Forbidden Mate Legacy

Amelia stretched her arms as she sat beneath a sprawling tree in the Academy gardens, the cool shade offering despite the midday sun. It had been a grueling few months filled with trials, diplomacy, and endless tests that demanded both strength and wit. Today it ended early–perfect for a moment resting and peace of mind.

She wasn't alone. Around her, familiar faces gathered, each one carrying the weight of their own responsibilities yet clinging to these fleeting moments of normalcy.

Eryk lounged against the tree roots, tossing a small enchanted stone between his hands. "I still don't understand why they bother testing us on something we'll never use," he muttered. "When was the last time a real battle was won with a quill and ink?"

Serah, sitting cross-legged beside Amelia, rolled her eyes. "That 'quill and ink' determines treaties, land claims, and who lives or dies without bloodshed. You brute. Maybe if you spent less time causing chaos, you'd understand how the world works."

Rael snickered, his hazel brown eyes gleaming with mischief. "Please, Witch. Eryk lives for chaos. If he ever becomes a proper diplomat, I'll start writing love poems."

Amelia chuckled as Eryk scowled, throwing the stone in Rael's direction. "You already write love poems–to yourself."

Rael clutched his chest dramatically. "Guilty as charged."

Marcus shook his head with a smirk, leaning back on his elbow. "At least some of us take the training seriously. The last trial nearly took my arm off."

"That's because you went up against one of the best sword fighters in the Academy." Amelia nudged him playfully. "If you weren't so reckless, you wouldn't have needed me to take you to the infirmary afterwards."

"Reckless?" Marcus scoffed. "I prefer the term 'bold'"

"Stupid works too," Eryk added, earning himself a sharp elbow on the ribs from Marcus.

The teasing continued, weaving through the afternoon like a familiar song. For all their differences–human, witch, demon–they had formed something resembling a family.

But not everyone is content.

Velora sat on the far end of the group, her eyes trained on Kael, who sat a short distance away, watching them with his impassive expression. She had been like this for two whole months now, her obsession with the Dark prince was growing more and more apparent.

Amelia tried to ignore, but Velora's gaze flickered toward her more than expected, as if challenging her unspoken claim.

Serah, sensing the tension, leaned toward Amelia and whispered, "If she stares any harder, she might set you on fire."

Amelia sighed. "Let her try. I'm tired of her games."

Serah smirked. "Then lets play on our own."

Before Amelia could ask what she meant, Serah stood and stretched. "I'm bored. Lets spar."

Eryk groaned. "Why do you always have to resort to violence?"

"Because it's the only way to shut you up. Brother." 

They all laughed as they made their way to the training grounds, leaving behind the peaceful moment under the tree.

****

At the training ground.

Swords clashed and the sound of heavy breathing filled the air. Amelia wiped sweat from her forehead as she squared off against Serah, the witches movements sharp and precise. They had trained together enough to know each other's weaknesses, making the fight all more intense.

Kael watched from the sidelines, his gaze unreadable.

Rael leaned against the fence beside him. "You could at least pretend to look impressed."

Kael arched his brow. "She's holding back."

Rael smirked. "Or maybe she doesn't want to embarrass Serah in front of everyone."

Kael did not respond, his eyes locked onto Amelia as she moved.

Across the field, Velora sat perched on a stone bench, her fingers curling into her skirt as she watched Kael whose whole attention was on Amelia.

Amelia didn't need to see it to feel the weight of Velora's silent challenge.

Let her watch.

Let her seethe.

Because for the first time, Amelia wasn't running from what she wanted. She was fighting for it. And she wasn't going to lose.

****

After an intense sparring session with Serah, Amelia let her feet take her whatever they wished. The Academy grounds were vast, and sometimes, a quiet walk helped clear her mind. The cool evening breeze soothed her skin, and the scent of distant pine filled her lungs.

She had wandered far when a voice called out to her.

"Your Highness, wait! A letter for you." said a young man. Her steps quickened at the mention of a letter. Could it be–?

With anticipation bubbling in her chest, she hurried to the small post office near the Academy gates. The clerk handed her a sealed envelope, the familiar handwriting instantly recognizable. 

Lara.

Amelia's joy was immediate, a warm, uncountable happiness lighting up her face. She stepped outside, fingers eagerly unfolding the letter, her heart leaping as she scanned the words.

'You wouldn't believe how much things have changed while you've been away! Lara's lively tone practically leaped off the page. The festival last week was a mess–imagine a goat running wild through the square! Oh, and your favourite baker finally perfected that honey pastry you loved! Too bad you're not here to taste it.'

A laugh escaped Amelia before she could stop it, pure and bright. She clutched the letter to her chest, her heart swelling with warmth. For a moment, she could picture her in all the places she mentioned.

"That's quite the laugh," a deep voice murmured behind her.

She turned, startled, only for her breath to hitch. Kael stood a few paces away from her, his hands in his pockets, grey eyes locked onto her with unsettling intensity.

"You looked like you were enjoying yourself," he said, stepping closer, voice laced with something unspoken. "Who, exactly, is responsible for making you laugh like that?"

Amelia blinked, confused, then smiled. "Lara."

Kael's brow drew together. "Lara?"

"My best friend." she waved the letter at him. "She writes the most ridiculous things. You'd like her."

His shoulder relaxed slightly, though his expression remained impassive. "Would I?" 

"You Are more alike than you think," she teased.

Kael scoffed, his expression softening, the air between them shifted-lighter.

Amelia tucked the letter into her pocket, her fingers brushing against the paper. Just as she was about to speak, Kael reached out, catching a loose strand of her hair between his fingers. His touch was brief yet it sent a shiver down her spine.

"Let's go," he murmured, stepping back. "You can tell me more about this friend of yours."

He started walking, and after a moment, she fell into step beside him, her heart flattering for reasons unknown.