moonlit captive

Episode 12

The next morning dawned grey, the sky heavy with clouds. The students gathered once again on the training fields, but the atmosphere was different, thicker, sharper. Whispers rippled through the rows, Lord Kane and Lady Valtira were watching again today.

From the elevated balcony, the three figures sat like royalty on thrones of iron. Lord Kane, broad and unreadable, Lady Valtira, elegant and poised, and between them, Casper, leaning forward with a smile that didn’t reach his eyes.

Austin felt that smile burning into his back long before the day began.

“Something’s coming,” Gina whispered to him as they lined up in formation. Her voice was low, but her hand brushed his for the briefest second. “Stay alert.”

Austin gave a small nod. He didn’t need to be told twice.

The drills began as usual. Horse stance. Punches in rhythm. Kicks in perfect unison. But Casper’s voice suddenly rang out, cutting across the instructor’s commands.

“Father,” Casper said, loud enough for all to hear. “Yesterday’s sparring was entertaining. But I think we should test something more… serious.”

Lord Kane’s cold eyes shifted toward his son. “What do you suggest?”

Casper rose, his cloak sweeping dramatically as he gestured toward Austin.

“Him. The boy who thinks he can fight above his station.”

A murmur rippled through the students. Ethan stiffened, Ashly swore under her breath, and Gina’s jaw clenched.

“Casper…” Lady Valtira’s voice was silk, calm but edged. “Do not waste our time with petty grudges. Surely your talents are better spent challenging someone worthy?”

But Casper only smiled sweetly at his mother, bowing mockingly. “Of course, Mother. I only wish to educate him. If he survives, perhaps he deserves to stay.”

Lord Kane chuckled low. “Very well. Let us see the boy’s worth.”

Austin was shoved into the ring before he could protest. His opponent was announced: not David this time, but Casper himself.

The crowd hushed. To fight Casper, the heir of Kane’s bloodline, was not training. It was humiliation, designed to break him.

“Try not to embarrass yourself,” Casper murmured as they circled. His wooden sword gleamed where the light struck it. “I’d hate for Gina to weep when I crush you.”

Austin’s blood boiled, but he forced his stance steady.

“Fight!” the instructor barked.

Casper struck first, fast and brutal. Austin barely blocked, the impact jolting through his arms. The next blow came quicker, Casper’s skill was undeniable, polished by years of private training and the arrogance of a prince who never feared defeat.

The crowd shouted with every clash. Austin stumbled, regained his footing, ducked beneath a vicious swing.

From the stands, David cheered Casper on. “Finish him, Cas!”

But Austin remembered Ethan’s advice, Gina’s lessons, the drills hammered into his muscles. He stopped reacting. He began anticipating.

Casper lunged high, Austin ducked low. Casper swept left, Austin pivoted right. With a sudden surge, Austin countered, his strike knocking Casper’s sword from his hand.

Gasps filled the air. Casper froze, staring at his empty grip, disbelief etched across his face.

Then his smirk returned, colder.

“Well done,” he whispered. Then, with a blur of movement, his fist slammed into Austin’s ribs.

Austin staggered, pain ripping through his side. The match was over, Casper had cheated, striking bare-handed after disarmament. The instructor opened his mouth to intervene…

But Lord Kane’s voice silenced him.

“Let it stand.”

Casper raised his chin, victorious, while Austin coughed, clutching his side.

Lady Valtira’s gaze lingered on the boy as he struggled to rise. Her expression was unreadable, neither pleased nor cruel, but something in between.

…

That night, Austin met Gina beneath the oak once more. His ribs still ached, but her touch, gentle, lingering, was balm.

“He cheated,” she whispered, fury blazing in her eyes. “He couldn’t beat you clean, so he broke the rules.”

Austin grimaced. “And Kane let it stand. Which means I’ll always lose, no matter how hard I fight.”

“Not always.” Gina’s voice softened. “You disarmed him. You. He’ll never forget that. Neither will I.”

Their eyes met, hearts pounding in the silence of forbidden closeness. She reached up, brushing his hair back from his bruised face.

For a heartbeat, they leaned into each other. But before their lips could meet, footsteps crunched on the gravel.

They tore apart just in time, standing like teammates sharing strategy.

Lady Valtira stepped from the shadows, her gown whispering across the stones.

“You hide your bond poorly,” she said softly, her eyes narrowing. “Be careful. The walls here have ears… and my son has sharper teeth than you realize.”

Then she glided away, leaving Austin and Gina frozen, their secret hanging by a thread.