Everyone had left the training ground, the air finally quiet except for the distant rustle of leaves. I let out a long breath, thinking I could finally gather myself, stretch my sore muscles, and maybe… finally rest.
"Stay."
The word hit me like a whip. My head snapped up. Kaelen stood there, silent, watching me with those golden eyes that could see right through me. My stomach tightened, my pulse spiking.
And then… I heard him.
In my mind.
I froze, eyes wide. How… how was he doing that?
"Your mouth is wide open," he teased softly in my head. "You might want to close it."
I blinked, then quickly shut my mouth, my cheeks burning. My thoughts were tumbling, confused, panicked, and somehow… strangely thrilled.
"I know you're confused," he said. With time you understa
