Kai's POV
The noise of the courtyard faded behind the closed door. Our room was quiet. Too quiet. I could still feel Malrick’s cold power in the air. It clung to my skin like frost. My hands were fists. My whole body was tight. I accepted the duel. I would fight Malrick. For her.
I turned to look at Aria. She stood by her cot. Her face was pale. Her eyes were huge. She looked so young. The brave warrior from the trials was gone. Now she was just a girl. A girl who was scared for me.
“You should not have done that,” she whispered again. Her voice broke.
I crossed the room in two steps. I did not stop to think. I pulled her into my arms. She felt small against my chest. She was trembling. I held her tight. I rested my chin on top of her head. Her short hair was soft against my skin.
“I
