Whatever the next trial holds, it will push us men further. Maybe even to the edge. I don’t know if I will make it through, but I realize.I want to.Not just for myself or my friends. But maybe for something else now.Someone.
“Is that all for today?” I ask when she finally lowers her blade.
Her eyes flick toward the sky, hands resting on her hips. “You’re better than you were.”
“Not exactly high praise.”
“I’m not exactly your court bard, tavern boy.”
I laugh softly. “That would be terrifying.”
She gathers her gear in silence and makes her way back to the palace, quiet and composed. And I, goddess help me, can’t keep my eyes from following her as she goes. I let out a slow breath.
From the far end of the training yard comes a low whistle, startling me.
Turning, I find Torin and Alira watching, again, arms crossed, grins wide.
“I hate both of you,” I mutter, walking toward the weapons rack.
Alira just laughs. “You’ve got it bad.”
I ignore them. But as I turn away, I let my fingers brush the hilt of my blade—the one Serenya had handed me—and tell myself it doesn’t mean anything.
Even if it does.
------------? ? ?? ?------------
The garden around me shimmers with color that doesn't feel real, moonlilies glowing faintly in the dim light. Stone paths, overgrown with moss. The sound of distant bells. A scent I can’t name, something wild and familiar.
A figure appears like smoke through the hedges, barefoot and laughing. The soft green fabric of her gown catches the breeze like river water.
Serenya.
She looks younger. Looser. Like the weight of titles hasn’t yet settled onto her shoulders. She beams at me.
“There you are,” she says, stepping toward me. “I thought you’d given up.”
I don’t speak. I can’t. A flicker of longing stirs within me at thesight of her.
“Aren’t you going to say something?” she asks, playfully tilting her head. “Or are you still mad I beat you in training?”
I finally findmy voice. Only, it isn’t my voice. Not quite. It comes from my mouth, my body, but deeper, calmer.
“I let you win.”
She scoffs, eyes gleaming, and I laugh. At least, it feels like laughter, but I don’t remember choosing to. Everything feels submerged. As though I’m watching through someone else’s eyes.
She reaches for my hand, and we run. Away from the garden and through the shadows, until the palace is only a silhouette behind us. We collapse into a field, breathless and wild.
Her face is above me. Soft with moonlight. Her fingers pressed to my chest.
“I wish this didn’t have to end,” she murmurs.
I want to sayit won’t,but the words get caught in my throat.
“I love you, Kallan,” she whispers.
With that, the world collapses.
