Page 40 of Wings of Ash & Flame
“Mhm,” was his only response. His floppy red hair was plastered to his forehead with sweat.
“Impressive.” Kaia was practically drooling.
“Thanks,” he added curtly. His hazel eyes darted between the females, widening slightly. “Rumor has it you’ve both been paired with Aeris Academy’s most powerful vets.”
“If by partnered you mean forced to work with them under a level of mutual disdain, then sure,” Kaia replied, interest sparking in her eyes.
“I can see the intrigue.” He lifted his chin, a lock of hair falling into his eyes, highlighting the freckles that dusted his nose and curled up to the end of his eyelashes.
“I’m Kaia, and this is Alaire.” She gestured toward Alaire, who was eyeing him skeptically.
“I’m Archer. And before you ask, I’m terrible at archery. But I can vault, tuck, and roll like nobody’s business.”
“Archery’s an outdated skill anyway.”
Alaire shot Kaia awhat-the-hecklook.
“See you ladies around,” he said, giving them a polite smile before walking to the opposite side of the Crux.
“Kaia, where did you just go?”
Kaia fanned the heat creeping up her neck. “Honestly, I can’t tell you. I’ve never been that tongue-tied in front of a male. Ever. What a thing of beauty.”
“I don’t see the appeal.” Alaire frowned.
“Were we not staring at the same person?”
“Last time I checked, we were.”
“Whatever. He’s mine.”
Alaire threw an arm over her eyes. “Oh, how will I go on?”
Kaia shoved her playfully onto the cork floor. Alaire stumbled forward, catching herself before she hit the ground.
“Shit, sorry. My bad.” Kaia extended a hand to help her up. Alaire reached up and, with all her might, tugged her down until she was sprawled on the floor beside her.
“You’re an ass!” Kaia gasped while brushing disarrayed curls from her eyes.
Alaire wrapped her hands around her stomach to stop the laughs racking her body. Neither of them could keep it together.
“He’s”—Kaia hiccupped—“so. Beautiful.”
“Double twist” was all Alaire could make out before erupting into giggles that sent tears streaming down her face. Her chest heaved as she wiped the water from her eyes.
“Great use of class time, ladies.” Professor Hawthorne’s voice cut through the haze. “If you’ve already practiced enough for today, let’s test some of those techniques, shall we?”
Alaire and Kaia jumped to attention, smothering a sigh. Figures—the one moment she had some fun, and they got called out for it.
“Yes, sir,” they said in unison.
Professor Hawthorne pointed to Alaire and then at Hunter, one of the novices who followed Caius and Dawson around. “On the mat.”
Great.
Taller than her, with arms the size of cannons, he looked like he could pick her up and throw her out of the oval skylight.
Bigger doesn’t mean better, she reminded herself. Using his size against him, he undoubtedly relied on his intimidating form to win fights. She’d have to use her creativity. Alaire couldn’t let him pin her down. Her only option was to be quick on her feet and evade his blows. Defense would be her best offense.
