I leftthe training room without another word. I needed to clear my head, so I texted Lydia.
J: Running in 20? Need to escape before I commit murder.
L: Meet you at the east trail. Bring water. It’s hot as balls today.
Twenty minutes later, I was lacing up my running shoes at the trailhead where Lydia was already stretching, her dark curls pulled into a messy bun. The moment she saw me, her expression shifted to concern.
“You look like shit, Jupe.”
“Thanks. That’s exactly what I needed to hear right now.”
We set off at an easy pace, the forest path soft beneath our feet. The academy grounds extended far into these woods, but the wards kept us safe from anything lurking beyond, especially humans who might wander too far out here. Birds chirpedoverhead and sunlight filtered through the leaves, creating dappled patterns on the trail. It felt normal, which was exactly what I needed.
“So,” Lydia said after we’d settled into a flow state, “I heard about what happened yesterday.”
I groaned. “Of course you did. The whole damn academy probably knows by now.”
“That Lyssa girl is a piece of work. I almost punched her myself when I heard what she said.”
“I should have,” I muttered. “But that would’ve just confirmed everyone’s suspicions that I’m some kind of unhinged freak.”
We rounded a bend in the trail, our footfalls synchronizing naturally.
“I need some advice,” Lydia said, changing the subject, “I’ve been spending more time with Rafe.”
“Rafe? The leader of the Dreadwatch Shield?” I raised my eyebrows.
She smiled, her cheeks flushing slightly. “He’s not so bad once you get to know him. Actually, he’s really interesting. Did you know he specializes in ancient zodiac texts?”
“Fascinating,” I said dryly. “And the fact that he’s built like a Greek god has nothing to do with your interest?”
“I mean, it doesn’t hurt.” She laughed. “But seriously, I think our magic might be compatible. When we train together, there’s this... resonance. It’s hard to explain.”
“That’s a good sign,” I said. “Have you met the rest of his shield?”
Her pace slowed slightly. “Yeah, so that’s where your advice would come in super clutch right now. Most of them seem great, but there’s this woman, Valeria. She’s territorial.”
“Territorial how?”
“Like she thinks she has some kind of claim on all of them. She’s not an axis, but a shield warrior, so she already has a bond with them. Whenever I’m around, she makes these little snide comments, touches Rafe’s arm, and stands too close.”
We jogged in silence for a moment while I considered this. The path narrowed, forcing us to run single-file until it widened again.
“Shields already share bond mates. Would it be so hard to share another woman? You’re bi anyway so it’s not like it’s out of the realm of possibility.”
She snorted. “I don’t think she feels the same way. She seems very male centered, and she’s never had a legitimate challenge for their attention. Which sucks because she’s pretty hot, and I wouldn’t have been opposed to it.”
“Exactly. See? You just need to break her down. Maybe spend some time with just her and see if maybe there’s something there. You’re sexy as fuck, so she probably doesn’t stand a chance. If you and Rafe have genuine compatibility, then I think it’s at least worth trying. The worst she can do is tell you to fuck off. It’s not like there aren’t a dozen other shields who would salivate at the thought of bonding with you.”
She laughed. “Maybe.” Lydia didn’t sound convinced. “But what if she makes things difficult? What if the rest of the shield chooses her side?”
“Then they’re not the right shield for you,” I said simply. “A true bond has to be mutual. All parties involved have to want it. Otherwise, it becomes... well, exactly what I’m dealing with right now.”
The sound of running water reached us, and we slowed as the path opened to a small clearing with a stream cutting through it. By silent agreement, we stopped, both of us breathing hard from the exertion. I knelt by the stream, splashing cool water on myface and the back of my neck. Lydia joined me, groaning at the coolness on her skin.
“You really think I should keep pursuing this with Rafe?” she asked after a moment.
“I think you should trust your instincts. If it feels right with him, don’t let someone else’s jealousy get in the way. But make sure the whole shield is on board before you commit to anything. Don’t step on any toes if you don’t have to.”
