Page 17 of Fated for Dawn

As I avoided Adrien’s gaze, I hesitated before answering.

“I’m not sure,” I finally said. “There’s just too much going on right now. Dealing with the coven isn’t exactly my top priority when there’s a goddess to stop and detach from Lia’s body.”

Adrien nodded in agreement. “I get it. No pressure. So what’s our plan, then?” His familiar, determined look returned as his eyes narrowed.

“Yeah! You must have some kind of plan, right?” Raven asked.

I let out a humorless laugh. “Honestly, I don’t even know what day it is.” I sighed and continued, “But I have a suggestion that may help all of us, although you may not like it.”

“Anything,” they answered in unison.

With a smile, I leaned forward and shared my idea. “I think we should all take tactical defense classes together.”

* * *

After some convincing, Adrien, Raven, and Ruby agreed to skip their usual class and join me for tactical defense. Although Felix, Aurora, and Maggie had chosen not to participate, my excitement grew as we approached the training field.

I loved this class.

By the time Chad bounded over, his grin wide and infectious, I was practically buzzing. Beside him was what I could only describe as his clone—same sandy waves of hair, same cocky smile that screamed trouble on two legs.

“Hey guys! Ready to kick some butt? Meet my little bro, Thad.” Chad’s grin widened, pride radiating off him.

‘Little’ was a bit of a stretch—they could’ve been twins if you didn’t squint too hard.

“Pleasure’s all mine,” Thad drawled, giving me a slow once-over. “Gotta say, you’re pretty easy on the eyes.”

“Watch it, bud.” Chad flicked Thad’s ear so fast I almost missed it. “She’s taken.”

Before things could go any further, the sharp blast of a whistle cut through the air. Instructor Tamsin had arrived, her presence commanding immediate attention. She nodded, an acknowledgment that felt like a silent pat on the back.

“Evelyn, good to have you back among the living,” she said.

“Thanks, Professor.” Being back here felt good like things were back to normal…almost.

She turned to address the newcomers. “You all know there’s only a few months of school left, so I can’t credit you for joining this late. And you’ll have to clear this with your advisors, but you’re welcome to participate for now.”

Adrien nodded, serious as ever. “We’re here to improve ourselves, not for credit.”

Tamsin gave a tight nod before scanning the field in front of us.

Viper approached with a confident swagger, his body tense and his eyes filled with open disapproval as he focused on us. “Why are we allowing more witches into this class?” he sneered, dripping with disdain.

“Aww, Viper. Afraid of getting your butt kicked again?” I taunted, giving him a smirk.

Before he could respond, Ruby stepped forward, her eyes gleaming with what could only be described as pure desire. “Oh wow, you’re just so big,” she purred, letting her gaze linger onhim. “Do you, like, bench-press mountains or something?” she continued, flashing him her best smile.

Viper blinked at her, caught off guard. “Excuse me?”

“Can I touch your muscles?”

I barely suppressed a snort.

Viper’s gaze slithered over her, disdainful and dismissive, like she wasn’t worth his time. “No, you can’t touch my muscles, witch,” he sneered.

Ruby wasn’t deterred in the slightest. As he walked away, she followed, completely unfazed.

“Why are you following me?” he hissed, his annoyance clear.

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