ASHEN WINGS

Chapter 3: Flames and Whispers

The following morning dawns bright and clear, the sun spilling golden light across the training grounds. I wake early, heart racing as the events of yesterday replay in my mind. The thrill of the flight, the moment I faced the storm, and my conversation with Kael—all of it lingers like the taste of fire in my mouth. I can't shake the feeling that something has shifted within me, igniting a spark of confidence I never knew I possessed.

After a quick breakfast, I head to the stables, eager to spend time with Blaze. The drake greets me with a rumble, his warm breath washing over me as I approach. I run my fingers over his scales, feeling the pulse of magic beneath my touch. "Are you ready for more training today?" I ask, though I know he'll respond with a fiery enthusiasm.

As I work on brushing him down, the morning air fills with the sounds of laughter and shouts from the training grounds. I steal glances at the other students, their camaraderie evident as they prepare for the day's drills. A knot of unease settles in my stomach. The thought of competing with them still feels overwhelming, and I can't help but feel like an outsider peering in.

"Aria!" Seraphine calls, appearing at the entrance of the stable with a wide grin. "Come on! We're doing aerial formations today. You need to show off those skills from yesterday!"

I chuckle, but the tension in my chest doesn't ease. "I'm not sure if yesterday was a skill or just luck," I reply, shaking my head.

"Luck is part of it, but you've got the talent," she insists, nudging me forward. "Besides, I heard Kael is doing his own drills today. He might need your help again."

The mention of Kael sends a rush of warmth through me, an unexpected flutter that dances in my stomach. "Help?" I echo, raising an eyebrow. "He's the prince, Seraphine. He probably has an entire squad of elite riders at his disposal."

Seraphine rolls her eyes. "Oh, please. He's just a guy, Aria. A handsome, brooding guy who needs a good partner. You could be that partner."

I feel my cheeks heat at her teasing, and I quickly change the subject. "Let's just focus on my training, okay? I want to prove I can keep up."

"Fine, but I'm holding you to that later," she smirks.

Together, we head to the training field, where the air is thick with anticipation. As I stretch my muscles, I spot Kael in the distance, standing beside Tempest. His dark hair catches the light, and he looks impossibly strong, his physique honed from years of training. The sight sends a rush of heat through me, and I shake my head, trying to focus.

"Just don't forget to breathe," Seraphine whispers, nudging me with her elbow. "He's just a person, remember?"

"Right," I murmur, but my heart races faster at the thought of him.

As the drills begin, I find my rhythm, manoeuvring Blaze through the air with newfound confidence. The thrill of flight pulses through me, the wind rushing past my face as I weave through the formations. Every time I glance at Kael, he's focused, his eyes sharp as he guides Tempest with an expert hand.

"Aria, let's pair up!" he calls out during a brief break, his voice cutting through the chatter of the others. My breath catches, and I nod, pushing down the warmth creeping into my cheeks.

We take to the sky together, soaring side by side. The world below becomes a blur as we fly higher, and I feel the exhilaration of being in the air, free and alive. "Nice moves, Nightingale!" Kael shouts, his voice filled with approval.

"Thanks! You're not so bad yourself!" I reply, feeling bold.

We practice several maneuvers, and with each pass, the chemistry between us intensifies. As we glide, I can't help but steal glances at him, the way he commands Tempest with ease, the muscles in his arms flexing as he navigates the currents. It's mesmerizing.