, she was just protective, and he suddenly saw it was true. Igvid seemed to hate him only because she thought he had hurt Nuffink intentionaly.

He felt a bit better knowing this and wanted to explain her what had really happened, but once again he found himself unable to find an excuse without betraying Selina's – and his – secret. Actually, he feared her reaction if she had to know, she was already angry enough by now.

''Iguevid, I assure you this was nothing but a misunderstanding. Nothing happened with Selina-''

''Is that what you told him ? I saw you, so stop denying !''

''Nothing happened !'' He added with more worry than impatience. ''We're just friends !''

''Oh yeah, of course ! It's completely normal to take a bath naked with a friend !''

The brunette's voice was getting louder and more agressive by the minute, but Frost reamained calm. Actually, it was unerving even more Igvid.

''I really don't understand Avock and you. How can you even imagine looking at someone else ? If I was with Nuffink, it wouldn't even cross my mind. You don't realise how lucky you are to have him. You don't deserve him.''

Frost opened his mouth to protest, but he quickly closed it. When he lowered his head, Igvid smiled smugly, satisfied to have shutting him up.

''You're right on this point.'' He admitted.

Igvid blinked, flaberghasted. This was the last thing she would have expected him to say.

''Huh ?'' She gawked.

He squinted his eyes for a short moment, clenching his fists around his staff.

''Nuffink had been hurt in the past, and despite he had told me about this, I didn't took it in consideration while hanging out with Selina. Even if nothing happened with her and this was all a misunderstanding, it had hurt him.''

He ran a hand on his face, feeling his eyes watering. He didn't want to let guilt take the best out of him to the extend of crying, because he didn't feel like he had the right to, and mostly he didn't want to cry in front of Igvid. She still noticed he had had wiped an eye and that made her snap.

Without a warning, without giving him the time to say something, she hit him hard, she punched him square in the face. He stumbled back but manage to keep his balance, barely feeling the pain blooming on his face. Igvid's glare was deadlier than earlier and her voice boomed with fury.

''Don't fake cry on me ! You don't have any right to play victim, here ! Try as you might, nothing can justify what you did that night with Selina !''

''But I didn't do anything !''

''Shut up !''

''You have to believe me, I would never do that to Nuffink ! I love him !''

Hearing the last three words had an immediate effect on the brunette. If she had thought she had snapped earlier, now she definitively had. Pure rage took control over her, and her body moved on its own.

The kick was too fast for Frost to see it coming. He only felt the pain in the back of his hand, and the totem slipping between his numbed fingers.

''No !'' He panicked and tried to catch it.

The staff flew above the edge of the cliff, dropping towards the water helplessly. But Igvid was not done yet. She quickly kicked him behind the knee, efficiantly sprawling him on the ground. He felt the hit on his back while his head and shoulders were now hanging above the edge.

They were not just at the top of cliffs from the berkian isle over the great lake, they were currently at the top of the island's cliffs, towering over the ocean. As if the brunette had planed it from the beginning. Frost didn't bother reflecting on it and scrambled away from the edge, now in utter panic. But as he was aiming to run away, Igvid grabbed him by the collar and hold him back.

And when she took a hold of his wrist, she was squeezing so hard it was a miracle she hadn't broke it yet. Frost tried to push her away and free himself, but she wouldn't budge and stayed strong while he was weakening. Tried all he might, she was stronger than him. Thought he still tried. At some point he thought he would manage to slip his wrist out of her grip, but she quickly let go of one hand and used it to punch him again. He couldn't dodge but tried to counter the following blow, not to avail.

So he changed his plan and went to unbalance her. He kicked her behind the knee, which bent her leg and startled her. That close from the edge, it was getting dangerous. The fact he was fighting back unerved her even more, making her loose the slight reason she still had. She straightened up and tried once again to bring him to the ground, resisting only ended up scratching his bare feet on the rocky ground.

They were getting dangerously close to the edge, though the brunette didn't seem deter to let him go.

''Iguevid, stop ! Please, don't do this !''

It was not really the fall that scared him, nor the hit awaiting him in the reefs and water. Only the water scared him. The water and what it meant without his totem. If he happened to be wet, it was over. Without his totem, he was going back to a merman, and wouldn't be able to stay on land with the dragons, the vikings… neither with Nuffink. It couldn't happen. It mustn't happen.

But Igvid was too strong for him.

Without the slightest hesitation nor regret, she threw him over the edge.