Shadows of Change (Arcanum Academy #1)

34. Aspen

I find Torric exactly where I expect him – methodically destroying practice dummies in the outdoor arena. Heat shimmers around him, his rune glowing like molten gold, pulsing with his barely-contained storm. It’s not just power—it’s a glimpse into the chaos inside. My brother has never been subtle about his emotions, but this display seems excessive even for him.

"That's the fourth dummy this week," I say, leaning against the wall as my rune cools the stone. "At this rate, they'll bill you for replacements"

Torric doesn't turn, but his shoulders tense. "Not now, Aspen."

"Our trials start in an hour." I keep my voice steady, watching steam rise where his sweat hits the ground. "And you're out here trying to burn down the academy."

He whirls to face me, golden eyes literally blazing. "What do you want me to say? That you were right about Darian? That we should have seen this coming?"

"I want you to breathe," I say calmly. "Before you set the entire arena on fire. Again."

A growl rumbles from his chest, but I see him struggling to control his breathing. After a moment, the temperature drops slightly. Progress.

"Kaia's walking into a trap," he growls, his voice raw. "We all know it, but we’re doing nothing." Flames lick at his clenched fists, and for a moment, I think he might ignite. "Every instinct I have is screaming at me to stop this before it's too late, but we just keep standing here like there’s nothing we can do."

"Probably," I agree. "But we'll be there this time."

The temperature spikes again as another dummy bursts into flames. "Will we? Or will we just stand by like we did with—" His voice breaks off, but I don’t need him to finish. Elena. The sister we couldn’t save, the shadow haunting his rage.

I let out a slow breath, frost crystallizing in the air. "This is different."

"Is it?" His laugh is harsh. "Because from where I'm standing, we're about to watch someone else we care about walk straight into danger while we do nothing."

The words sting, but I maintain my composure. "And your solution is what, exactly? To burn everything in sight?"

For a moment, I think he might actually attack me. His rune flares brighter, and I feel my own power rise in response. But then his shoulders slump, the fight draining out of him.

"I can't lose anyone else," he says quietly. "Not like that. Not again."

And there it is – the real reason behind his rage. Not just Kaia, but everything we couldn't prevent before. Everyone we couldn't save.

"I know," I say softly. "But this time is different. We're stronger now. All of us."

I watch my brother pace, his footsteps leaving scorch marks on the stone, each mark a reminder of the fire he’s holding back. It’s as if his emotions are too fierce to be contained, spilling out in small, destructive bursts that mirror the turmoil inside him. Around us, the academy is in full swing, an undercurrent of tension spreading as students prepare for the trials. But here in our bubble of steam and frost, time seems suspended.

"Your rune only flares like that when you're trying to ignore something else," I say carefully. "Or someone."

Torric stills. "Don't."

"The way you look at her during training—"

"And you?" he presses, cutting me off. "Always calm, always steady—the one she can lean on. At least I’m honest about how I feel. You? You’re all control and no courage."

Now I want to set something on fire. "We're not having this conversation."

"Aren't we?" His voice softens. "You're falling for her too."

The accusation hangs in the air between us. I could deny it, maintain that careful distance I've cultivated. But we've never lied to each other, not about anything that matters.

"Yes," I admit finally. "But it doesn't change anything. The trials come first. Her safety comes first."

Torric laughs, but it's gentler now. "Brother, when has anything about Kaia ever been simple?"

I can't help but smile at that. He's right, of course. From the moment she arrived with her shadows and her secrets, nothing has been straightforward.

"What are we going to do?" he asks, and for a moment he sounds young again, uncertain.

"What we've always done," I reply. "We protect her. Together."

Above us, storm clouds gather as the trial hour approaches. I feel the weight of what's coming settle around us like a shroud. But this time, we're ready. This time, we won't stand by and watch.

Torric extinguishes the last dummy, the flames snuffing out with a hiss. “Together,” he says, his voice steadier now. As we head toward the arena, the storm clouds overhead seem to mirror my thoughts. I pray we’re strong enough for what’s coming—and that this time, we don’t fail.