And the game had only just begun.
Chapter
Twenty-Five
Major Ledor’s voice cut through the tension still hanging thick over the Ascension Grounds.
“Back to your assigned squads.”
No one dared hesitate. Not with the steel in his tone. The crowd of riders broke apart like mist before the wind, the whispers dying in the air as everyone returned to their places.
Jax exhaled beside me, muttering something about wanting to drive his fist into Theron’s jaw, but even he fell silent as Ledor strode to the podium, cloak billowing behind him like a battle standard.
Theron and Inderia were already leaving, their silhouettes framed against the stone archway, her silks trailing like smoke, his posture proud and unyielding.
Once they vanished, Ledor’s voice rang out again.
“The next trial will be group combat,” he announced. “You will fight in rotating teams. Coordination, strategy, adaptability. This is not about glory. This is about unity.”
I scanned the rows.
Zander had returned to Crownwatch, slipping into formation between Cade and two other riders I didn’t recognize by name,but had seen him train with before. His stance was tight. Controlled. But his eyes were hard as steel beneath storm clouds.
I didn’tmeanto reach out. Not at first.
But the bond flickered between us, just faint enough to try.
Are you alright?I asked, sending it softly, hesitantly through the private tether only we shared.
Zander didn’t respond immediately.
Then,I will be.A pause.I want you to know… I will never marry Inderia. Even if you refuse me.
The words slammed into me like a gust of wind I hadn’t braced for.
I went still, heart thudding in my chest.
Why?I asked, the thought barely formed before it left me.
His answer came slow.
Because I’d rather be nothing… than be someone you can’t trust.
Major Ledor’s voice carried across the Ascension Grounds, barking instructions as squads began shifting into position. The man’s tone was piercing, but I barely registered the words.
My attention was elsewhere. On the thread of magic, still humming in my mind, pulled taut between me and Zander.
He stood several yards away with Crownwatch, arms folded, nodding mechanically as the Major explained the trial, but his mind was already entangled with mine.
You’ve never said anything, I sent, quiet but honest.Nothing that made me think you wanted something… permanent.
The bond flared, stunned. I felt the shock before I even heard his response.
You honestly think that?
I didn’t answer. I didn’t need to.
Then I’m worse at this than I thought, Zander said, the words slow, laced with something raw.Every time I’ve stood beside you. Fought for you. Chosen you over protocol, overTheron, over duty… it’s always been you. I thought I was making it clear.
