Page 50 of Broken Lands

I startled, my heart racing as I brought my hands up in front of me in a defensive position and immediately scanned the area.

“Oh, it’s just you,” I mumbled as I found Colin staring at me from beside the gates, his eyebrows raised. I let my hands drop, running one through my hair. I refused to be embarrassed by my reaction. I felt like I was always under attack in this place, whether it was internal—my magic going haywire—or external. It didn’t matter. I was on edge, and I felt like I had every right to be.

“You’re quick to react. I’ll give you that.” He grinned at me, his brown eyes sparkling with amusement, the afternoon sun making them appear almost liquid gold in color. “Can’t say the same for your ability to communicate. You’re here so you haven’t lost your tablet. Ignoring me then?”

By the gods, he was something to look at. I clenched my thighs together, trying to smother the flames he set alight in me as his molten gaze raked over my body.

I’d changed out of my academy uniform and into a pair of matching teal blue leggings and crop top. This session was about elemental combat. I’d figured it was a good idea to be mobile and flexible. But I hadn’t expected this kind of attention from him, not after the way we’d left things.

I ignored the way my body reacted to the intensity of his gaze. Ignored the flush building in my cheeks and the desire coursing through my blood as I rolled my eyes at him. I wasn’t letting him off that easily. He’d been an asshole, and I was sick and tired of his hot and cold act.

“I’m not in the business of entertaining assholes, or forgiving them easily,” I said haughtily. If he were expecting friendliness and hand holding today, he was sorely mistaken. “Let’s get this over with.” A huff of amusement left him as I reached where he stood on the path. “Where are we training today?” I wasn’t supposed to go beyond the walls of Danann at all, even accompanied by the General.

“Headquarters. We’ll use one of the training rooms there to give you a bit of privacy and protection for others if you lose control. Plus, no risk of void creatures attacking.” He offered me a wink before leading the way through the gates.

I clenched my fists in frustration as I followed him out of the gates and down the path towards the city center. He was back to the charming version of Colin. The version I had so much fun with and felt so comfortable beside before things went sideways the other night.

I liked this side of him. Just as much as I liked Stefan and Lincoln. I stopped dead in my tracks. Really? I couldn’t wrap my head around the fact that I felt this strongly about three different men. By the gods, they’d be the death of me.

“Alright, Riley?” Colin halted just ahead of me, frowning slightly, his eyes glowing with genuine concern.

“Fine. I’m fine.” Waving him on, not sure what had gotten into me today, I kept walking. It was time to shake off thoughts of dating more than one man. There was no time for that. My focus needed to be on finding James.

I could see Garner walking a few horses around the training yard at the stables, but otherwise it was just Colin and I, the area quiet and empty of other Fae.

“Where is everyone?”

“Most are in the city center at this time of day. Not too many venture this close to the gates unless attending the academy, stables, or headquarters.”

It didn’t take us long to reach the army headquarters. It wasn’t too far down the main path, past the stables. Colin led me inside, nodding to his men as we passed, but not stopping to introduce me to any. That was fine. I wasn’t in the mood for niceties today, anyway. Plus, the last time he introduced me to a bunch of new people, the whole place ended up being attacked.

He opened a door halfway down the plain corridor and gestured for me to go ahead. I stepped down into what could only be described as a half inside, half outside space. It was walled, protecting the space from the weather, the large windows currently open and letting in the light of the afternoon sun and a gentle breeze to keep the space cool. The floor was unfinished, non-existent, soft and grassy like the fields outside.

I guess if you were sparring in here, it would be a more comfortable fall than a hard concrete floor.

Colin stepped in behind me, closing the door and making his way to the middle of the room. I followed behind him, anxiety causing me to drag my feet. I wasn’t sure if I’d be able to control my magic enough today. I really just wanted to get this over with so I could head back to the academy, have some dinner, and take a nice, long bath.

“What do you want to start with, Riley? Any element in particular?”

I couldn’t care less what element we started with. I was already mentally soaking in the hot, orange blossom scented water. I could almost feel my muscles relaxing as the heat worked its magic on the tension in my body.

“Earth to Riley. What’s going on with you?”

“I’m tired,” I said, shrugging my shoulders. “And I really don’t think it matters. You said yourself that the concepts can apply to each element. I don’t have much experience or control with any of them. Stefan taught me to throw balls of air yesterday. That is the extent of my experience.”

“Right. Let’s stick with air then.” He stepped back a few paces, creating some space between us and planting his feet firmly in the grass. He grinned wickedly at me. If I hadn’t been in such a foul mood, it might have been enough for me to forgive his mood swings. As it was, some of the resentment I felt toward him melted slightly. “Show me what you’ve got.”

He was taunting me. The playfulness I’d experienced from him the other night out in full force. My anger and frustration rose again, my blood boiling in my veins. He needed to make up his gods damned mind. We’re friends or we’re not. He either likes me or he doesn’t.

I planted my own feet, bracing myself against the force I could feel building inside me. My magic was awake, roiling inside of me, responding to what I was feeling. I knew I should try to rein it in. Harness it. Not let my emotion take control. But in that moment, I just didn’t care. I’d had enough.

He’d said to show him what I had, and I really hoped he meant it. I was not about to pull any punches. The full extent of my power was screaming at me to be released, and Colin had just volunteered to be my punching bag.

Without giving it another thought, I threw my hands out in front of me, flinging my air forward with so much force that I was pushed back, my feet ripping through the dirt and grass at my feet.

Colin was quick to react, his movements strong and fluid as he flung his own hands out in front of him, throwing a shield of fire in front of him. The flames rippled violently as my blast of air collided with it and he grinned—actually fucking grinned—as he himself was pushed back a few feet.

“Come on. You’re not tired. You’re angry. Full of pent-up rage and that’s all you’ve got? You can do better. Again.” His tone was light, teasing, as he dropped his shield and beckoned me forward.

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