Deric

If there’s one thing I learned growing up with Jaxon, it’s this: You don’t trust easily.

Especially not people who smile too sweet.  

Especially not people who hide too much.

I leaned against the second-floor balcony, arms crossed over my chest, watching the secret training ring below.  Officially, I was there to secretly “observe” the sessions. Unofficially? I was watching them. Kale and Elyra.

Wait! They know each other? And from my angle, Elyra didn’t seem uncomfortable too.

Kale moved like a fighter bred for war, quick, ruthless, precise. Every strike was sharp. Every dodge, a sign of violence barely contained.

Elyra was just as dangerous. Not because she...