Aviala’s POV“Oh sweet Aelia,” I run my eyes over her slowly, unable to hide the smirk on my face. “This one you have come to see me, what can I do for you?” she swallows. I know she’s pissed but no matter how angry she is, I know she still wants to help Kai. Without even her answer, I can already tell that is what brought her here.“Just make it stop,” she says. “I’ll do whatever you want. Just make it stop.” I raise a brow, feigning ignorance. “Oh my, I’m not sure I quite follow. What exactly are you talking about?” She turns to me sharply. “You know what I’m talking about, Aviala. You know what you’ve done. You know what has brought me here today. You have won this battle, and I have no interest in deceiving myself about that reality anymore. That is why I have come to you.”She pauses. “I will withdraw from the Academy. You can enroll yourself as a student here. Get close to Kai and try to build a relationship with him. You have a much better chance of getting what you want that

Kai’s POVI look towards the empty seat, Aelia’s seat, for a moment before dropping into mine slowly. As usual, Jafser starts complaining about it. “You’re doing it again, man,” he says beside me. “Doing what?”“Staring at her seat like it’ll magically bring her back,” he replies. I ignore his remarks and just open my bag. “Find something else to worry about, Jafser. Leave me alone.”He snickers. “I would, but you’re much more entertaining.”I look at him. He holds my shoulder. “But seriously, you need to let it go. I already told you she’s not coming back. Of what use is still sulking?”I don’t answer him. Usually, I’d tell him to shut up but today, I don’t have the energy. It’s been five days since she left and I’m still trying to wrap my head around why she could have made such a decision without even telling me? She didn’t even show any signs that she planned to do something like that. “Maybe you should send her a letter. Like a threat,” Jafser jokes. I stare. “Would you like m

Kai’s POVAs expected, the arena’s gallery is packed by the time the opening matches begin. Students from the visiting academies fill the stands, their uniforms marked with different crests to indicate where they belong. The other people, directors and Instructors alike are seated in various elevated viewing sections according to their positions.The place is booming with adrenaline while the competitors wait near the entrance. Jafser drops into the seat beside me. “Listen to this, I’ve thought of something.”“Keep it to yourself,” I say sharply. He sighs. “You haven’t even heard what it is.”“I don’t need to. I’m only interested in protecting my peace.” He ignores my sermon. “I’m going to be famous.”I look at him. “For what?” “For being the man who stood beside you when you won the Inter-Academy Tournament.”“Are you kidding me?” He shakes him. “I’m not.” I lean back. “Shouldn’t you be preparing for your own match?”“I’m not fighting until tomorrow. Besides, I want to watch the ope

Kai’s POV“Kai! What was that?” Jafser practically jumps me the moment I leave the arena. I push his face away. “Personal space, remember?” He doesn’t seem to even hear what I’m saying. “You just ate someone’s sword!”“I didn’t eat the sword.”“Okay. The blade then. Same difference. You literally ate the blade.”“Well much closer.”“And then you made a sword out of your own hand!”“It wasn’t a sword.”He stares at me. “A blade. What’s the freaking difference?”“Well, one is a whole sword and the other is just the blade. I think there is a whole difference,” I reply smugly. He stares. “Kai.”“What?”“Do you even hear yourself?”“Of course I do. This is me trying to lecture you properly.” He grabs my shoulders, ignoring my jabs. “Can you do it again?” I stare. “What? I don't know.”“You should be able to. I mean once you’ve done it once, you should be able to do it with other things like a fire enchantment or a shield or…or one of those weapons that lets people teleport?” I stare blank

Kai’s “Why’d you stop? You guys want to talk about me right?” I shrunk. Well then, I’m here. Please go ahead.” They lower their heads and one of them finally manages to speak.More like a whisper actually. “Sorry.”“No, don't apologize please . Keep going.” They exchange uncomfortable looks between each other before rising and basically sprinting away. Jafser comes out of nowhere and takes one of the seats. “You’re becoming quite the famous man.” I lock my jaw. “Useless. I’d rather become rich.”“Fame can lead to money.”“Then wait until then before you tell me anything.” He laughs. Before we can continue, a figure stops in front of us. “Your left shoulder drops before you use your void.”I look up and see Ziven, standing in front of us, arms folded on his chest. “What?” I whisper. He smiles. “It is one of the things I’ve noticed from watching you fight.During your last two matches, you lowered your left shoulder before reaching for whatever you wanted to get from them. Anyone obse