Shadows of Change (Arcanum Academy #1)

51. Kaia

Training with Aspen is like stepping from fire into cool water. His movements are deliberate, every strike and parry executed with an almost meditative precision. Where Torric's energy is overwhelming, Aspen's is steady, his presence radiating calm assurance that makes it easier to focus and breathe. He moves with fluid grace, each strike precise and measured. When he corrects my form, his touch is gentle but sure.

"You're still tense from sparring with my brother," he observes, demonstrating a defensive move. "Here, like this."

He guides me through the sequence slowly, his chest barely brushing my back as he shows me the proper stance. Where Torric burns, Aspen soothes. His presence is calming, grounding.

"Better," he says softly, and his approval sends an unexpected warmth through me. "Now try it again, but trust your instincts this time."

We fall into a smooth rhythm, blades dancing between us. Aspen moves like he's reading my intentions before I make them, always exactly where he needs to be. When our blades lock, bringing us face to face, I notice flecks of darker blue in his eyes.

"You're holding back," he says quietly, his gaze searching mine. "Why?"

The question catches me off guard. "I'm not—"

"You are." His free hand touches my chin briefly, tilting my face up. "You're afraid of your own power."

His voice drops lower, rougher, sending a shiver down my spine that has nothing to do with magic. Before I can respond, he steps back, twirling his blade in a defensive pattern. "Again," he says. "But this time, trust yourself."

“Next!” Thorne’s voice hammers through the noise of the students sparring.

When Finn becomes my partner, the energy shifts completely. He bounces on his feet, grinning that infectious grin that always makes me want to smile back.

"Ready to see some real magic, Trouble?" he asks, summoning his chaos magic in swirling patterns.

"Is that what you're calling it now?" I tease, but I'm already moving, shadows ready.

Training with Finn is unpredictable and exhilarating. His chaos magic keeps me on my toes, never knowing what to expect. One moment he's creating miniature fireworks, the next he's conjuring random objects to throw in my path.

"That's cheating!" I laugh as I dodge a suddenly appearing rubber duck.

"Creative problem solving," he corrects, green eyes sparkling. "Duck!"

"Very funny—" I start, but then realize he means it literally as one of his spells goes wild. He tackles me out of the way, and we hit the ground rolling.

We end up with him hovering over me, both breathing hard. The weight of him above me is grounding, yet electric, sending a rush of awareness through my body. The air feels charged, like something unspoken lingers between us, waiting to be acknowledged. His freckles stand out against his flushed skin, and there's something in his eyes I've never seen before—something that makes my breath catch.

"You okay?" he asks, voice uncharacteristically soft.

"Yeah," I manage, very aware of everywhere our bodies touch. "Thanks for the save."

His thumb brushes my cheek. "Anytime, Kaia," he says, using my actual name for once. The moment stretches, charged with possibility. His gaze flickers between my lips and meeting my eyes and I’m not sure I’ve ever wanted anything more than for Finn to close the distance between us.

But I see something on the edge of my vision. When I turn my head, Finn does too only to notice Malrik watching us, his silver eyes intense. Something passes between him and Finn—a look I can't quite interpret. My shadows ripple in response, sensing undercurrents I don't understand.

The rest of training passes in a blur of magic and motion. The warmth of Torric's hands, the steady assurance of Aspen's guidance, and the way Finn's eyes lingered on me stay with me, an intoxicating mix of comfort and disarray that I can’t quite shake.

And through it all, Malrik watches from the shadows, his gaze heavy with secrets that ripple like an invitation to uncover something hidden and dangerous. The weight of his stare feels like a challenge—daring me to understand the depths he keeps concealed, even as I’m not sure I want to know. His eyes hold a quiet intensity, an unyielding question that tugs at something deep inside me—truths about the shadows, about him, and perhaps even about myself. I fear what they’ll reveal, but honestly I need to know, and I need to know yesterday.