The tension between Van and Kyle had always been palpable, but ever since Malric's appearance, it had grown into something sharper, more volatile.
It didn't help that Kyle, with his effortless charm and quick wit, seemed to take every opportunity to needle Van—especially when I was around.
It started with small things. Kyle would lean in a little too close when explaining something to me, or he'd flash one of his signature smirks whenever he caught Van watching us. At first, I thought Van was simply annoyed by Kyle's personality, but over time, it became clear that something deeper was brewing.
The breaking point came during our preparations to activate the second ward, located deep in the forest outside of Springey.
"You'll need to focus on controlling your light this time," Claire said as we gathered around a makeshift map of the area.
"This ward is tied to the element of courage, which means the energy required will be intense."
I nodded, trying to ignore the knot of anxiety tightening in my chest.
"Got it."
Kyle leaned over my shoulder, pointing at the map.
"Don't worry, Amber. You've got this. And if anything goes wrong, I'll be there to back you up."
Van, who had been pacing nearby, froze. His golden eyes narrowed, and his jaw tightened.
"She doesn't need you to 'back her up.' That's why I'm here."
Kyle straightened, his smirk widening.
"Relax, hybrid. I'm just offering my support. No need to get territorial."
"I'm not territorial," Van snapped, his voice low and dangerous.
"Really? Because it seems like you have a problem every time I'm near Amber."
"Enough!" Claire interjected, slamming her notebook shut.
"We don't have time for this. The wards are weakening, Malric is out there, and you two are acting like children."
Van turned away, muttering something under his breath, while Kyle winked at me, clearly unfazed.
---
The forest was eerily quiet as we made our way to the second ward. The air was thick with tension, both from the looming threat of Malric and the unspoken conflict between Van and Kyle.
When we finally reached the ward—a massive tree with glowing runes carved into its bark—I could feel the weight of its power pressing down on me.
"This is it," Claire said, motioning for me to step forward.
"Amber, you'll need to channel your light into the runes while staying focused on the element of courage. The ward will test you, so be ready."
I nodded, stepping closer to the tree. But before I could begin, Van and Kyle flanked me on either side, their rivalry reigniting.
"I'll stay by her side," Van said firmly.
"So will I," Kyle countered.
"She doesn't need you distracting her."
"And she doesn't need you suffocating her."
"Guys!" I snapped, turning to glare at both of them.
"Can you please put your issues aside for five minutes? This is bigger than whatever is going on between you two."
Van looked away, his expression tight, while Kyle gave a small shrug, though the playful glint in his eyes dimmed slightly.
Taking a deep breath, I placed my hands on the tree and closed my eyes, reaching for the light within me. The runes began to glow brighter, and I felt the energy of the ward start to flow through me. It was powerful, wild, and overwhelming, but I focused on staying grounded.
Suddenly, images flashed through my mind—visions of the people I cared about most.
Claire, fighting tirelessly to protect the gateway. Kyle, risking his life to keep me safe. And Van, his steady presence always guiding me, even when I doubted myself.
But then, the visions shifted.
I saw Van and Kyle arguing, their anger boiling over, and me caught in the middle, torn between them. Doubt crept in, threatening to shatter my focus.
"Amber!"
Van's voice broke through the haze, and I opened my eyes to see the ward's light flickering.
"You're losing control," Claire said urgently.
"I—I don't know if I can do this," I admitted, my hands trembling.
"Yes, you can," Van said, stepping closer.
His golden eyes met mine, filled with a quiet intensity.
"You're stronger than you think. Trust yourself."
Kyle moved to my other side, his expression uncharacteristically serious.
"He's right, Amber. You've got this. We believe in you."
Their words steadied me, and I took a deep breath, focusing on the light once more. The runes flared to life, the ward's energy stabilizing as I channeled my power into it.
When the process was complete, the tree emitted a soft, golden glow that spread through the forest, dispelling the lingering darkness.
"You did it," Claire said, relief evident in her voice.
But the moment of triumph was short-lived. As we turned to leave, Van pulled me aside, his expression troubled.
"Amber, we need to talk," he said, his voice low.
"About what?" I asked, though I had a sinking feeling I already knew.
"About Kyle. About the way he looks at you, the way he acts around you. I don't trust him, Amber. And I don't like how close you've gotten to him."
"Van, Kyle's on our side," I said, trying to keep my voice calm.
"He's been helping us."
"I know, but..." Van hesitated, his golden eyes searching for mine.
"It's not just about him. It's about how I feel about you."
My breath caught, and for a moment, I couldn't speak.
"I've tried to ignore it, to focus on the mission," Van continued, his voice softening.
"But every time I see him with you, it drives me crazy. Because I—"
Before he could finish, Kyle's voice interrupted us.
"Everything okay over here?" he asked, strolling toward us with his usual smirk.
Van's jaw clenched, and he stepped back, the moment shattered.
"We're fine."
Kyle raised an eyebrow but didn't press further.
"Good, because Claire wants us to keep moving. We've got two more wards to go, remember?"
As we rejoined the group, my mind swirled with confusion. Van's confession—or near-confession—left me reeling, and Kyle's easy charm only complicated things further.
The road ahead was growing darker, both literally and figuratively, and I couldn't help but wonder if the real battle wasn't against Malric, but against the emotions threatening to tear our team apart.