Page 36 of Kingdoms of Tides and Twilight

Grayden nodded, glancing at Renya. “Exactly. My magic is too weak, and I hardly know anything about her magic. We haven't even really seen a physical manifestation of it since she came into her powers.”

Phillippe's brow crinkled. “Then how do you know she has them?”

Frustration welled up inside Renya. She was tired of being talked about as if she weren't present, as if her powers were some abstract concept to be debated. “Because I created a cave-in,” she interjected, her voice sharp with irritation as she crossed her arms defensively.

Phillippe's eyes widened, impressed. “I'm sorry for questioning you, Renya,” he said, his tone genuinely apologetic. “I'm just surprised, that's all. You bring us and our people hope. That's something new for us of late. We haven't had much hope at all, and here you are, powerful and a descendant of the Sun Realm. It's just...almost unbelievable.”

Renya felt her anger dissipate, replaced by a mix of understanding and frustration. She sighed, uncrossing her arms. “I understand. I'm just frustrated because I'm supposed to have these magical abilities but all I've managed to do is knock down a cave, and that was by accident.”

Phillippe's expression softened. “Don't worry, Queen Kalora can help you. She knows more about the origins of magic than any of us.” He patted her arm reassuringly. “You'll be pushing Grayden around with your magic soon enough. I can't wait for that day.”

“She'll be able to kick your ass too,” Grayden added, shooting Phillippe a pointed look.

“Now, now, boys,” Selenia interjected, her laughter cutting through the tension. “Let's not let Renya see how our family really is. She might leave us for good. I don't know why she stays with Lord Boring anyways.”

Grayden's lip twitched, a mischievous glint entering his eye. “It's the sex,” he deadpanned.

Selenia's eyes went wide with horror. “Oh my Gods! Grayden! That's disgusting! Why would you say that to me?”

“Maybe now you'll keep your mouth shut for a while,” he replied, looking entirely too pleased with himself for having finally bested his sister in their verbal sparring.

Selenia stomped away in mock outrage, Jurel following close behind as if tethered to her by an invisible string.

Renya looked up at Grayden, torn between the urge to scold him and the desire to laugh at the siblings' antics. Deciding to play along, she rose on her tiptoes to whisper hotly in his ear, “It's definitely the sex.”

Chapter Twenty

Selenia stood at the edge of the makeshift archery range, her breath coming out in small, visible puffs in the crisp mountain air. When Grayden had suggested that she learn archery, she had been incredibly excited.

She watched as Jurel demonstrated the proper stance for shooting, his muscular frame cutting an impressive figure against the backdrop of snow-capped peaks. Her heart fluttered in her chest, a mix of excitement and nervousness coursing through her veins.

“Are you ready to give it a try?” Jurel asked, turning to her with an encouraging smile that made her knees weak.

Selenia nodded eagerly, stepping forward to take the bow from him. As their hands brushed during the exchange, she felt a jolt of electricity run through her. Jurel's touch lingered for a moment longer than necessary, his dark eyes meeting hers with an intensity that made her breath catch.

“Remember,” he said, his voice low and husky, “keep your back straight and your shoulders relaxed.”

Selenia tried to focus on his instructions, but found herself distracted by his proximity as he moved behind her to adjust her stance. His hands on her shoulders were firm yet gentle, guiding her into the correct position. She could feel the heat radiating from his body, smell the earthy scent of leather and pine that clung to him.

“Like this?” she asked, her voice coming out breathier than she intended.

Jurel nodded approvingly. “That's it. Now, draw the string back to your cheek.”

Selenia followed his instructions, feeling the strain in her arms as she pulled the bowstring taut. Jurel's hand came up to steady her elbow, his touch sending shivers down her spine.

“Take a deep breath,” he murmured, his lips close to her ear. “Focus on your target, and when you're ready, release.”

Selenia tried to concentrate, but her mind was a whirlwind of conflicting thoughts and emotions. She let the arrow fly, watching with disappointment as it sailed wide of the target, disappearing into a nearby snowbank.

“That's alright,” Jurel said, his tone encouraging. “It takes practice. Let's try again.”

As they continued the lesson, Selenia found herself torn between the thrill of Jurel's attention and a nagging sense of unease. She couldn't shake the memory of his reaction when they first arrived at the camp, the way his face had fallen when he saw her. It was as if her presence was an unwelcome complication in his carefully ordered world.

“You're improving,” Jurel remarked as one of Selenia's arrows grazed the edge of the target. “You have a natural talent for this.”

Selenia beamed at the praise, her cheeks flushing with pride and exertion. “Do you think I could become as good as you someday?”

A shadow passed over Jurel's face, so quick Selenia almost missed it. “With enough practice, perhaps,” he said, his tone carefully neutral. “Though I hope you'll never need to use these skills in battle.”

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