Page 16 of Fated for Flames

Cute puppy.

Overly energetic puppy.

“Want to try again?” he asked, still grinning.

“No, puppy, I don’t.” Then I realized I’d said that out loud.

His smile widened, becoming blinding.

“Do you have a nickname for me, little witch?”

I groaned. “No.”

“Yes, you do. I love it, by the way.”

Just then, Professor Tamsin blew her whistle, signaling the beginning of class and for us to start our laps.

Chad was practically radiating with smugness.

13

Evelyn

The weekend arrived, and since I was known as an introvert, my desire for some space wasn’t seen as out of the ordinary. I chose to focus on my training, turning down invitations to socialize.

The school tasks and projects were easy, considering I had completed them all the previous year, except for Potions.

Ugh! I might have to ask Adrien to tutor me.

Professor Lucien had asked me to visit his office on Sunday, so I was eager to learn more about the elixir and the binding of my magic.

With no time to waste, I quickly dressed in my leggings, a loose T-shirt, a hoodie, and worn-out running shoes, and headed out into the crisp six-a.m. air.

The academy grounds were quiet and serene, with most students taking advantage of the weekend to sleep in. As Ineared the training field, I spotted the adorable puppy waiting for me.

Chad greeted me with his trademark smile, somehow as radiant as ever, despite the early hour.

“Ready to get sweaty, little witch?” he asked.

I couldn’t help but roll my eyes at his enthusiasm.

For the next three hours, Chad set a crazy pace, leaving me gasping for breath. We alternated between running laps and doing various bodyweight exercises: push-ups, squats, and lunges, which left my muscles trembling.

“Come on, little witch,” he encouraged me. “You’re stronger than that.”

We did a few hundred rounds of blocking, but even his infectious positivism couldn’t ward off exhaustion forever. My legs gave out beneath me during a defense maneuver, and I stayed there, spread-eagle on the grass.

“I can’t…move,” I groaned into the dirt. My entire body throbbed; every muscle screamed in protest.

Chad laughed from somewhere above me.

“All right,” he said. “We’ll call it a day.”

Despite my exhaustion, I felt a spark of accomplishment burning within me. I had never pushed myself this hard physically, and it felt…good. Satisfying.

It reminded me that I was more than just a witch; I was a fighter.

As I lay there in the grass, panting and covered in sweat, I made a silent vow to myself. No matter what it took, no matter how many early mornings or grueling workouts, I would get stronger.

---