Page 204 of A Reign of Chromes & Shadows

Today, he resolved, he would seek answers; no matter how deeply buried, no matter how harrowing the truth.

But first…

Training.

He needed the grounding.

He needed the discipline.

He needed the distraction.

And he needed to be ready for whatever the prophecy was warning him about.

Chapter 52

Jay settled on the grass beside Rain, the blades bending softly beneath his weight. Morning light filtered through the thin veil of clouds overhead, casting a muted glow across the training grounds. From this angle, Jay had an unobstructed view of Rain’s body; each controlled movement, each flex of muscle beneath the fitted grey training shirt. Rain’s shoulders rolled with quiet strength as he lowered himself into another push-up, the fabric stretching over the sculpted lines of his back. His breath was steady, controlled, almost meditative.

Jay watched him for a moment longer than he meant to.

Rain stilled mid-movement, holding himself in a perfect plank when Jay finally spoke.

“You seem quiet today.”

Rain’s gaze flicked sideways, a brief glance that revealed exhaustion hidden beneath his usual composure. He braced his core, holding a plank with effortless stability.

“I’m just tired,” he replied, voice low. “I didn’t sleep well last night.”

Jay plucked absently at the grass, tearing small blades between his fingers. “Got a lot on your mind?”

Rain smiled faintly at the ground, recognising the effort Jay was making. Small talk wasn’t Rain’s strength—never had been—but he understood the intention behind it. Jay was trying. Jay wanted to buildsomething between them again, even if it wasn’t what either of them had once hoped for.

That meant more to Rain than he could ever admit aloud.

“There is always a lot on my mind,” Rain said, the words steady but weighted. His arms trembled subtly; not from exertion, but from the tension coiled inside him. He turned his head, studying Jay’s posture, the way Jay’s energy flickered with nervousness and sincerity.

Jay felt the attention like a physical touch. His cheeks flushed, his shoulders tensing as he looked away, suddenly self-conscious under Rain’s focused gaze.

Rain hadn’t meant to make things awkward. But the intensity between them—always simmering, always unspoken—lingered like static in the air.

Trying to soften it, he offered lightly, “You look good today.”

Jay’s reaction was immediate.

His brows shot up, his eyes widened, and a flicker of panic crossed his face as if Rain had just confessed something scandalous. Rain’s lips twitched, fighting a smile. Jay’s flustered expressions had always been his weakness; adorable, earnest, painfully transparent.

Realising how his words might have landed, Rain quickly corrected himself, voice gentler.

“Sorry—I meant you look well. How’s your rib healing?”

Jay’s hand flew to his side instinctively. “Oh—actually, it feels great! Today’s the first day I’ve woken up without pain. The bruising’s almost gone.” He gave a sheepish grin. “I’ll probably be sore later, though.”

“I’m glad you’re improving,” Rain said warmly. “Just keep resting. Hopefully you’ll be okay to run on Velday.”

He flowed seamlessly into another set of push-ups, grounding himself as he prepared to ask the question that had been gnawing at him since last night.

After a moment, he spoke.

“Can I ask you something? It’s about the Red Kingdom.”