Opal's POV
The moon hung heavy in the sky, bathing the training fields in silver light. The cool night breeze whispered through the leaves, but the chill barely touched Opal's skin. Her thoughts burned too fiercely, coiling in her chest like embers threatening to catch flame.
She stood with her arms crossed, gaze fixed on the shadowed treetops. Each breath came sharp and shallow. This was it. The moment she had dreaded, rehearsed, and feared for weeks.
Behind her, footsteps. Familiar. Steady.
Kael.
She didn't turn. She didn't need to. His presence filled the air, solid and warm, like the ground beneath her feet. He stopped just close enough for her to feel the heat of him at her side.
"You're thinking too hard," he said softly.
Opal's lips quirked. "And you're always watching me."
Kael smirked, shifting closer. "Can you blame me? You're impossible to ignore."
She rolled her eyes, though the warmth of his voice sent a thrill down her spine. "Flattery won't change anything."
