“See? You’ve got it.”
Cora lowered her hands, and a flash of pride broke through her frustration. “Maybe you’re not a terrible teacher after all.”
“High praise. Ready for the next step?”
“Bring it on,” she challenged.
He came at her again, faster this time, and she managed to deflect him with a stronger burst of magic. The energy felt more natural now, like slipping into a rhythm she’d forgotten but never truly lost. Grayson tested her again and again, pushing her to react quicker and think faster.
“Good,” he said after she deflected another advance. “Now, let’s see if you can hold your ground.”
Before she could ask what he meant, he moved in close, brushing his hands over hers as he tried to break through her defenses. The contact sent a jolt through her, and her concentration faltered.
“Focus. Don’t let me distract you.”
“Easier said than done,” she muttered under her breath.
“What was that?” he asked, his lips quirking into a teasing smile.
“Nothing,” she lied as she summoned her magic again and held it firm this time.
Grayson’s hands moved to her waist, steadying her as she deflected another of his attempts. “See? You’re stronger than you think.”
Cora’s breath hitched, and she hated how much his words affected her. She could feel the warmth of his hands through her shirt, the solid weight of him standing so close. It was maddening how easily he could unsettle her with just a touch.
“Stop looking at me like that,” she said, more to herself than to him.
“Like what?” he asked, his grin widening.
“Like you’re enjoying this,” she accused.
“I am enjoying this,” he admitted. “Watching you finally believe in yourself? It’s a good look on you.”
Her cheeks burned, but she refused to let him see how flustered she was. Instead, she stepped back, putting some distance between them. “Don’t get used to it.”
“Too late.”
They stood there for a moment, the tension between them crackling like static. Cora’s heart pounded in her chest, and she forced herself to look away, focusing on the faint shimmer of magic still lingering in the air.
“Thanks, Grayson. For helping me.”
“Anytime.”
For the first time that day, the knot in her chest loosened. Whatever else was happening—whatever danger was looming—she wasn’t facing it alone. And while that thought scared her more than she wanted to admit, it also brought a strange sense of comfort.
Grayson nudged her shoulder with his as they moved to clean up the training space. “You’re not bad, you know. For a rookie.”
Cora rolled her eyes but couldn’t stop the smile that tugged at her lips. “Don’t push your luck, Kane.”
“Wouldn’t dream of it,” he replied, and his grin made her chest flutter.
For now, the vision could wait. For now, she’d let herself enjoy this moment of calm before the storm.
Chapter 14 - Grayson
Grayson’s fingers drummed on the neck of his beer bottle as Zane settled into the chair across from him. “So,” Zane began, leaning back with all the ease of someone who didn’t have the weight of the world—or a town—on his shoulders, “are we gonna talk about it, or are you just gonna brood all night?”
Grayson rolled his eyes. “Talk about what?”
