Julius
The Academy hallway felt like it was still vibrating from that f*****g disaster of a sparring session.
My ribs burned where she’d clocked me. It was a solid, clean shot that had knocked the wind out of my lungs.
I walked toward the exit, my boots heavy on the marble. My knuckles ached, and my temper was a jagged, raw thing beneath my skin.
I had to get back to the palace. Darius was waiting for a report on his ‘mate’ and how the hell was I supposed to tell him that she was turning into a goddamn wrecking ball?
I rounded the corner, and there she was.
Rhea was walking alone, her head high, shoulders squared. She looked like she owned the damn building.
I felt a surge of irritation, mixed with a weird, sick fascination I couldn't quite name.
"Hey," I barked, my voice echoing t
