“For the hangover remedy,” I say instead, glancing down at my cup.
He studies me for a second longer, like he can see every word I didn’t say. But he only nods.
“Of course.”
The moment passes. But something settles between us. He looks down at his plate, but the bond gives him away—one faint, steady pull, like an echo of last night.
Across the table, Lyra leans back like she’s watching a play.
“So,” Lyra says, her eyes flicking between us, “do we train first, or are we still pretending nothing happened?”
Thane smiles, but doesn’t lift his head.
I sigh with exasperation towards my friend. “Training—like always, Ly.”
I don’t give her the satisfaction of answering her second question.
She groans. “Obviously. But what kind of training, exactly?”
“Formations. Drills. Endurance,” Thane says without looking up.
Lyra glares. “You two are my least favorite people.”
But she’s smiling. Taila chuckles. Fenric mimes stabbing himself with a fork. Darius mutters something about running away while we still can.
I grin.
And this time, it doesn’t feel forced.
Maybe I don’t have to carry all of this alone. And maybe—just maybe—I don’t want to.
By midday, I’m soaked in sweat, my breathing ragged—but I feel good. Grounded. Sharp. Focused. For the first time in days, my head is clear and I feel likemyselfagain.
And then, Thane walks onto the field.
Shit.
Just seeing him—shoulders squared, that quiet storm in his eyes—and all that clarity starts to slip.
The moment he enters the training field, the energy shifts—not just for me. For everyone.
The soldiers straighten. Conversations fade. Thane commands attention, without a word, eyes sharp and assessing.
His leathers are dusted from the road, the faint scent ofdragonfire clinging to him. He must have gone flying after breakfast. Xaroth isn’t far, resting beyond the ridge, his massive form blending into the mountainside.
I exhale slowly. Roll my shoulders. Steady myself. He willnotunravel me today.
But then he looks at me.
And he is smirking.
Fucking fantastic.
The training grounds stretch out below the mountains, the scent of fire magics and sweat hanging thick in the afternoon heat. The outdoor sparring circles are full. The warriors here are hardened, focused. They do not waste time on distractions.
But today?
Today, they’re watching. Because Thane is back.
