The training grounds had emptied. The sounds of fluttering wings and children’s laughter had faded, leaving behind a serene stillness. The only ones left were Freya, Rion, and Bea.
Freya, still suspended in Rion’s arms, could hardly breathe. Her heart pounded so hard she swore he could hear it. His grip on her waist was firm, steadying her, while her hands instinctively clutched his shoulders, anchoring herself against him.
And then, Bea’s voice broke through the silence.
“Well, I suppose the best flier in all of Everon will teach you now, Freya,” she teased, grinning as she made her swift escape.
“Bea—wait—” Freya tried, but it was too late.
Bea was gone.
And then it was just the two of them.
Freya swallowed. The training grounds felt bigger, emptier, and the absence of others made
