Page 49 of The Scars Within
“We just grew apart, I guess. We were best friends. You would never see one without the other. But as we were coming of age... he started making decisions I didn’t understand or agree with. And I… I couldn’t just stand by and watch him go down a road I knew would hurt him. But every time I tried to talk to him about it, it just pushed him further away. So I pulled back.”
His voice cracked, revealing the pain he had been holding back. “It’s like we’re strangers now, and I hate it. I miss him, Scar. I miss the brother I used to know. But I don’t know how to fix things between us.”
He turned his head to look at me again, his eyes were a mix of frustration and sadness. “It’s hard, you know? Feeling like you’ve lost someone who’s still right there. And the worst part is, I’m not even sure if he wants to be found. I haven’t felt ourmarekemin years.”
A million questions raced through my mind as I absorbed what Shayde had shared. Anyone who’s met Rhodes would immediately recognize the complexity in his presence. But what did Shayde mean about the different path and the choices that would hurt him? The uneasy tension that crackles whenever they’re in the same room suddenly made a lot more sense.
“I’m so sorry to hear that, Shayde,” I said softly as I looked up at the sky again. “I don’t have a sibling, but I always wished I did. I’ve heard that those with siblings sometimes wish they were only children, while only children wish for a sibling.” I raised my hand, laying it over his chest, and he intertwined his fingers with mine. “Having a sibling must be like having a built-in partner-in-crime. Someone to cause harmless trouble with, someone to argue with but still defend and protect no matter what. It breaks my heart to hear that about you and Rhodes.”
We lay beside each other in comfortable silence, the fire slowly dwindling into glowing embers. Between playful banter and a few more slow, lingering kisses, we both knew when it was time to call it a night.
Earlier, I’d been so anxious about spending time alone with Shayde—probably because my social anxiety tends to flare up around, well, anyone. But I’m glad I didn’t bail. It felt good to relax and let my guard down for once. And I got to meet Drithan, which was incredible. For the first time in… maybe ever, I wasn’t focused on just surviving. Tonight was about something more. It was about living.
Chapter 20
“Make sure to use the potty before we head down to the field—nobody wants to wet themselves in front of the entire college!” Laney called out as we were walking out of our dorm room.
“Way to make it awkward, Laney!” Tatum shushed her, rolling her eyes.
Realizing she had a point, I turned toward the bathing chamber door. “Meet you down there,” I said over my shoulder.
The second I entered the bathing chamber, I decided that wetting myself on the field would’ve been the better idea. Pehper was checking her appearance in the mirror as she locked eyes with me in the reflection. I ignored her deviant grin and entered a stall.
She was still standing at the sinks when I approached to wash my hands.
“Ah, my smile is so white and pretty,” she said in her demonic voice. I glanced over to see her leaning into a mirror now, admiring her teeth. She straightened, running her fingers through her long, shiny red hair that cascaded over her shoulders. “And my hair is so shiny! Don’t you think, Scar?” Pehper turned around, leaning against the counter as I dried my hands.
“You know, I think my toothpaste could brighten your yellow smile. Oh, and my bathing oils could definitely help your greasy roots! But, I mean… they are of high coin. You’re still using the toiletries provided by the college, right?” She laughed impertinently.
I tossed the washcloth onto the counter and turned on my heel.
She clicked her tongue. “You’re right. My toothpaste may not be strong enough to whiten your teeth. I can bring ya a golden wash bucket next time I go home, though. Wouldn’t that be lovely!”
My heels clicked on the stone floor, I pulled the door open.
“He just feels bad for you,” she said, dropping her voice to a hollow sound full of pity and condescension. “You’re not me.”
My skin heated. My fingertips burned.
I met her gaze, “Maybe that’s what he likes about me.”
Pehper’s face hardened. I let my words sink in for a moment before I left, flipping her off on my way out.
Due to its sheer scale, Arcane Battle Simulations takes up almost an entire day. It isn’t just a class—it is an all-encompassing spectacle involving the college as a whole. Cadets, professors, and even a military contingent will be present each week.
Dragon Valley is the only prominent outdoor location guarded enough to host the simulations. We had to undergo security precautions at the valley entrance, which bonded dragons of military personnel guard. Rugged mountains that encircle the valley provide natural fortification, making this the best location for grand events like today.
And soon, the Burn Trials.
The mere thought of the trials sends a shiver down my spine. I need to channel an element before the trials. If I don’t, I will be released from the war college. I have nothing to return to. No one is waiting for me with open arms. If I am considered mundane, I will have two options.
Start fresh again with nothing but the clothing on my back.
Or submit myself into the Burn Trials for a chance of being a late-blooming fire elemental.
The first-year professors gathered us and explained how Arcane Battle Simulations would work. We’ll be randomly divided into groups of five, and each group will ‘battle’ another group in front of the entire crowd. We are allowed to use our elements but are strictly forbidden from causing serious harm to one another.
Each of us will wear a white leather belt with small red flags attached to each hip. Our objective is simple: remove a flag from each of our opponents. The team that captures all five flags will win the battle—and earn visitation leave for the weekend. Which I obviously don’t need because I have no one to go home to. But that doesn’t mean I won’t put up a fight.
