Lynx jolted upright in his bed, chest heaving, sweat slicking his bare skin. His wide eyes darted around the room. The sky outside was still dark,.. barely daybreak.
A shaky breath escaped him. Just a dream.
"Mum…" he muttered under his breath before catching himself. His gaze swept the room—Kymani was curled in deep sleep, but Valtor's bed was empty.
The bathroom door suddenly creaked open, and Valtor stepped out, his dark tank top shadowed by the dim light. His eyes narrowed when he noticed Lynx's distant stare.
"You okay?" he asked.
"I'm fine," Lynx answered quickly, watching as Valtor sank back into his mattress, eyes fixed on the ceiling before slipping shut.
After a moment, Lynx spoke again. "You still awake?"
"Yeah," Valtor murmured without opening his eyes.
"So… have you talked to your dad yet?"
Valtor's eyes flicked open at the question. "Yeah."
"And?" Lynx pressed.
"He said he'd send a video to explain everything. But… there's no official evidence." Valtor's voice trailed off, waiting for a reaction.
Silence. Lynx lay back, thoughts tumbling through his head, heavier than the fading dream.
..................
The next morning, Lynx stood in the training arena with his friends. As always, Lieutenant Ross led the session, demonstrating a series of martial arts forms for the class to copy. Lynx moved through the motions, but his thoughts wandered.
"Alright!" Ross's voice snapped across the room. "Still in the spirit of strengthening your bodies, we're trying something different today. I know you all hit the gym once a week, but you'll need every bit of muscle you can build."
He walked to his desk and lifted a square wooden board. "Today, we break a board… with our fists."
The class buzzed with excitement, chattering among themselves. Lynx only watched in silence.
Ross waved the board in the air with a sly smile. "Who's first?"
Valtor stepped forward without hesitation.
"Good. The goal is simple—smash it in two. Focus your strength on one spot. Got it?"
"Got it," Valtor said, eyes fixed on the board.
"Ready when you are."
Valtor drew back his arm and struck. A sharp thud rang out but the board didn't budge.
"Ow!" He shook his fist, face twisting in pain while the room erupted with laughter—even Ross chuckled.
"Looks like your fist still needs some strengthening," the lieutenant teased.
"The board's way too thick," Valtor grumbled, pouting.
"No, Mister Steel. The board is fine. On the contrary, your fist is too soft."
Low chuckles spread across the room
"Fine, Valtor spoke up. I'll try again." He squared his stance, glaring at the board.
Ross held it steady as Valtor punched again—this time flames burst from his knuckles, incinerating the wood to ash.
Ross stared at the smoldering remains on the floor. "Terrible work, soldier," he deadpanned.
"What?" Valtor shot him a crooked smile. "You said break the board."
"With your fist" Ross corrected flatly.
"That's cheating," Kymani called from his line, earning an approving nod from their instructor.
"Zero points for you. Back in line." Ross nudged him aside. Valtor only chuckled as he returned to his spot, next to Zara.
"Cheat," she muttered.
"I think it was genius," Rowynn countered from beside her.
"Thank you," Valtor said dramatically, shooting Zara a glare. She rolled her eyes in response. Orea just shook her head at the spectacle, a faint smile tugging at her lips.
"Who's next?" Ross barked, holding up a fresh board.
Kymani stepped forward while the others buzzed in anticipation. Only Lynx stayed quiet, standing apart as he watched their laughter and bickering. His thoughts were elsewhere, weighed down by the choices waiting for him beyond the arena.