Varek took a step forward, rolling his shoulders, his expression grim. Jorvan cracked his neck, bracing himself, muscles taut in anticipation—he was several inches taller than Varek, all bulk and muscles, but instead of engaging, Varek simply reached past him.

  For the third time that day, Varek’s arms wrapped around Kaelin’s middle, pulling her firmly into his chest. Her breath hitched as his body pressed fully against hers, warm and solid. Kaelin stiffened, her hands instinctively coming up to push against him, but the amused glint in his eyes stalled her. He wasn't just being bold—he was putting on a show, one meant to infuriate Jorvan.

  "Hello, Starling! I've missed you since our midday meal," he said sweetly, rubbing his nose against her cheek as if they were the closest of lovers. He inhaled her scent exaggeratedly, making a show of it.

  Kaelin's mind raced. He was too close. Too warm. Her mind struggled to keep pace with her body’s traitorous response. Her cheeks were flushed, the skip of her pulse. She wasn't some swooning academy girl. And yet, here she was, clutched against him like she belonged there. What in the skies is he doing?

  His arms around her like this—it was outrageous, bold… and entirely unnecessary. He was using her, that much was clear. But worse, a traitorous part of her wasn’t as horrified as it should be. If he wanted to play this game, she could too.

  She let out a soft, breathy laugh—one that wasn’t entirely forced—a hand lightly sliding up his chest. "Varek," she murmured, tilting her head just slightly, aware of the collective intake of breath from their audience. "You’re always so dramatic."

  His grip on her waist tightened for just a fraction of a second, but then his grin widened, pleased. "For you, Starling? Always." This wasn't about her—it was about getting under Jorvan’s skin. And judging by the way Jorvan’s face twisted with barely contained rage, it was working.

  With a huff of disgust, Hale ordered his followers to come with him. "There’s training to be done, not playing around," he snapped, spinning on his heel and storming off, his lackeys scrambling after him.

  But Kaelin’s heart rate increased as Varek was holding her, his body flush against hers. Her pulse hammered against her ribs, and she had to remind herself this was all an act. Just a show.

  So why did it feel so… good?

  As he led her back towards Emberwind Varek leaned closer, his voice a low, amused murmur. "Careful, Starling, keep looking at me like that, and people might start to think you actually enjoy my company."

  Kaelin swallowed hard, forcing her voice to stay steady. "Don't flatter yourself, Varek."

  The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.

  He chuckled softly; breath warm against her ear. "So, you say, yet your pulse begs to differ." As he spoke, he reached down and lifted her wrist gently, his thumb grazing across the delicate skin where her pulse fluttered wildly. The touch was light, but it sent a jolt through her all the same. He couldn’t possibly know what that did to her. Her skin burned under his thumb and her pulse betrayed her even as her mind screamed to pull away. It wasn’t just the act that left her rattled - it was the way he delivered it, soft and deliberate, like he knew exactly where her guard was weakest.

  Heat flooded Kaelin's cheeks again , and she knew she needed to escape before he noticed her reaction. Summoning her dignity, she stepped abruptly away, headed back towards Liora and grabbed her hand. “Come on, Liora. We’ve entertained enough for one day.”

  Liora let out a surprised yelp but followed. As Kaelin practically dragged her away, whispers rippled behind them, and a few gasps and laughter echoed through the crowd.

  They turned the corner toward the gardens, and only then did Kaelin slow.

  “Well,” Liora said breathlessly, “that was either the boldest bluff I’ve ever seen—or something else entirely.”

  Kaelin didn’t respond. Her cheeks were still burning. Her thoughts, scattered.

  “I mean,” Liora continued, “did you see the look on Jorvan’s face? He might actually punch a wall. But Varek? That man knows how to make an entrance.”

  Kaelin huffed. “He’s reckless. Arrogant.”

  “And devastatingly handsome,” Liora added. “Don’t lie, you didn’t hate it.”

  Kaelin gave her a sharp look but didn’t argue. Her stomach still fluttered in a way she didn’t understand. She wasn’t the kind of girl to get swept up by charm—especially not from reckless riders with mystery dripping from their smirks. But Varek didn’t just flirt—he challenged. He stirred something she hadn’t let herself feel in a long time: the thrill of being seen. Her hands felt warm, her chest tight—not with panic, but something electric and unfamiliar. She told herself it was frustration. She almost believed it.

  She didn’t trust her voice to lie convincingly.

  Somewhere behind them, Varek’s laughter still echoed like a spark catching dry leaves.

  Kaelin exhaled slowly, pressing her palm against her chest as if to settle the racing beat beneath. This wasn’t just embarrassment. It was a warning—a tremor of something dangerous growing beneath her ribs. If she let this continue, she wasn’t sure what it might become. "Why does he do this to me?" she murmured.

  Liora grinned. "Maybe because you let him. Or maybe he just sees something the rest of us missed."

  They stopped at the edge of a fountain, its crystal surface catching flickers of light. Kaelin sat on the low stone ledge, absently trailing her fingers through the water.

  “He’s a storm,” she whispered. “I should stay away.”

  “And yet here you are, soaked in it,” Liora replied gently.

  Behind them, the training grounds had emptied. But Kaelin didn’t miss the quiet figure still near the edge—Varek. He hadn’t left. He was talking softly to Emberwind, but his eyes flicked toward her more than once.

  His attention wasn’t performative now. It was focused. Real.

  Kaelin turned away, her emotions tangled. Somewhere between caution and curiosity, irritation and intrigue.

  As they stood to leave, Liora linked arms with her. "So, do I need to prepare a life-bonding gown or a dagger for your next encounter?"

  Kaelin huffed out a laugh. "Neither. I just need space to think."

  But as she glanced back one last time, Varek was still watching. And this time, he didn’t smile.