~Malik~ "That was how I was able to subdue the grumpy man. It wasn't an easy feat, but having vast knowledge from many travels, he proved no match for me," Xavier declared, the corners of his mouth curling into a self-satisfied smirk, telling what had to be his tenth story over breakfast. He had
Xavier's laughter peeled across the now silent table, echoing like a mocking taunt. My muscles tensed, a primal tremor of barely contained rage vibrating through me. I was on the brink, every instinct screaming to bolt across the table and tackle him. But I restrained myself, holding back the floodg
"There are numerous reasons why I can't be with her—not in the manner you seem to envision," I confessed, my voice filled with a resignation that felt too heavy to bear. "So, you're saying you just want her here to fulfil the prophecy?" Xavier probed, his tone sharpening with curiosity. "That's
~Ezinne~ Several days had passed since that iconic breakfast, and Malik still had not spoken to me. At least he was now sleeping in his bed, and as much as I hated to admit it, I enjoyed the body heat we shared. Each night, we would turn away from each other as we lay down, but by morning, I
Xavier's grin widened, his eyes twinkling with glee. "Well, his brooding is a bonus. But honestly, I came back because the palace lacks drama without me. Who else is here to rescue you from the suffocating weight of these overly formal dialogues?" I smiled, a genuine grin that felt light and
Ange and I had recently begun practising sword fighting, with Rhea often observing. I hadn’t been particularly focused in our previous sessions, but today felt different. Maybe it was Malik’s presence in the gym that stirred a newfound nervousness in me, making me want to prove myself. But it was re
~Ezinne~ "Get up," Malik commanded, his voice still devoid of warmth. The annoyance in me faltered for a moment, my eyebrows knitting together in confusion. But my body remained still, rooted in place by a blend of apprehension and curiosity. "What are you doing?" I asked. "Teaching,
~Ezinne~ After breakfast, Malik led me through the quiet corridors of his private quarters. He stopped before a door that had been locked since I came, hesitating slightly before pushing it open. Inside was a room steeped in the subtle musk of old wood and memories. "This was my mother's of