Elvira 

After so many thoughts, I decided to approach Kale and talk to him. Even though that might annoy him more.

I found him in the courtyard, shirtless, swinging a training blade against an invisible enemy like the enemy was himself. Or maybe it was Jaxon or maybe it was me. I stood by the doorframe, my fingers tight around the doorframe, and watched as his muscles rippled with each motion. Every strike felt like punishment. Every breath sounded like resentment.

“Kale,” I called.

He didn’t stop.

“Kale,” I said again, louder this time.

Finally, he paused, just long enough to let the silence scald me. He turned, sweat glistening...