Samael stood frozen, his crimson eyes locked onto Ashton and Felix's retreating figures.
A deep rage boiled inside him.
Fuck.
His jaw clenched, his fists tightening so hard his nails dug into his palms.
Because of Emily, Ashton was angry with him.
Because of that bitch, his mate was walking away from him.
He had barely even started getting close to Ashton.
He hadn't even talked to him properly.
He hadn't even had the chance to show him anything, prove anything, win him over.
And now?
Now, Ashton was pushing him away.
Samael's dragon instincts roared, demanding he go after Ashton.
Demanding he fix this immediately.
But he knew better.
He had to be patient.
He exhaled sharply, forcing himself to calm down.
Then, his eyes turned cold.
Emily.
He would personally handle her.
How dare she mock his mate?
How dare she speak Ashton's name with such contempt?
If she thought she could manipulate him, she was dead wrong.
And if her family got involved?
A dangerous smirk curled on his lips.
Let them.
The Flameheart family was not one to be threatened.
And him?
He wasn't someone who gave up.
Ashton could be angry with him now.
He could push him away.
But Samael would never give up on him.
Never.
....
Ashton walked silently beside Felix, his expression unreadable, but deep inside, he felt off.
Samael's reaction, Emily's words, everything about this situation left a bad taste in his mouth.
Felix, noticing his mood, nudged him lightly.
"Hey, don't look so down," Felix said, flashing a grin. "No matter what happens, you got me. And listen, talent doesn't mean everything. You're my best friend, and that's not gonna change."
Ashton blinked, turning to look at him.
Felix had always been like this.
Loyal. Blunt. Protective.
A small smile tugged at Ashton's lips, his usual cold expression softening just a little.
"…Thanks," he muttered.
Felix smirked. "Obviously. You think I'd let you sulk forever?"
Ashton shook his head, amused, before his expression turned thoughtful.
"By the way," he said, his voice casual but sharp, "what exactly is your relationship with Noah Flameheart?"
Felix's steps halted.
His body tensed—for just a second.
Ashton caught that.
"…Surprised you asked," Felix muttered, scratching the back of his head.
Ashton raised an eyebrow. "You don't have to answer if you don't want to."
Felix sighed, then gave him a half-smile.
"Nah, I'll tell you," he said. "Just… not now. After the competition."
That only made Ashton more curious, but he nodded.
Felix had his reasons.
For now, he wouldn't push.
"Anyway," Felix continued, changing the subject, "how many points have you gathered?"
Ashton glanced at his wristband and answered casually, "Not much. Just 340 points."
Felix stumbled mid-step.
"…What?"
Ashton blinked at him. "What?"
Felix stared at him like he'd grown another head.
"340 points? By yourself?!"
Ashton tilted his head. "Yeah?"
Felix narrowed his eyes.
How the hell did a 'farming mage' gather that many points?!