Avery's Point Of View
The cool morning air wrapped around me as I stood in the center of the training yard, staring at Kaiden. He stood a few feet in front of me, his posture as relaxed as always, but there was a seriousness in his eyes that made me swallow hard.
I could feel the weight of his gaze, the intensity behind it. It wasn’t the same playful glimmer that usually danced in his eyes. This was different. This was the Kaiden I hadn’t seen before—the one who knew exactly what was at stake.
Today was the day.
My heart pounded in my chest as I shifted my weight from one foot to the other, trying to calm the rush of nerves coursing through me. I had no idea what to expect, but I knew one thing for sure: I wasn’t going to back down.
I needed to prove myself.
I needed to show him, show myself, that I was strong enough. That I could stand beside him. That I was worthy of this bond.
“You ready?” Kaiden’s voice broke through my thoughts, and I blinked, looking up at him. His face w
