Forbidden Mate Legacy

"Are you just going to stand there or do you actually plan to attack?"

Amelia scoffed. "I was wondering if your skills match your arrogance."

Kael chuckled. "Why don't you find out?"

Without warning, she lunged forward, her sword slicing through the air. Kael dodged easily, stepping aside with infuriating grace. Before she could regain her footing, he moved behind her, his breath warm against her ear.

"You're too predictable," he murmured, barely above a whisper.

Amelia spun around, swinging her sword with more force. This time, the swords met, the impact sending vibration up her arms. She pushed against him, trying to break through his defense, but he held steady, his grey eyes locked onto her blue ones with a more suffocating stare.

"Getting frustrated already?" he taunted. "You should pace yourself. We wouldn't want you collapsing in my arms, would we?"

Amelia's grip tightened. "In your dreams."

With a swift movement, she twisted her wrist, attempting to disarm him, but he countered with equal skill. Their sparring turned into a dance–blades clashing, feet moving in perfect sync, neither willing to back down.

"You're not bad," Kael admitted, his voice low. "for a Human."

Amelia raised an eyebrow. " And you're not as insufferable as I thought. For a Demon."

Kael smirked. "Careful, Little flame. That almost sounded like a complement."

She rolled her eyes and struck again. He dodged, but this time, she anticipated his movement. Her sword sliced through the fabric of his pants, barely missing his skin. Kael glanced down at torn on his pants and then back at her, a slow, amused grin spreading across his face.

"Impressive," he admitted. "I might actually have to take you seriously."

Amelia smirked. "Took you long enough."

Kael stepped closer, their swords crossed between them, their faces merely inches apart. The air was charged, the tension thick. Amelia felt her heart hammering, but she refused to look away.

"You fight well," Kael said, his voice softer now. "But you're still holding back."

She frowned. "What are you talking about?"

"Did you forget you have the wolf bloodline, it's very powerful." his gaze flickered to her lips before meeting her eyes again. "You should embrace it."

Amelia swallowed hard, her breath uneven. She didn't know how to activate or use that thing, she was as clueless as a newborn. "And why would I take advice from you?"

Kael's smirk returned. "Because, Little flame, I never lose."

With that, he twisted his sword, knocking hers from her grip. It clattered to the ground, and in a blink, he had pinned her against a wooden post, his body dangerously close to hers, his chest rose and fall rapidly.

For a moment, neither of them spoke. The only sound was their breath mingling. Amelia's chest rose and fell quickly, her mind spinning. She hated how easily he got under her skin–hated how his proximity sent a thrill down her spine.

Kael did not release her immediately. His grip was firm, his eyes locked on her parted lips. The tension between them was like the air before a storm.

"You're getting better," he murmured.

Amelia swallowed. "Not good enough."

"Not yet," he corrected. His fingers brushed against her wrist before he finally let go. Amelia stepped back, her heart pounding for reasons that had nothing to do with the fight.

Kael turned away, retrieving his shirt and wearing it. "Rest while you can, Little flame. Trials aren't over.

As she left the private training hall, she knew one thing for certain–Kael wasn't just a rival. He was something far more dangerous. 

He was inevitable. 

Perhaps a formidable enemy, if one day they clashed

Amelia trudged back to her room, her limbs aching from the intense sparring session with Kael. Every muscle in her body protested with each step, reminding her of how relentless he had been. The memory of their duel played in her mind–like sharp smirks, the way his movements flowed like liquid, and the maddening way he taunted her in that smooth, controlled voice.

"Infuriating Demon," she muttered under her breath as she pushed open the door to her room.

The moment she stepped inside, the weight of exhaustion fully settled on her shoulders. After preparing a large tub of steaming water and everything she needed. She peeled off her damp clothes, sighing in relief as the cool air kissed her heated skin. The lingering scent of sweat and earth from the training ground clung to her, making her grimace. Without hesitation, she made her way to the bathtub.

Sinking into the warmth, Amelia exhaled deeply, letting the heat soothe her sore muscles. The tension in her shoulders melted away, and for the first time that day, she felt at peace. She reached for the jasmine–scented oil, pouring a few drops into the water. The floral aroma filled the air, mixing with the steam.

She took her time, gently massaging her scalp as she washed her hair, feeling the strands loosen from sweat and dust. The rhythmic motions lulled her into a daze, and by the time she stepped out, her body felt lighter, her mind hazy with exhaustion.

Dressed in a soft nightgown, she collapsed onto the bed, barely managing to pull the cover over herself before sleep claimed her.