JAX POV
A ball of fire shot past my face, close enough to singe my hair. I barely had time to duck before a huge wave of ice slammed into me, soaking me from head to toe.
Oh great. Kael is in a lovely mood today. I wonder who pissed off the heir to the throne of Verlis.
I bounced on the balls of my feet, watching another fireball hurtling toward me. My heart hammered in my chest, adrenaline surging through every vein. I leapt high, grabbing the pole on the right side of the training ground, feeling a rush of relief—until a massive chunk of ice crashed on my head, knocking me straight to the ground.
"Cheating bastard," I muttered, though I couldn't stop the twitch of a grin.
Kael laughed, coughing as he glanced between my face and the ice drenching me.
"You look amazing," he said, his green eyes sparkling with mischief. "That gorgeous hair of yours could use some cooling."
I groaned, wiping ice from my eyes, but couldn't stop a laugh from slipping out.
"Is that jealousy, my lord?" I said, grinning. "You know you wish your hair looked this good."
Kael rolled his eyes, smirking. "Oh, please. I don't want to be called a psycho like you." He shook his head, laughing. "Honestly, everyone already thinks you are one. It's insane how you get so worked up… you could kill anybody over your hair."
I laughed, tossing my hair back. "You know it takes hours to get these curls right. I'm not letting some scoundrel ruin them." I nudged him playfully. "Anyone who dares… dies. Well, except you, my lord."
He shook his head, laughing harder. "You're impossible, Jax."
The smile he gives me doesn't quite reach his eyes when he finally speaks.
"Jax… how long are you going to keep letting me win?"
I shrug, keeping my voice light. "You'll be ruling the country soon. My powers aren't anywhere near yours." I pause, then grin. "Besides, my powers aren't meant for the training ground. They're for the battlefield… distracting the enemy with my dashing good looks."
"Are you saying I couldn't distract the enemy with my dashing good looks?" Kael asked, his deep laugh rumbling through the training ground, pretending to be offended.
"I'm saying we've been friends since we were kids, and my charm has rubbed off on you… just a bit."
Kael barked out another laugh, shaking his head. "By that logic… I suppose I agree."
"Thank heaven for that," I said, the words barely leaving my mouth before he shoved me with a wide grin.
I stumbled back, laughing, trying to keep my balance.
We walked the worn path between the dirt of the training circles on the castle grounds. Aureclaire, the capital of Verlis… tall gothic spires reaching for the sky, golden-glow windows, magical wards shimmering faintly in the sunlight. Home to the strongest Elites.
We passed the Aurions first… supreme advisors living close to the palace, their magical gardens glowing softly. Then the Veylars, stationed in the military HQ, training grounds, and barracks. And finally, the Rivenmarks… assassins, spies, masters of covert ops, slipping through hidden alleys.
Most were sparring, some using their powers, a few with weapons. Heads turned as we passed. Their eyes burned against my skin, mirroring the sun overhead. I ignored the stares, inhaling the familiar scent of the training ground… blood, sweat, and the sharp tang of effort.
Then my eyes caught her.
A figure walking toward us, leather training gear clinging to every curve, ginger hair whipping in the wind.
"Oh… it's crazy Vela," I breathed under my breath, barely loud enough for myself, before she reached us. Kael choked on a laugh, clearly hearing me.
Hello, boys," her voice cut through the air like a broken radio, irritating the hell out of me.
"Getting ready for the Trials, Jax?"
"Not like I need to prepare. Same old drill," I said, trying to sound casual, though my pulse had picked up slightly.
A slow, sharp smile spread across her face. "I expect the Enforcer to keep making a good impression… by winning. Since that's all you have to offer," she said, her tone icy.
"As for me being the general's daughter…" She stepped closer, until there were only inches between us. Her voice dropped to a whisper. "I don't hesitate to break bones. And I think I have a pretty good chance of proving to everyone just how useless you are. Don't you think?"
She giggled softly as a floating knife curved around my neck, cold and sharp against my skin.
I didn't move. I just met her eyes, refusing to give her the reaction she wanted.
Very typical of Vela… always saying the most maddening thing just to get a reaction.
"You don't have to worry about what I offer," I said, voice calm, folding my hands. "Hopefully, we won't get to spar. But if we do… I don't treat women differently during the Trials. Everyone gets the same beating, man or woman." A cold smile touched my lips.
"You forget who you're talking to," I said softly. "Try not to bleed in the Trials. One drop is all it takes for me to see what you hide."
Her smile faltered for half a second. Just enough.
The knife trembled in the air before she steadied it, her jaw tightening.
Kael chuckled beside me. "Oh, stop… you're scaring her."
"Monster," she muttered under her breath. Then her voice softened just enough to break my focus. "I just came to let you know the king requests your presence in the throne room."
I stiffened. Visits to the throne room were never something I enjoyed.