Page 51 of The Ascended
"Couldn't let you have all the fun." I dropped into a leather chair, letting my smile turn razor-sharp. "By all means, don't let me interrupt."
Aelix's scarred face shifted as he studied me. "Aelix. Aesymar of cursed blood. I stay on the other side of the Island."His smile was warm now. "A pleasure to finally meet Xül's new protégé."
"Thais Morvaren." I drained my glass in one burning swallow and slid it across the table. "Now, I'dloveto hear more about how you plan to let me die.."
"Your odds of survival are laughable," Xül said, tilting his head to examine me like I was some mildly entertaining pet. "Regardless of any training I might provide."
"How reassuring." My voice dripped honey-sweet venom. "But if you're going to watch me die, at least have the balls to admit it's because you're not capable of teaching me. Not because I'm somehow beneath your notice."
Aelix's laugh cracked through the air before he caught Xül's expression and thought better of it.
"Your power isn't in question." Xül swirled his drink with lazy menace. "Ripping stars from the heavens, forging them into weapons? Power like that could turn empires to dust."
"Then what's the fucking problem?"
"The problem is that you held a blade of pure starfire and used it as ashield. The problem is that when the choice came down to kill or die, youhesitated." That golden eye pinned me like a butterfly to glass. "All the power in the world means nothing if you lack the spine to wield it when it counts."
"I survived."
"Barely." He reclined with insufferable grace. "The Trials won't coddle you. They won't pause while you wrestle with your conscience or your pathetic squeamishness about spilling blood."
Aelix shifted. "Perhaps we should?—"
"No." My voice had gone lethally soft. "Let him finish. I want to hearexactlywhat he thinks."
Xül's smile widened. "You have power enough to be dangerous, but lack the stomach to survive. You still think you're the hero of this story." He leaned forward. "Heroes die screaming. Only killers ascend."
Silence stretched between us.
"Then teach me to be a killer," I said, meeting that dual-colored stare without flinching.
"And why would I waste my time trying to forge something from such... soft material?"
Fire ignited in my veins. "Try me. I might surprise you."
Aelix rose with obvious haste.
"I should collect Marx for…" he said, already retreating. "Yes, well, I will hopefully see the both of you very soon."
Neither of us acknowledged his escape.
But self-preservation finally kicked in. I stood abruptly.
"Tomorrow." I didn't look back. "Train me, and decide for yourself how useful I might be."
Three steps. That's all I managed before he materialized in front of me, moving with that impossible Aesymar speed. I stumbled back until stone met my spine, and immediately felt cold, dead hands emerge from the wall, shackling my wrists.
"Your mortal mind can't begin to fathom what awaits you if you truly want my guidance." His voice had gone low, authoritative. Those eyes fixed on mine with cold intensity. "I don't think you're remotely prepared for what I might demand."
The words were a threat, and I felt a chill of uncertainty. This version of him—focused and predatory and utterly lethal—was infinitely more compelling than the dismissive bastard I'd been dealing with.
"I can handle more than you think." My voice remained steady.
A not-quite-smile crossed his face. "Such bravado from someone who's never been truly tested." He took a step forward. "Tell me, Miss Morvaren—what happens when you're pushed past every limit? When every instinct screams at you tosubmit?"
"I don't submit to anyone." I lifted my chin.
"Everyone submits eventually." He studied the liquid in his glass. "Some require... gentle persuasion. Others need a firmer hand."
