Forbidden Mate Legacy

The dining hall was already bustling when Amelia arrived with Serah and Marcus. Students filled the long tables, some discussing the upcoming trials, others engaged in meaningless chatter. Amelia spotted Eryk and Rael seated near the center, Rael gesturing wildly as he spoke.

Her eyes landed on Kael. he sat at the far end of the table, flanked by his Demon friends. And of course Velora. Who was already at the table, sitting a little too close to Kael. she leaned in, whispering something with a coy smile. Kael barely reacted. Merely acknowledging her words with a nod before returning his attention to his meal.

Serah muttered under her breath, her grip on her goblet tightening. "She's insufferable."

Amelia had to agree. She had no patience for Velora's games, not today. She focused on her plate, determined not to let the witch get under her skin. But fate had other plans.

As if summoned, Velora's voice rang out. "Amelia," she said softly, her tone almost too sweet. "You seem distracted this morning."

Amelia looked up, meeting Velora's calculating gaze. The entire table fell silent, waiting for a response.

"I slept fine, if that's what you're asking," Amelia replied, keeping her voice neutral.

Velora's lips curled into a smirk. "Ah, I wasn't asking about your sleep. Just… wondering if you were upset about something." she flickered toward Kael before returning to Amelia.

Amelia refused to take the bait. "Not at all."

Rael, sensing an opportunity for entertainment, leaned forward with a grin. "Now, now, ladies, let's not start the morning with a duel of words."

Serah scoffed. "I'd rather have a real duel."

Kael finally spoke, his voice cutting through the tension. "Enough!"

The table was still. Kael's expression was unreadable.

Velora let out a small laugh. "Of course, Your Highness." she leaned back in her seat, satisfied.

Amelia clenched her fists and left the table without finishing her breakfast.

******

After breakfast, the students were gathered in the grand training hall, where today's challenge would take place. Unlike the previous combat tests, this one was different.

The Academy's instructors stood at the front, their expressions severe. One of them, a stern-looking human, stepped forward.

"Today's trial is not one of strength, but of strategy," he announced. "Diplomacy and alliances are as crucial as the ability to wield a sword."

The students murmured among themselves.

The instructor continued, "You will be split into groups, each representing a faction. Your goal is simple–secure resources, negotiate with your allies, and outmaneuver your opponents. But be warned–betrayal is always an option."

The challenge was set.

Amelia found herself in a team with Serah, Marcus, and other two students. Across the hall, she caught sight of Kael, who had been placed in a different group. Raenar, of course, was leading another group.

And Velora… She had been placed in Kael's group.

Amelia's fists clenched involuntarily.

The trial began.

Each team was given a set of limited resources and objectives. Amelia's group needed to secure supplies from another faction, but doing so required negotiation.

She stepped forward to handle the discussion, but her opponent was ruthless. The opposing group, led by a cunning fae, refuses to budge.

Serah was growing impatient. "We should just take what we need," she whispered.

Amelia shook her head. "That'll turn every faction against us. We need to outthink them."

Across the room, she noticed Kael watching her. He wasn't interfering, merely observing. But there was something in his stance that told her he was testing her–watching to see how she handled the situation.

Fine. she would prove herself.

Amelia shifted tactics. Instead of demanding, she offered something in return–protection. Her group had stronger warriors, and the faes faction was vulnerable. It was a risk, but it paid off.

The deal was struck.

As the trial continued, alliances formed and crumbled. Betrayals occur. Raenar orchestrated a brilliant deception, only to be outmaneuvered by Kael.

By the end of the trial, Amelia's group had done well, securing their objectives without unnecessary bloodshed.

As the students dispersed, she found herself walking alone through the corridors. She needed air, a moment to breathe.

"Impressive."

She turned sharply. Kael stood a few feet away, arms crossed. His grey eyes studied her with quiet interest.

"You were watching," she noted.

"I was." He took a step closer. "You handled yourself well."

Amelia tilted her head. "Is that a compliment?"

Kael smirked. "An observation."

She rolled her eyes. "And here I thought you might actually be nice for once."

He chuckled, low and rich. "Don't get used to it."

For a moment, neither of them spoke. The weight of their kingdoms still stood between them, but here, in the quiet of the corridor, they were just Kael and Amelia.

Finally, he broke the silence. "Velora is dangerous."

Amelia frowned. "I figured as much."

"Be careful around her, she plays a long game." he said, his tone unreadable.

Amelia met his gaze. "I can handle her."

Kael studied her for a moment, then nodded. "I don't doubt you. Little flame." 

Then walk away.