LOGINThe heavy doors to the mage kingdom conference room groaned as they swung open, revealing a space that felt much older and colder than the rest of the building. A long, dark wood table dominated the center of the room, polished to a mirror finish that reflected the dim light. Nine chairs surrounded it—four on each side and a larger, more imposing head chair at the center. To the left, a tall, narrow window overlooked the front grounds, offering a view of the gray sky and the wet grass that shimmered under the damp air of the rainy season.Mr. Percival moved with a purposeful stride and settled into the head chair, his presence immediately anchoring the room, while Adrian took the seat closest to his right. Zeda hesitated for a heartbeat, her eyes scanning the empty chairs, before she finally settled into the seat beside Adrian. The proximity felt strange now—comforting yet tense after the kiss that had been so abruptly cut short.They sat in a silence so thick it was hard to breath
Zeda watched the warmth drain from Adrian’s face as he pulled away, his focus shifting entirely to the phone vibrating in his hand. A deep frown creased his forehead, and the air between them—which had been soft and electric just seconds ago—suddenly turned cold and professional. Before she could find the words to ask who was calling, Adrian answered, his voice dropping into a respectful, measured tone as he greeted Mr. Percival.Zeda stood there, her heart still hammering against her ribs from the kiss, but the romantic haze was already evaporating. She understood that look on Adrian's face; it was the expression he wore whenever duty called, and the fact that Mr. Percival was calling personally meant something significant was happening or about to happen. She decided to wait in silence until the call was over, but she didn’t have to wait long. The conversation lasted less than thirty seconds, ending with a sharp click that left the room feeling emptier than before.When the call
“It happened on her birthday,” Adrian revealed. “We had a three-day mixed team mission and the second day was her birthday. Mr. Percival respected our relationship and gave us the option of opting out of the team and celebrating together because obviously, no one wanted to spend their birthday in pain while fighting on a war front with the potential of being killed. Ava agreed, but I didn’t. I didn’t think it was right for a leader of one of the kingdoms to be unavailable when needed by the academy—to be unable to help because of a birthday party. I told her that I’ll make it up to her when I return and went for the mission while she stayed behind.”“I guess she didn’t want anything to do with you when you returned?” Zeda asked.Adrian nodded. “When I came back, she was livid. She said I valued my position, title, and reputation over our relationship. That she had willingly adapted to be with me, but I’ve never done that—never sacrificed for our relationship,” he chuckled without humo
The awkward silence stretched on and unlike Torvin, Adrian had no intention of diffusing it, so Zeda decided to take the matter into her own hands.“You’re still angry with me,” she sighed, shaking her head.“I’m not,” Adrian denied and rose to his feet.“That’s a lie, you are,” she followed him. She wasn’t going to let the little thing they had fizzle off just because of an insignificant argument.“And why would I?” He stared at her, looking insulted.“Because of our little argument after the team meeting. It wasn’t the best of goodbyes, was it?”“So you think I’m angry because you wouldn’t let me drive you back home and went to look for your ex instead after hearing about his departure?” He scoffed. “No, I’m not.”“Then why….” She shook her head in frustration. “Never mind, let’s just start the training already.”She began walking out of the office to the training ground then stopped abruptly at the door and wheeled around to face Adrian, who hadn’t moved an inch from where he stood
When Zeda got home, Carrie was already back and checking out several outfits she had bought in front of the mirror.“That looks stunning and sexy,” Zeda commented, admiring the two-piece blue crop top and skirt Carrie was currently wearing.“Really?” Carrie grinned at her, striking a pose.“Really.”“Well, I’m glad you think so, because I got you one, too,” Carrie revealed, digging out a red version of the same outfit.“You can’t be serious!” Zeda’s eyes widened as Carrie threw the clothes at her. Zeda caught them and took a closer look. She loved the soft ribbed knit texture of the fabric, and the stud designs around the neckline, just like Carrie’s, were beautiful.“I promised you a gift, didn’t I?” Carrie winked. “And this is what I pulled. Figured we could twin someday. Oh, and look...” Carrie brought out two matching pairs of white sneakers and handed her one. “Got us the same footwear, too.”“Oh my God, Carrie, this is amazing. You’re amazing. The best!” Zeda dropped the clothes
Zeda kissed Torvin back immediately, her hands moving over his body and enjoying every bit of muscle under her palms. He pulled her closer to him, and she could feel every part of his strong body against hers. His tongue flicked across her lips seeking an entrance, and she opened up for him, their tongues playing with each other as the kiss deepened.He flipped her over so that she was beneath him this time, his eyes bright with lust.“Zeda, you taste like heaven,” he groaned, trailing kisses down her neck.Zeda gasped and clutched his head, holding him to her neck and running her hands through his hair that was still damp from his shower, loving how silky it was. His hand disappeared underneath her T-shirt and cupped her breast through her bra.“Torvin...” she moaned his name, her back lifting off the couch and pressing into him.But then out of nowhere, like a cold splash of ice water, Lucian’s face—the way he looked when she told him she didn’t love him—appeared in her mind. Sudd
Zeda was too numb to complain as Vyr dragged her back to the backstage area, his long legs covering the distance with ease while she struggled to keep up in her heels. Every student they passed snickered or outrightly laughed at her, and she bent her head low to hide her tear-streaked face.When s
Zeda’s broken cry pulled Lucian from his thoughts.“Zeda…” he started, reaching for her hand.“Don’t you dare touch me!” she yelled, her eyes blazing with furious tears. All traces of the hopeful look that had been in her eyes moments ago were completely gone.Lucian clenched his jaw, his own heart
“Zeda,” Lucian called, his voice laced with desperation, as she ran from the mess he had created. “Zeda, please wait!”He went after her with supernatural speed, appearing in front of her just as she reached the bottom of the stairs.“Please hear me out, love,” he pleaded, reaching for her hand.“D
“It’s simple,” Sloan said with a coy smile, pressing her body against his once more. “Dance with me, and I’ll give you back your Quintessence Star.”“Not going to happen,” Lucian said, pushing her back gently. “My award, Sloan.”Sloan made a show of looking disappointed. “You want to play hardball?







