Wolventon, I would rather stay in the academy and focus on passing my trials in a couple of weeks.
Even though I was exhausted, I pushed my limits as always. I stayed defensive, arms up, protecting my face, anything to avoid a broken nose.
I didn’t see Tran’s roundhouse kick coming. As he pivoted, his leg swept up and struck my side. I tried to block it, but the impact buckled my already weakened legs, and I crashed to the mat. Before I could recover, Tran pinned me, locking my wrists to the floor and bracing his weight to cut off every avenue of escape. My pride was burning as I tried to break his
hold, but I couldn’t budge him.
Finally, against every instinct I had, I tapped three times. Tran released me and offered a hand to pull me up.
“I can stand up on my own,” I said with a wicked smile while standing up.
“Stubborn princess,” Tran said, heading toward the bench a few mats away to grab some water. “But good job.”
When I stepped off the mat and looked up, my gaze landed straight on Ugo and Lorik. Of course, they were here. This was their typical Saturday one-on-one sparring session. I
hadn’t noticed them arrive and just wondered how much they seen.
They were already shirtless, barefoot, wearing nothing but their green uniform shorts.
All week, I hadn’t spoken to or really seen Lorik. No exchanged glances. No accidental run-ins, until today. I had only managed one week away from him.
“Finally, the princess knows her limits and knows when to stop,” Ugo said while walking to a mat on the far side of the terrace.
Lorik glanced at me for a brief moment, then looked back down at his hands as he wrapped them for combat. I’d never seen him do that before. If he was wrapping his hands, this was going to be an intense session.
“No lecture today? ‘No control your emotions mambo jumbo, or don’t be so stubborn and tap reminders?” I asked Lorik with a hint of mockery edging my voice.
His silver eyes met mine again while he said, “No, not today.” Lorik’s voice was flat and dry. His gaze immediately returned to his wraps.
“This is what you wanted, for me to stay away. So, I am staying away.” His words cut deeper than any blade, stinging with a finality that left me painfully hollow inside.
“I did, but you still got me a dragon guide with a hand-written note,” I said with challenge in my tone. “How is that staying away?”
Lorik glanced up again, his wrist already wrapped with black textile. “That’s a nice way of saying thank you,” he said, his expression unreadable.
I almost rolled up my eyes, but instead I just said: “Thank you, that book is quite amazing.” Lorik stood up, his sun-kissed skin wrapping the large muscles of his stomach and arms. The sun's fading light cast shadows on his core, defining every perfect muscle. Stunning didn’t begin to describe this Moonveil. Not only his looks, but his power, his strength, and his mind.
“What’s the deal with the wraps? You never wore them.” I said, trying desperately to add anything to our conversation. Iknew I had to stop and walk away, but logic was not driving this conversation.
Lorik smirked. I had just given myself away. He knew I was paying attention.
“I broke a couple of knuckles this week,” he replied, taking two slow steps closer. “I’m tired of getting my hands healed every day after training and wraps help. I just need to blow off steam.”
“Why do you need to blow off steam, Moonveil?” I asked, placing deliberate weight on the word.
Lorik didn’t react. Instead, he stepped forward, closing the distance between us until he was in my personal space. He remained far enough away not to attract attention from the others on the terrace, but close enough that he could speak so only I would hear.
“You know why,” he murmured, my breath catching for a second at those words.
“So what is it? You want me to stay away or just... stay,” Lorik whispered. Just those words sent heat through the middle of my body, my body clearly speaking for itself.
“We dislike each other. I want you to...” I faltered, the words stuck in my throat. My mind scrambled for excuses, but the frantic ache in my chest drowned out logic. The truth
burned through my body, I wanted him to grab me, to kiss me, wild and desperate, just like last week on this very terrace. I ached for the press of his body against mine, a need so sharp it left me raw and trembling.
“I thought we were past that,” Lorik said, tilting his head right. “I don’t hate you.” He stopped for a beat. “I want you.”
His silver eyes caught the light, reminding me exactly who and what he was.