𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐄𝐃 𝐓𝐇𝐑𝐎𝐍𝐄

Chapter 22

Kaida has been working up a sweat.

Maven and Yuri watch her prance around the simulation, she effortlessly dispatches of one hologram and goes onto the next, smoothly and seamlessly.

All kill shots.

At the end, Kaida checks her score. She was near perfect.

She unwraps the bandages on her wrist, which she only uses for extra support when she knows she's going to be flipping a knife or swinging a sword for extended periods of time.

Yuri keeps her distance from Maven as they stand side by side.

As Kaida's session winds down they both gravitate to her.

She is breathing deeply, a slight glaze to her brown skin.

"Kaida."

Maven greets, to which Yuri gives him an irritated glance before she bows and projects her voice for the whole training centre.

"Queen Kaida."

Kaida unzips the neck of her play suit and throws a nod to Yuri, looking past Maven.

There is no hint that last night ever happened.

They both act like strangers to each other.

"I thought we might try again. Using Yuri this time."

Maven stands with his hands behind his back and he cocks his head towards the ice bender.

Kaida looks him dead in the eyes.

"If you insist."

As they all venture outside, Yuri strides by Kaida's side and they let Maven walk ahead.

"You know I don't trust him. I never have and I never will. But I am in no position to lecture you. I trust you Kaida, and I can only follow."

Kaida listens as she stares lasers into the back of Maven's head. She remains silent just mulling over her own thoughts.

Eventually, they stop not far from the Haven manor.

There is a gap of space they occupy, in the cool shade.

The gap of sky above them is baby blue, and cotton white clouds drift by.

"I heard how Evangie was. Forget everything she told you. Look at me, Kaida."

Yuri instantly takes charge, and Maven is stunned but he leans his back against the hard bark of an oak tree and watches.

"You have my permission. Take from me. Use me!"

Yuri is suddenly overcome with passion and even Kaida is alarmed, it was not the usual cool Elson girl in front of them.

Yuri traces her arm up Kaida's.

"I need you to tap in. Mirror me."

"Erm, what?"

Kaida's face scrunches up and looks at Maven for help.

He just shrugs, enjoying what's happening.

"Tap into my power, then mirror my actions."

Kaida makes some indiscernible noise, still quite not understanding.

But she is met with no other explanation from either Yuri or Maven.

It was now or never. 

Kaida takes a deep breath in. Then decides she'll just go with the flow.

She closes her eyes and she sees dancing blue around Yuri. The aura was similar to that of Elara's and Kaida fuses herself with it.

She feels it float and drift in the currents between her and Yuri.