Rafael's Eclipse

Chapter 2 - Forgotten

X Y R A N I A   V A L T A I R

two years + a month ago

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Dust floated in the air, catching the fading afternoon light as I watched Quincy circle me, her movements cautious, eyes sharp with determination. 

I could feel the sweat trickling down my forehead, but I stayed focused, reading every subtle shift in her stance. I widened my own, lifting my fists slightly, giving her a quick nod to signal I was ready.

"Come on," I said, letting a smirk slip through. "I know you've got more in you."

Her eyes narrowed as she lunged forward, fast and precise. I sidestepped, but her follow-up swing nearly caught me. I felt a flicker of pride. She was getting better, even if she didn't realize it yet.

But it still wasn't enough. I swept low, catching her by surprise and pulling her footing from under her. She hit the ground with a thud, her frustrated groan only making me chuckle. I extended a hand down to her, "Again."

Quincy took my hand, pulling herself up with a tired scowl. "Are you sure you're not trying to kill me?"

I let out a low laugh.

Like every day, we continued until the sun dipped low and cast shadows across the field. "We're done." Quincy dropped to her knees, panting hard, eyes flashing between exhaustion and relief.

"You turn into a tyrant every time you train me," she huffed once she had caught her breath again. She looked battered, but I was sure I looked like she had done a number on me, too.

My voice was quiet as I answered. "I need you to be able to fight back one day if I'm not there for you." I hated that my gut feeling kept telling me there would be a day like that.

She pouted at me. "I know you are-"

"Is this what you call training?" My sister got cut off before she could finish her sentence.

I let out a slow breath, forcing down the irritation building in my chest. "Felorian," I greeted tiredly, meeting his gaze with barely concealed exasperation.

"There can't possibly be a reason why you, out of all people, get to train our future alpha."

Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed my sister starting to say something. I shook my head at her subtly. I'd dealt with enough of Felorian's endless commentary on the training grounds on the daily. He was always testing my patience as if I had any left to spare.

"Do you want to find out why I'm the one training her and not you?" I asked, voice low, a challenge clear in my tone.

Felorian's eyes gleamed as he nodded, his smirk deepening. I could see Quincy's eyes widening from beside me. But just as I was about to teach him a lesson he wouldn't forget, my father's voice cut through our bond like a cold blade.

"Enough," his voice commanded. "Do you want to expose who you are? What are you thinking? Send Quincy back, and get home before it gets dark."

I froze, looking around the empty clearing, feeling a chill spread up my spine. No one was nearby—there was no way my father could have overheard.

My gaze snapped back to Felorian. His smug grin was stretched from ear to ear, and he practically glowed with satisfaction.

"Reporting back to the alpha because you're scared I'll hurt you?" I taunted. He glared at me, taking a step closer. But this time, Quincy was quick to pull me away.