Across the training ground, Auren was wiping his blade clean when he caught a flash of movement from the corner of his eye.
Celeste. Walking with purpose.
A smirk tugged at his lips. 'What now? Came to thank me for saving you from the demon that day? Or maybe ask for notes because you weren't listening?'
He stood straighter, ready to be irritated.
But she didn't stop in front of him.
She walked right past.
And stopped in front of Kael.
Auren blinked, the smirk vanishing.
Wait. What?
His jaw clenched for a second—for no reason he understood.
Kael looked at her, brows slightly raised. "You need something?"
Celeste met his gaze calmly. "I do."
Her voice remained level. "Why did you speak to Lyra like that?"
The other boys turned, attention now caught.
Kael's expression didn't change. "Because I felt what she feels about me. She looks at me like I'm someone who matters a lot to her. I don't have time for anyone's fantasies."
"She wasn't fantasizing. She was just being grateful," Celeste snapped, her tone sharp.
"You don't even know her."
"I know she didn't deserve to be humiliated."
Kael narrowed his eyes. "You're defending her like it's personal."
Celeste stood her ground. "Because it is. She's the only friend I have and I won't let that be stepped on."
Before Kael could reply, Auren let out a sharp laugh from the side. "Wow. After all this time, the doll speaks."
Celeste turned toward him, confused.
Auren's voice was light but biting. "You've been walking around here like a lifeless puppet. No interest. No passion. And now suddenly—you're defending someone?"
She raised an eyebrow. "You must be very proud of your observations."
"Only when they're true." said Auren.
They stared at each other—cold fire clashing with cool indifference.
Before the tension could escalate further, Kael stepped forward, voice laced with challenge.
"Fine. If Lyra wants an apology—then let her earn it."
Celeste tilted her head. "What do you mean?"
"If she can defeat me in a duel, I'll apologize. Fair?"
Celeste's jaw tightened. "That's not—"
"Fair enough," Kael cut her off. "Tell her. I'll wait."
With that, he walked away. Valric and Rhydan followed, and Auren gave her one last look—eyes unreadable—before turning his back as well.
Celeste stood in the middle of the grounds, alone now, wind brushing her cloak as dust swirled around her.