Kai sat at the edge of his bed, staring at the flickering light of the single candle on his nightstand.
The only sound in the room was from the occasional rustle of leaves outside his window. Despite the comfort of his suite, his mind refused to settle.
He had long since puzzled out why he was doing this and it was simple. Phoebe Aldron was his. And he protects what belonged to him.
This was both from the original Kai and his own personal pride. He just couldn't allow it to happen.
And that was why he had spent the last few hours trying to find a solution to the problem that was Bram Lawless.
Every idea he considered just wasn't good enough.
The problem was that Bram wasn't just another student. He was the heir to one of the High Lords, just like Kai.
Their status was equal, which meant any threats or moves against Bram could easily backfire. Kai didn't have the power or leverage to simply make him back down.
No, if this was going to end, Bram himself would have to be the one to drop the matter. And that was easier said than done.
How do you manipulate someone like Bram Lawless? He thought, leaning back against the headboard. The man's pride and arrogance were practically impenetrable shields.
The key was to find a way to make him see that continuing this grudge would cost him more than it was worth.
After a sigh, he climbed into bed and pulled the covers over himself.
He watched as the candle burned low beside him, and eventually, exhaustion won out.
Kai closed his eyes, his thoughts still churning as he drifted into an uneasy sleep.
The morning arrived far too quickly.
The sound of footsteps stirred Kai from his sleep. Blinking against the morning light streaming through the curtains, he sat up to see Astrid moving around the room. She had already laid out his uniform and was tidying up the room.
"Good morning, young master." She said with a small smile as she turned to him. "I've prepared your uniform and arranged your schedule for the day."
Kai rubbed his eyes, nodding groggily. Today was a school day. There was no time for any hanky panky.
"Thanks, Astrid." He yawned. "What's on the agenda?"
"You have Magical Theory in the morning and combat lessons in the afternoon." She replied. "Shall I prepare your bath?"
Kai swung his legs over the side of the bed, stretching. "Yeah, that sounds good."
Astrid disappeared into the adjoining bathroom, and soon the sound of running water filled the air.
Kai stood and stretched again, feeling the stiffness in his muscles from the restless night. By the time he entered the bathroom, the tub was ready, steam rising from the surface.
After his bath, he dressed in his uniform, adjusting the fabric as he stood in front of the full-length mirror.
He had to admit that he looked good in the Mythreach uniform. Well, he was sure he could pull off wearing a sack too.
The uniform consisted of the dark navy tunic, which was tailored to perfection, with subtle silver embroidery running along the cuffs and collar, a crest over the left breast displaying the academy's insignia, a radiant sun encircled by the four elemental symbols.
The trousers matched the tunic, and a wide belt with a silver buckle completed the look.
With black leather boots polished to a mirror shine, he looked smart.
He adjusted his collar, admiring the way the uniform enhanced his already striking appearance.
"Not bad." He murmured to himself, flashing a small grin.
He stepped out into the hallway, his boots clicking softly against the stone floors. His first stop was Arlo's suite.
When he arrived, he knocked sharply on the door. There was no response.
Kai sighed, knocking again. "Arlo! Wake up!" Still nothing. With a shake of his head, he pushed the door open and stepped inside.
The room was the same as it had been yesterday.
He made his way to the bedroom, finding Arlo sprawled across the bed, his blanket half on the floor.
Kai rolled his eyes. "Wake up, lazybones." He called, pulling open the curtains. Sunlight poured into the room, eliciting a groan from the lump on the bed.
"Go away." Arlo mumbled, burying his face in the pillow.
"We've got class." Kai said, crossing his arms. "Magical Theory. You don't want to miss it, do you?"
Arlo groaned again but slowly pushed himself upright. His hair was a mess, and his eyes were half-closed. "Fine, fine. Give me a minute."
Kai waited as Arlo shuffled to the bathroom. The sound of running water and muffled grumbling echoed through the suite. While he waited, Kai glanced around the room and frowned.
"Where's your servant?" He called out.
Arlo's voice came from the bathroom. "No idea. Haven't seen them since I got here. Guess I'm on my own."
Kai shook his head, amused. "Typical."
Either the servant thought him beneath him to serve a bastard or there were other members of the Graham family who disapproved of Arlo.
It took longer than Kai would have liked, but eventually, Arlo emerged, dressed in his uniform. He looked considerably more presentable, though still far from awake.
Together, the two made their way to their first class of the day.
The Magical Theory classroom was spacious, its walls lined with bookshelves crammed with books.
Large windows let in plenty of natural light, and desks were arranged in neat rows facing a blackboard covered in chalked diagrams.
Kai and Arlo entered, quickly spotting Phoebe, Seraphina, and Miria near the middle of the room. Phoebe's fiery red hair was unmistakable, and she looked up with a small smile as they approached.
"Morning." Kai greeted, sliding into the seat beside her. Arlo took the seat on his other side, leaning back with a yawn.
He glanced at the two ladies beside her. Judging by their carefree expression, she hadn't told them about what had happened yesterday.
He nodded to himself, making a mental note to check in with Phoebe privately later. He needed to make sure she was holding up.
The room filled quickly as more students arrived, their chatter filling up the space.
It wasn't long before the door at the front of the room opened, and the teacher entered.
He was a tall, stern-looking man with graying hair and a sharp gaze that seemed to pierce through every student in the room.
His dark robes billowed slightly as he strode to the front, setting a stack of books on the desk with a deliberate thud.
"Good morning." He said, his voice commanding. The room immediately fell silent.
"Welcome to Magical Theory. Let us begin."