Page 10 of Daughter of Shadows and Ash

"Well, if it isn't the vicious little hunter," Maël teased, a mischievous grin spreading across his face, "Finn just got his ass handed to him by Thomas, I'm sure he could use another easy win." The boys snickered around them and Finn's face flushed crimson with anger. I took the comment at face value, not letting it turn my emotions into another rage. I smiled up at Maël as if he had said the most wonderful thing to me.

I knew gushing about the book or apologizing right here in front of everyone wouldn't bode well for either of us. The boys were like vultures if you showed any signs of weakness. Poor Thomas let it slip he was sweet on a girl and they had tormented him for months.

"How about you and me, Maël?" I challenged, my violet eyes locking onto his brown ones. A spark of anticipation flickered in their depths. The others fell silent, sensing the shift in atmosphere as Maël's grin faltered for a heartbeat.

Maël's eyes widened, his confident grin faltering for a moment. "You want to spar with me?" His tone carried equal measures of surprise and intrigue, a challenge sparking in his eyes.

I nodded, my violet eyes locked on his. "Afraid you can't keep up?"

The men around us let out a chorus of "ooohs," egging him on. Maël's shock melted into a wicked smirk. "Alright, Lor. Let's see what you've got."

We stepped into the ring, stalking each other in measured steps. My heart raced, but not from fear. This was familiar territory. This dance with him was all too familiar.

Maël struck first, a quick jab that I evaded with practiced ease. I countered with a sweep of my leg, nearly catching him off guard. He stumbled but regained his footing, chuckling. "Getting better, little hunter."

A thin sheen of sweat formed on my skin as I blocked a particularly fierce punch. Maël was strong, but I was quick. His raw strength met my speed, and I landed two strikes for each of his.

The world narrowed to just us, the men's roars becoming distant echoes. I saw an opening and went for it, launching a kick toward his center. But Maël was ready. He caught my ankle, turning my own force against me.

I hit the ground hard with a heavy thud, the breath knocked from my lungs, my ribs screaming in protest as dirt and gravel bit into my back.

Before I could recover, Maël had me pinned, his weight pressing me into the dirt.

"Yield?" he breathed, his face inches from mine.

I struggled for a moment, but his grip was unbreakable. "I yield," I panted.

Maël pulled away and reached down to help me. As he pulled me up, I expected to see triumph in his eyes. Instead, there was only warmth and genuine concern.

"Good match," he said gently.

I nodded, trying to steady my breathing. "Thank you. And... thank you for the book. It was thoughtful." My heart fluttered traitorously in my chest, warmth spreading through me despite the ache of my bruised pride.

Maël's expression grew tender. "You're welcome, Lor."

I swallowed hard, pushing down my pride. "I'm sorry about our argument. I shouldn't have snapped at you like that."

He traced his jaw thoughtfully, watching as the rowdy boys sauntered away now that the match had concluded. "It's alright, I just wish you'd talk to me when something is wrong."

I lowered my gaze to my feet, the truth lodged in my throat like a thorn. "It was just too much wine. You know I don't have much experience." I lied, it was the only way I could think to patch things up without revealing I drunk myself into oblivion over him.

"Well, seems your tolerance for wine rivals your sense of direction." He nudged my shoulder, his laugh deep and warm. "Trenton ditched patrol duty tonight. Care to join me instead?"

My heart leapt at the prospect, but I forced my expression to remain neutral. "And what's in it for me? I'm not keen on being your backup while you catch some shut-eye."

"Come on, Lor," he said, eyes sparkling with mischief. "It's your birthday, and I happen to know we'll be passing a merchant camp. Who knows? They might have a tragic romance to add to your collection."

"Fine," I conceded, trying to ignore the flutter in my chest.

His face lit up with my acceptance, a grin spreading across his features. "Perfect. I'll come by your place after supper."

As he turned to leave, I said, "I can just meet you at the front gate…"

He turned back, his eyebrows raised in mock horror. "And risk you getting lost? Not a chance. I'd rather face a pack of dire wolves than your grandmother's wrath. She'd break every bone in my body and make sure they all healed wrong." With a final grin and a casual wave, he sauntered off, no doubt to catch some rest before our night patrol.

I watched him go, my chest tightening with a familiar ache. Tears threatened to blur my vision, and I blinked them backangrily, hating myself for being so weak. This was Maël, my best friend, nothing more. But as I turned to leave, I couldn't shake the feeling that I was walking away from something far greater than just a patrol partner.

Chapter 6

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