—Violet Sorrengail's personal addendum to the Book of Brennan
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I couldn't shake off the feeling that this wasn't going to end well as I watched Xaden circle Violet on the mat. His eyes locked onto mine, and I tensed, my instincts screaming at me to intervene. "Don't worry so much, Emberlyn," he said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "I won't hurt her...much." The smirk that spread across his face sent a chill down my spine.
Xaden's gaze lingered on mine for a moment, as if daring me to step in, before he turned his attention back to Violet. His eyes seemed to bore into her, and I could sense her unease growing by the second. Violet's hands flexed into fists at her sides, but she didn't back down, her determination evident in the set of her jaw.
Professor Emetterio cleared his throat, oblivious to the undercurrents between Xaden and me. "Very well, let's begin. Remember, this is just a sparring exercise—"
But Xaden cut him off with a raised hand. "I think we're all aware of the rules, Professor." His tone was polite, but there was an edge to it that made my skin crawl.
Violet took a deep breath and assumed a fighting stance, her eyes fixed intently on Xaden. I could sense the tension building between them, and I knew that this was going to be a battle unlike any other.
As the sparring match began, Violet charged at Xaden with a fierce determination. But to my astonishment, Xaden simply stood still, his hands clasped over his chest, looking almost bored. My jaw clenched in outrage; how dare he display such nonchalance when my best friend was fighting for her life against him? The audacity emanating from him made me want to shatter his complacent facade.
Just as I was about to intervene, Sgaeyl'svoice whispered in my ear, making me jump. "Oh no, please don't do that. If you do, I'll make sure you don't bond." I managed to stifle my reaction before anyone noticed my startle.
I hissed at Sgaeyl , trying to keep my voice low. "You need to stop doing that." She snorted in response, the sound echoing in the walls of my mind.
"And why should I do that, pretty one? I'm just riling you up for my brother. He'll love you so hard you won't even know if it will be just the bond between dragon and rider or something so much deeper."
Her words sent a shiver down my spine as I watched Xaden and Violet continue their intense battle. The air was electric with tension, and I could sense the stakes growing higher by the minute.
As the final touches were applied to their work, Professor Emetterio nodded with a hint of satisfaction. "Well done, both of you," he commended, his voice carrying the weight of years spent in the pursuit of excellence.
Xaden rose with a languid grace, yielding the floor to Violet, who also stood, wincing slightly as she massaged her injured shoulder. Her gaze was fixed on Cade, who had been flirting shamelessly until his eyes met mine. A shiver of apprehension danced down my spine, prompted by the silent questions in his gaze. Was I skillful? Are you impressed with me? I allowed a small, knowing smile to play upon my lips. Why on earth should I be impressed by his restraint in not striking my best freind? I raised my eyebrow ever so slightly, speaking volumes without uttering a word. His dark eyes registered the rebuke, and with a curt nod, he departed the mat.
