With a roll of my eyes, I step out of his grasp. I thank the gods our little moment is over.
It’s closer to the dorms to continue on the path than head back the way we came. Unfortunately, there’s a very large, very arrogant human in front of me.
“Can you move?” I prop my hands on my hips. “I’d like to get to class on time.”
He gives me that cocky grin I'm annoyingly familiar with before turning from me and striding away. I groan and follow him, carefully avoiding the boulder hidden beneath the brush.
We make it back in time for breakfast, both of us hustling to grab something before running upstairs to change. Our lack of clothing makes us quite the spectacle for the students gathered in the dining hall, but I don’t have time to explain. Besides, everyone should know at this point he’s my escort. I clearly went for a run, and he followed. Simple enough.
After showering and dressing for the day in my usual all-black attire, I quickly braid my hair back into four thick strips, bringing them together at the back in a ponytail. I roll my eyes at myself when I smear some blush and rose color on my lips before misting myself with my favorite scent: frost blooms. Checking myself in the mirror, I remind myself it's not for Anders. I just feel like looking nicer today, that’s all. It takes all of a minute before I’m knocking on his door. He opens it, combat pants hanging low on his hips, boots on, and shirt missing. My mouth waters as I take in his bare stomach, as if I haven’t seen him shirtless already this morning. With a deep breath, I push into his room.
“Let’s get that shoulder cleaned up.” I hold up the gauze and cleaner I brought. He turns, and my breath catches. “It’s healed.”
He strides across the room, turning to see his back in the mirror. He hums, “Guess it wasn’t that bad after all.”
My head spins with the truth.Magic. Magic. Magic.It’s the only explanation. He had a deep cut.
“Anders,” I start. “How often do you heal quickly?”
“Hey, RaeRae,” Kellan calls out, jogging toward me after History later that day. My lips curve up into a genuine smile as he slows his pace to match mine. I can’t help but notice the way his brow furrows slightly. I lift a questioning one back at him. Readjusting the straps on his bag, he sighs. “I feel like I never see you anymore.”
I pull him to a stop, the crowd flowing around us like a river parting around a rock. I take his hand, playfully squeezing. “Kellan, you see me every day,” I tease, but my heart squeezes at how distant we have grown.
I never expected to get to our last Order of the academy and find us drifting apart, especially when all I have ever wanted was to curl up into his arms and promise him we’d be together forever. Somehow, in the past few weeks, all of that has changed. Or, maybe it’s just me who has.
His frown disappears as his features relax. I feel guilty for not being a good friend, so I say, “I happen to have a study period right now. How about you skip Modern Science, and we catch up instead?” Kellan loves school and classes as much as I do, but he loves the rules and order of it all even more.
He pauses for a moment, considering my offer, then nods eagerly. A breath of relief rushes out of me. He wraps an arm around my shoulders as we ascend the stairs to his room to drop off his books and change before heading to mine.
We have the whole hour to talk before Bonding class, and I plan to take full advantage of it, giving him all of my undivided attention. Once we’re in my room, the open space feels instantly cozier with him there. After I slip into my gown, Kellan launches into an animated update about his studies, his Division class, and his current projects.
“I’m flying to Mori next week for two days!” he exclaims, dropping down on the sofa. “A few of us were chosen to observe their intelligence command center, which is supposed to be state-of-the-art.” With every word, his grin broadens, his shoulders relax, and something about his enthusiasm brightens his whole countenance.
I gently bump my shoulder against his, mirroring his excitement. “That sounds incredible. I’m happy for you, Kel. It seems like you love working with Intel.” I tilt my head back, soaking up the warm, golden sunshine streaming through the open doors.
“I think I’ve discovered my thing, you know? Like my passion and place in society. Do you think your father might consider me for a role in intelligence at the palace?” I glance over at him, and I can’t help but grin. Not because of the Bond, a shimmer of green wrapping around us like tendrils of smoke, but because of his palpable joy.
The sunlight filters through the leaves above, casting a warm glow on his brown curls and highlighting the freckles scattered across his cheekbones and nose. I’ve counted every single freckle—there are seventeen of them, to be exact.
“You’re smart and dedicated, Kel. You can achieve anything you set your mind to, and you’re like family. I’m sure my father would love to have you working at the palace.” I feel a rush of love swell within me, fortified by our history, our friendship, and our familiarity; at this moment, it feels unbreakable. He pulls me close, enveloping me in his comforting scent of cinnamon and pine, reminding me so much of home that my chest aches.
We both fall silent, allowing the gentle rustling of leaves in the breeze to wrap around us. He leans back on the armrest, bringing me with him until I’m settled against his chest.
After several long minutes of silence, I recount my time in the simulator last week. He chuckles and encourages me to keep training. He playfully complains that they need a new simulation for sword fighters. I laugh and jokingly offer to submit a formal complaint on his behalf. The shaking rumble of his chest is his only response. In moments like these, I remind myself this is why he’s my best friend.
I can’t lose him.
“Are you going home for break?” Kellan asks.
We have a week-long break next month, a time for students to unwind and recharge before returning for the rest of the school year. Some of our friends plan to vacation on beaches in Okenen, while others have decided to take the opportunity to see new planets. Meanwhile, I'll use the six days away to spend quality time with my family.
On Kyrr, the entire week is spent celebrating and honoring the gods, the festivities transforming cities and villages into swaths of color and life. Origin Day is the one occasion celebrated throughout the entire system. Each kingdom celebrates in its own way, weaving its own traditions into the festivities. Every capital city holds towering statues of the gods. Yet the faithful travel farther, making pilgrimages to their kingdoms’ capitals for the great celebrations at the sacred temples. There, gratitude is given, offerings are left, and blessings are sought for protection.
I can’t help but chuckle while rolling my eyes. “You know I don’t get to choose.” My features soften as I think about the rest of our plans. “Besides, my mother is planning a trip to Kliax for two days of diving with Moonrays.”
The mesmerizing creatures are nothing short of magical, with their shimmering, translucent bodies gliding through the clear water and bioluminescent tails illuminating the dark when they dive into the depths. They also have a charming quirk of cuddling with people.
“What about you?”
