Just do your job

The moment I walked out of the bathroom, I couldn't help but smirk at the memory of Xyra pinned to the wall. Her flushed face, those icy blue eyes trying to burn a hole through me it was worth every second.

Sure, maybe I'd been bold, but honestly, what fun is life if you don't push a few buttons? Besides, she had been asking for it with her whole "holier-than-thou" routine.

I didn't get to relish the memory for long before I had to sidestep a punch that came out of nowhere.

"You're getting slow, Ren!" Louise's familiar voice rang out, laced with amusement.

I rolled my eyes and turned to face her. "And you're still as dramatic as ever, Louise."

She stood there, hands on her hips, grinning like a cat who had just caught a mouse. Louise hadn't changed much since our training days.

Her fiery red hair was tied into a loose braid, but strands always seemed to escape, framing her freckled face.

She had the build of a seasoned warrior, with broad shoulders and toned arms that suggested she could throw anyone into a wall if she wanted.

Her green eyes gleamed with mischief, and she wore her usual leather armor that looked like it had seen better days but still did its job. But well she was one of the friends I had met during traning with the knight mage.

Louise didn't waste time. "What the hell was that back there? I'm supposed to be your friend, not your babysitter. You're supposed to protect Princess Ice Queen, not flirt with her like she's one of those tavern girls you're always sweet-talking!"

I crossed my arms and leaned against the wall, feigning nonchalance. "First of all, I wasn't flirting. Second, if I were, it's none of your business."

"Oh, it's very my business," Louise countered, jabbing a finger at my chest. "Do you have a death wish? Xyra's got a fiancé, Ren. You know, that guy who looks like he's carved from marble but apparently has the personality of a wet sock? Yeah, him."

I let out a low chuckle. "Levan? Please. He practically shoved her into my arms during the banquet. Real prince charming, that one."

Louise groaned, dragging a hand down her face. "This is exactly why I shouldn't leave you unsupervised. You're impossible. How are you this good at making enemies out of people you're supposed to protect?"

"Talent," I said with a smug grin.

"Idiocy," she shot back. "Seriously, Ren, I don't care how strong you are. You're playing with fire, and one of these days, it's going to blow up in your face."

I shrugged. "Maybe. But until then, I'll keep doing things my way."

Louise sighed dramatically, throwing her hands up. "Fine. Just don't come crying to me when you get stabbed in your sleep by her or her fiancé or—honestly—both."

"Noted," I replied dryly.

"Anyway," she said, shifting gears, "did you get anywhere with that masked guy from the other night?"

My smirk faded, and I shook my head. "Not yet. The magic signature was faint, but I could tell it was deliberate. Someone powerful is pulling strings, but whoever they are, they're good at covering their tracks."

Louise frowned. "Yeah, I figured as much. Nyla's been sniffing around for clues, too, but it's been dead quiet. Too quiet. She thinks we might be dealing with a bigger network."

"Great," I muttered. "Exactly what I needed—a conspiracy."

"Look, if you want, I can help speed things up. You've got those fancy fire clones, right? Send a few out to scout the area. It might turn something up."

"Good idea," I said, nodding. "I'll handle it."

Louise stepped back, her grin returning. "See? You're not completely hopeless after all."

"Don't push it."

She laughed and gave me a playful shove. "Oh, and Nyla said she'd swing by later to help. Maybe she'll knock some sense into you."

"I'll look forward to it," I replied sarcastically.

Just as Louise was about to leave, the bathroom door creaked open, and Xyra stepped out, looking as regal and annoyed as ever. Her sharp gaze flicked between me and Louise, suspicion written all over her face.

Louise's grin widened. "Well, I'll leave you two to your…whatever this is. Good luck, Captain."

She walked off with a casual wave, leaving me alone with Xyra, who was now glaring at me like I'd personally offended her ancestors.

"What was that about?" she demanded, her tone icy enough to make the air around us drop a few degrees.

"Nothing important," I said, brushing past her. "Just discussing strategy."

Xyra crossed her arms, blocking my path. "I don't trust you."

"Good," I said with a smirk. "It keeps things interesting."

Her scowl deepened, but she didn't say anything else, and I took the opportunity to walk away before she could lecture me further.

Author notes: 

I hope you are all doing great I just wanted to tell you that I created a discords so we can chat together and that I would love to know what you are thinking of the story or even what you would want to happen for the futur.

Here is the link: https://discord.gg/m2uu6rKQ