Page 48 of Wings of Ash & Flame
“I don’t believe that for one second.” Kaia pulled her into a hug, resting her chin on Alaire’s shoulder. “You survived when you had no one, Alaire. That’s not nothing.”
“They died so I could live—or that’s what I was told when I woke up at the orphanage. I can’t even remember who they were, what they looked like, how their voices sounded,” Alaire said in a quiet confession against the hum of the training room.
The words hung in the air, raw and unguarded, as if she’d carried them in silence for far too long. “Sometimes… sometimes I wish I’d perished in the fire with them.”
“Alaire, no.” Kaia brushed a stray curl from her eyes as she pulled back, keeping her hands on Alaire’s shoulders. “Your parents made the decision they did because they loved you. I’m sure of it.”
“How could I not remember them?” she whispered, blinking back the onset of tears, suddenly reminded where they were.
“Your body protected you because of a harrowing event. We don’t get to choose how it processes trauma—none of us. Please don’t judge yourself harshly because of it.” Kaia leaned back on her elbows, dark eyes wide with sympathy.
“There’s more… I spent time in Grimstone,” Alaire confessed.
Kaia went still.
“I was sent there after I stood up to a fae guard for lashing a boy. He was just a child. I couldn’t—I wouldn’t look away. So I stepped in.” Her gaze dropped, nails digging into her palms at the memory. One strike, and it had all spiraled out of control. “A human’s defiance on the Night of Remembrance was the only crime they acknowledged. Grimstone was my punishment.”
“How did you end up here?” Kaia asked, flexing her toes forward and back.
“Professor Ross made me an offer—attend Aeris Academy or stay in prison. If I fail to graduate, I’ll be sent straight to the front lines. Not much of a choice—” Her voice faltered. “I still don’t know why I’m here. Why he pickedme.”
Alaire felt lighter, shedding a sliver of the weight she’d carried for so long in solitude.
Kaia’s response came without hesitation. “You’re here learning, fighting, proving humans are more than the world gives them credit for.” Her words were a steadying force. “Thank you for trusting me with that,” she added gently. “Your secret is safe with me. And don’t worry—we’ll try to get to the bottom of Professor Ross’s agenda.”
She’d tell Kaia about the files when they were somewhere private.
Emotion thickened in Alaire’s throat, the words a balm to the festering wounds of doubt and fear she’d tended in isolation. She reached for Kaia’s hand, giving it a grateful squeeze.
Someone cleared their throat. Alaire and Kaia turned to find Archer standing there, pushing fiery hair out of his eyes.
“Am I interrupting a bonding moment?” Archer asked, his tone dry, eyes darting between them as if he’d stumbled into an arcstorm’s den rather than a private conversation.
“What does it look like?” Alaire retorted. Kaia stifled a chuckle.
“I don’t know, that’s why I’m asking. I’ll extricate myself—” He was already half turned in retreat, his discomfort palpable.
“She’s just joking,” Kaia said quickly. “Please, stay. Friends are always welcome.”
“If you’re sure…” Archer looked at them warily.
“We’re sure.” Kaia patted the spot beside her.
Professor Hawthorne’s voice echoed across the room just as Archer sat down. “Rotate!”
“Kaia and Galwen to the mat.”
Kaia stretched her neck from side to side, sizing up her opponent. Galwen was a novice Alaire hadn’t had much interaction with. He was around Kaia’s height, with angular features and a blunt mouth. Kaia was already a powerhouse, and with the long nights they’d been spending finessing conditioning to help Alaire rebuild her stamina, Galwen didn’t stand a chance.
Hawthorne signaled for the match to begin.
Galwen struck first, lunging forward with a wave of quick, successive blows, one catching Kaia’s hip bone. But Kaia was patient—and faster. When his arm snapped back for another jab, Kaia made her move. She blurred forward, fists raining down on his ribcage.
“Yes, Kaia!” Archer cheered.
Alaire’s eyebrows shot up.Composed, proper Archer cheering?
Galwen grunted, his face contorting in pain. He swung wide, aiming for her temple. A finishing blow. Kaia ducked under his arm and pivoted, landing lightly on her toes as she faced him again.
