Liora was waiting.
In the training courtyard, alone. Sword drawn. Silver hair tied back tight.
"You owe me a rematch," she said.
"I never agreed to the first one," Kael replied.
She lunged.
This time, he didn't dodge.
Their blades clashed—hers steel, his summoned from instinct and Ether. The crowd gathered. Whispers rose.
She moved like lightning. He countered with chaos.
Then he touched her again.
Skin to skin. A shock of energy exploded between them. She gasped—loud, desperate. Her sword hit the ground.
Kael backed away fast.
Liora stood frozen, eyes wide, lips parted.
"Damn you…" she whispered. But her body stepped closer.
And her soul begged for more.