I awoke the next morning before the sun had even risen, feeling better than I have in years. Holy crap, even my thoughts were clearer. For the first time in a long while, I was actually excited to get ready and head down to the training field. I slipped into my uniform, smiling at myself in the mirror as I tied my long hair up in a ponytail, leaving only my bangs to frame my face.
I had convinced myself that last night was just a dream—there was no way that kiss could have actually happened. I had passed out, right? It just wasn’t possible. I secured my daggers in their usual spots and, for once, felt genuinely happy to be here. I was going to be an assassin, and I had to accept that this was my path. Tynon probably never anticipated I’d end up embracing it so fully. Maybe this was indeed the best place for me.
I practically skipped out the door, but my excitement came to an abrupt halt when I spotted Azune leaning against the wall, holding two cups in his hands. My heart skipped a beat as he approached me, his gentle smile instantly easing any lingering doubts.
“Here,” he said, placing a cup in my hand. “This tea is energizing and very good. Also, breakfast is a must. I am here to take you to the mess hall.” He handed me the cup, and the warmth seeped through the porcelain, sending a comforting sensation through my fingers.
“Thanks, Azune,” I said, taking a careful sip. The flavors danced on my tongue, bright and invigorating, making my earlier hesitations seem trivial. “This is really good.”
“I’m glad you like it. I figured you could use a little boost,” he replied with a wink. We began walking together, his presence filling me with an unexpected sense of ease.
we moved throught the dimly lit hallways together sipping the tea he had given me, so much had changed over night. i began to question my sound reasoning of wether what happened was a dream or reality. it made me happy to have a friend
“Are you excited for training today?” Azune asked, a spark of curiosity in his eyes.
“Absolutely! I’m so ready to kick your ass” I replied, surprising even myself with my enthusiasm. In that moment, I realized how much I craved this the closness the unspoken words between us.
“Good to hear. It’s going to be intense, but I think you’ll surprise yourself when you find im not that easy to take down.” He grinned, and I couldn’t help but return the smile.
Maybe, just maybe, I was starting to find my place in this world after all. The thought filled me with resolve as we stepped into the mess hall together all eyes on us, kalieghs jaw dropped as she saw us walk in and elbowed ryan. we went and sat with them, their eyes never left mine.
ryan pinched the bridge of his nose "what in the actual hell is going on?" he said gesturing between us. kaleigh nodded " that is exactly what i want to know! i said stay away from him not cozy up with eachother and become best buddies!" she exclaimed horrified.
Azune spat his tea back into his cup as he started to laugh, the sound ringing through the dusty library. “Oh, defensive of Kiri, are we? Relax, I pursued her, not the other way around,” he chuckled, shaking his head in amusement.
I sighed, raising my brows at them both. “We’re friends. It’s better to coexist; he is my mentor.” I turned to Ryan, giving him a pointed look. “You have a lot of nerve talking like that as if I’m sleeping with him, considering I saw you take Zenna Carlos to bed last night, Ryan.”
He opened his mouth, ready to defend himself, but the words froze on his lips as his cheeks flushed a deep crimson. He quickly shut his mouth, clearly caught off guard. “I did. And she was amazing… too bad I couldn’t add you to that equation,” Ryan replied, trying to regain his composure, but the smirk on his face faltered.
Kaleigh nearly choked on her bite of egg, her eyes wide with a mixture of horror and disbelief as she turned to Ryan. “Are you serious?! You can’t just throw that around like it’s some kind of badge of honor!”
“Oh come on, it’s not like you’ve never had your fun,” Ryan shot back, his confidence wavering under Kaleigh’s incredulous gaze.
“I’m just saying maybe keep your escapades to yourself, especially when we’re trying to dig into some serious family drama!” Kaleigh retorted, shaking her head, a grin threatening to break through her shocked expression.
i couldnt help but laugh at their banter back and forth almost like siblings. ryan smied and looked at her " you know what i think your just mad because kiri bagged the hottest thing in this school, this beautiful male specimen is hotter then the fucking sun he just needed something spicy that could match his heat maybe" ryan said wiggling hos eyebrows at azune.
azune closed his eyes and shook his head. " no, just no. i am sexy not hot get it right?" he said completley full of himself. oh my god what. no...he was playing in to it. i kicked azune under the table.
kaleigh looked about as mortified as i did as she rolled her eyes " i am very protective of her thank you very much" she said responding to azunes comment from earlier. " your the one that had the bright idea to tell us you were going to kill her. you just didnt kn ow that kiri is my best friend" she contined
azune nodded " i did say that. but once i saw her in real life i just couldnt hate her. she was too innocent and to be honest the fear she showed on initiate day...i had never once see either of her parents where their emotions so...clearly on their faces. i was already falling for her the night i poisoned her. so i suppose you should be yelling at me." he said softly. kaliegh took in his words and shook her head " wait, but parker-" he raised a hand " not an issue her and i are not together anymore she is delusional."
Kaleigh looked at me, disbelief etched on her face. “You mean to tell me that you were poisoned, and you kept this from us?!” Her voice was a mix of shock and frustration.
I chuckled lightly, trying to lighten the mood. “I was fine, really! I mean, look at me—I’m still here, right?” I waved my hand dismissively, but deep down, i knew that i was down playying that posions effect for her sanity
Azune rubbed the back of his neck, an embarrassed grin creeping onto his face. “I didn’t mean for it to go that far,but parker insisted it needed more monksvein. It was supposed to be a test, and then it spiraled out of control. I never wanted to hurt you, Kiri.” His sincerity caught me off guard.
Kaleigh wasn’t having it, her arms crossed tightly over her chest. “You know how reckless that was? You don’t just poison someone to prove a point! What were you thinking?”
“I wasn’t,” Azune admitted softly, his gaze dropping to the floor. “I just... wanted to see if you were strong enough after all the storys of how sick and frail you were, but I underestimated your strength.”
“Yeah, well, maybe next time, don’t take it upon yourself to play the villain!” Kaleigh shot back, her voice rising. “You really are something you know that”
“Kaleigh, maybe let’s just focus on the fact that I survived,” I interjected, sensing the growing tension in the air.
Kaleigh shot a glance at Azune, who looked like he was still trying to process her earlier confrontation. “ no more poisoning,” she added. “or ill make you fucking disappear.”
With a reluctant chuckle, Azune raised his hands in defeat. “Agreed. I’ll stick to less toxic methods from now on.” kalieghs glare narrowed "you hurt her stone and i will personally make it my mission to make your life a living fucking nightmare"
azune nodded and held his hands up "dont worry greyson, you have my word no more harm to kiri" he held out his hand. kaliegh took it and pulled him forward " put that oath on our home on the betrayed and on your mother stone" she said feircly removing her hand and sliing it open and extending it across the table
azunes eyes flashed a hint of pain at the mention of his mother "fine, he cut his hand with the same blade, i swear to you kaliegh greyson that i will protect kirishina darksbane till my dying breath" he said giving her what sounded like an oath of fealty.
Ryan looked sadly at his eggs and at their dripping hands, where Azune and Kaleigh had cut to make this oath official, bound in blood. It was how the people of Telmytherin did things. “My eggs…” he cried, shoving the plate away in frustration. Kaleigh rolled her eyes and got him more from the platter in the center of the table. “Stop crying, Ryan. You sound like a big baby.”
I sighed; the vibe was a bit different then the serious tone it had taken amoment ago “So, you guys good?”
Kaleigh nodded. “Yeah, as long as he doesn’t harm you. He and I have been friends for a very long time too. He knows how serious I am, don’t you, Azune?”
Azune, still focused on his eggs, nodded. “Oh yeah, that one there is a good friend to have. She’s psycho.”
Ryan laughed, shaking his head. “Perhaps, but they say the crazy ones are the best in bed.”
I blanched. "Oh god no, don’t even think about it, Ryan. Kaleigh is off limits to you."
Ryan chuckled, pointing his fork at me mischievously. "You got it, Darksbane. Wouldn't dream of pissing you off! Remember, I want you and me to be best friends. Best not to start things off by sleeping with your best friend, eh?"
I nodded, horrified that he even had the notion to say something like that. My heart raced, and I shot him a glare that could curdle milk.
Azune leaned over, whispering in my ear, "Mmm, you don't seem entirely mentally stable yourself. Sounds like a theory I want to try," he murmured, his breath warm against my skin. My cheeks flared a deep crimson as I struggled to process his teasing, a mixture of embarrassment and irritation swirling within me.
I swallowed my last bite of eggs and got up from the table. "Anyway, I have combat training to get to," I said, trying to push the thoughts of Azune out of my head. His perfect body, rocking in unison with my own, sent a shiver down my spine. The thought itself was enough to make my cheeks flush and my heart race as I felt a rush of heat.
I quickly shook my head, focusing on the task ahead. Training was important, and I needed to concentrate. I couldn’t let my mind wander to the way he handled a sword or how effortlessly he moved during drills. Those thoughts were a distraction I couldn’t afford.
As I made my way to the training yard, I spotted my fellow recruits warming up. The sound of their laughter and the clanking of weapons filled the air.
As I was about to set my rucksack down, Azune's hand gripped my shoulder. "No," he said affirmatively. "I have a place we're going to train." He turned and grabbed my hand, and I felt Parker’s eyes boring into me from behind as a mix of cheers and murmurs of confusion rippled through the class. I followed Azune, falling into step right behind him.
We hiked into the woods, my mind racing with questions. Where was he taking me? The smell of damp earth and pine filled the air as we ventured deeper until we reached a clearing by a sparkling river. The scene was almost surreal—the sun filtered through the branches, sparkleing over the water like small crystles.
Azune spun to face me, his gaze intense. He ran his index finger from the hollow of my throat to my chin, sending a shiver down my spine. "Show me your battle stance," he said softly and suddenly, his eyes making my knees feel weak.
I took a deep breath, trying to steady myself. I had practiced countless times in my mind, but now was different. My heart was pounding as I shifted my weight, placing one foot slightly forward while keeping my shoulders squared in the same motion i pulled two daggers from their sheaths in a reverse grip.
Azune studied me, a small smile forming on his lips as he took a step closer, gauging my stance. he tapped my stomach "we need to work on that. you need a tight core, your too squishy. in that stance your not nessecerily grounded either." he sweeped my legs
i fell down on to my back and before i had even a second to process he was over the top of me knife to my throat. but even as his dagger threatened my very life. he ran his fingertips up my ribs "see, your completely at my mercy. that means on a mission your deader could catch you off just as i just did.
"again." he got up and grabbed my hand "attack me." he said softly.
I pushed the thought away that I might hurt him, reminding myself he was a rank 4 assassin. With that in mind, I swung at him with a series of maneuvers, each one designed to catch him off guard. But he dodged effortlessly, spinning away from my strikes as he tossed my sheathed daggers aside like they were nothing.
Determined, I launched another attack, but just as I did, he spun around me, gripping my jaw from behind. His breath was warm against my neck, sending a shiver down my spine. "You leave yourself too open, Kiri," he whispered, his voice low and tantalizing.
I gasped, trying to steady my breathing, not only from the exertion of training but from the undeniable heat of the moment. He grabbed my dagger, running the tip over my hips, gliding it just under the waistband of my trousers. It felt thrilling and dangerous.
"Here," he said, demonstrating with precise movements. I could feel my body trembling, craving more of his touch, more of his presence. "And as you move to defend your stomach..." he continued, pressing the blade gently against my skin, "you leave this..."
His lips brushed against my neck, a soft kiss followed by a teasing nip that made my heart race. The sensation was electric, and I couldn’t help but feel exposed yet exhilarated, the duality of danger and desire consuming my thoughts.
I leaned back against him, moving my hand up to touch the back of his head. “I thought we were supposed to be training Azune,” I said, trying to keep my voice steady despite the shivers racing down my spine.
He kissed down my shoulder, sending warmth radiating through me, and then gripped my wrist, twisting it gently as he caught my hand behind my back. Turning me to face him, he tilted my chin up to meet his eyes. “We are,” he replied, his voice low and intense.
The close proximity made my heart race. The air between us was charged, filled with an unspoken tension that felt both exhilarating and terrifying. I could see the determination in his gaze, the passion that fueled his every movement.
“Then why does it feel like this is all we can think about?” I asked, trying to mask the vulnerability in my tone. His presence overwhelmed me, and I struggled to maintain my focus amidst the storm of emotions swirling within me.
“Because sometimes, the best training isn’t just in techniques or forms,” he said softly, leaning closer, the warmth of his breath brushing against my lips. “It’s in understanding each other, finding that connection. That’s how we become stronger. i need to be sure these are not things you can easily forget" he shoved me back leaving me stumbling backwards craving his touch.
Azune placed his hands behind his back and stared down at me. "Why is combat training necessary in our line of work?"
Dragged from my thoughts of our passion, I considered his question carefully. "Because while normally we handle matters in stealth, rarely needing the use of combat, if our target is anticipating their death or catches us off guard, we need to be sure the contract is fulfilled," I said softly.
Just as I finished the sentence, he kicked out. Reacting instinctively, I flipped backwards, using one hand to propel myself into a crouch. In that fluid movement, I had a dagger already out and lodged between my teeth, ready for me to grab at any moment and charge him.
The air crackled with tension, the challenge hanging unspoken between us. Azune's eyes narrowed with a mix of admiration and amusement, his own training evident in the way he shifted his weight, anticipating my next move. I could see the flicker of respect in his gaze; he knew I wasn’t just all talk.
“Nice reflexes,” he said, a faint smirk creeping onto his lips. “But it’s not just about speed; it’s about control too. Can you maintain your focus when it matters most?”
I pulled the dagger from my mouth, twirling it expertly in my hand. “Let’s find out,” I replied, a teasing spark igniting my competitive spirit.
With that, I launched myself forward, the dagger flashing in the dim light as I aimed for him, each move a blend of precision and strategy. This was more than just practice; it was a dance of life and death.
Azune was ready for me as he cracked his neck and settled into his stance. What he didn’t anticipate, though, was that at the last moment, I dropped down, slipping right between his legs. In one swift move, I climbed onto his back, throwing my entire weight into a twisting maneuver that pulled him down to the ground.
As we rolled, I landed on top with my dagger pressed firmly against his throat. I felt a surge of triumph, but it was short-lived. To my surprise, he had his own dagger aimed right at my carotid artery, while the other was poised dangerously close to the soft flesh beneath my ribcage.
Looking up at me, he wore a smirk that sent a rush of adrenaline through my veins. Then, to my utter astonishment, he pushed against my blade and leaned in to kiss me. His lips brushed mine as he bit my bottom lip gently, tugging teasingly.
I refused to give an inch, keeping my weapon exactly where it was, determined to ignore the fact that it was him beneath it. The tension hung thick in the air, a wicked blend of danger and desire. In that moment, everything else faded away, leaving just the two of us locked in this precarious standoff.
Azune chuckled and rolled on top of me, his playful grin lighting up his face. "Alright, alright, I yield. Now then, go sit in the water of that stream. You will sit in it till noon, so embrace the chill of the subarctic glacier water." He tapped my nose with a teasing finger before sliding off me.
His lips trailed from the hollow of my neck down the crease of my breasts and across my stomach, sending a shiver through me as he navigated my hips. Standing up, he held his hand out to assist me in finding my feet.
"What about class?" I asked, already knowing I’d miss history and potions, which was kind of fine, except that I actually liked my history teacher.
"Classes can wait," he replied, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "Besides, you know you’ll absorb more from this experience than any lesson on dusty old parchment."
I chuckled despite myself, the thrill of defiance mingling with a hint of nervousness. The thought of sitting in icy water was daunting, but the adventure was undeniably tempting. Plus, there was something exhilarating about sneaking away from the routine of classes, if only for a moment.
As I took his hand, Azune helped me to stand and gave me a playful nudge toward the stream. "Go on, in to the water. builds stamina and endurance both are essential" he said sitting himself on a stump with a peice of wood with his dagger.
The icy water sliced through me, sending shockwaves of cold coursing from my feet up to my core. "I am not sitting in that!" I exclaimed, my teeth already chattering. A chill swept through my body, making it hard to focus.
Azune’s eyes met mine, and he smirked slightly, his tone teasing yet serious. "I mean, I could always take you up the trees and make you hang by your fingertips for hours if that helps. But the fall is pretty deadly. Fifty feet is no joke," he muttered.
Great. A fifty-foot fall or freezing cold water. Sounds fantastic.
Inside my head, Abraxis’s thoughts echoed with a soft clarity, the connection forged by the potion making his presence feel almost soothing this time. "It’s just endurance training, it’s necessary, Kiri," he said gently, grounding me in the chaos of my anxieties.
I took a deep breath, my resolve hardening as I stepped into the water. The icy daggers slid up my body with each step, the slick rocks beneath me threatening to tip me over at any moment. "Azune, the rocks are slippery!" I shouted, barely managing to stay upright.
I heard him chuckle from the shore, an amused and somewhat playful sound. "I know, I did this training with my own mentor. Well, with less playful steaminess, but still. Call it balance training and endurance. That current is no joke," he said, focusing back on his carving.
As I took another cautious step deeper into the frigid water, I could feel anxiety knotting in my stomach. Yet, there was something invigorating about facing this challenge. Each wave that hit me urged me to push forward, to prove that I could endure. As I fought the icy grip of the water, a flicker of determination sparked within me.
"Okay, I can do this," I whispered to myself, adjusting to the biting cold. Little by little, I felt my body start to adapt, the initial shock slowly melting away into something more manageable. It was still freezing, but I was steeled myself with every step.
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