Page 25 of Traveler (Soulbound #1)
Aly
The classroom buzze d with the hum of energy—literally. Today’s lesson was on combining fire and air magic. Which was not something I was particularly looking forward to. You know, after the almost forest fire incident When You fused the two elements, things could either get really explosive or, if done correctly, create a controlled, powerful burst of energy. It could be really cool. if I didn’t burn the entire room down first.
I sat at my desk, side by side with Alex, “ are You sure You should be sitting next to me?” I asked, my voice a mix of teasing and genuine worry the classroom was filled with murmurs of excitement, students already pulling their tablets out, to take notes.
Alex gave me that soft, knowing smile of his, the one that always made my heart feel a little lighter. “ I think you’ll do fine. Just.... try not to incinerate anyone this time.”
“ Ha, ha,” I muttered sarcastically. “I’ ve got it under control. I think”
Alex chuckled quietly. "Hey, I’m sure You do."
As the instructor began explaining the key techniques to blend fire and air magic—basically, using air currents to shape and direct fire spells—I noticed a familiar face across the room.
Carion.
What the hell is he doing here?
The moment I spotted him, that familiar rush of irritation hit me. Carion had that devilish grin on his face—the kind that made You want to smack him, but also.... made You want to kiss him. Not that I’ d ever admit that.
He caught my eye, smirking and raising an eyebrow, clearly noticing me staring. shit.
I was about to look away when Carion stood up, making his way toward me. His steps were confident, like he already knew I’ d try to find a way to stop him.
“ Let me guess,” Carion said, voice smooth like liquid fire as he approached my desk, “ Yo u’ re worried You're going to burn the room down?”
I gave him a bored look. “ Like I told You last time, I'm capable of managing my own magic thank You very much.”
Carion smirked, leaning casually on my desk, so close I could feel the warmth radiating off him. He was tall, like a dangerous flame that You had to stay far from if You did n’ t want to get burned. His eyes flickered with mischief, and I felt my breath catch, though I refused to show it.
“ You think You can handle fire and air together?” he asked, his voice low enough only for me to hear.
“I’ m not sure.” I replied just as quietly, “ But I am pretty sure Yo u’ ll do something reckless and end up setting my hair on fire, just to spite me.”
He let out a quiet laugh, his gaze never leaving mine. “ I don't think about You enough to think of ways to spite You.”
I rolled my eyes, but I could n’ t keep the small grin from tugging at my lips. “ Sure Carion. Whatever You say”
Before he could shoot back a sarcastic reply, Ale x’ s voice broke through, warm and full of amusement. “ Are You two done? I’ m not sure if I should step back and watch the sparks fly or get out of the way before You start causing an actual fire.”
I shot Alex a grateful look, but Cario n’ s response was quick. He gave Alex a mock bow. “ There are no sparks. Just trying to make sure Your girl doesn't burn the room down.”
Alex smirked. “ Oh, I’ m sure You are. But I’ m pretty sure w e’ re all in more danger of her burning the entire room down with that temper of hers.”
I grinned at that, tossing a playful glare Ale x’ s way. “ Oh, please, I’ m way less psychotic than Vivianne.”
“You’re existence gives me a headache, go stand over there please.” He groans turning and walking away.
“I’m sorry, did he just say my existence gives him a headache?” I whisper to Alex who’s face has now turned red from trying not to laugh.
“Uh- Yeah gorgeous he did.” I jab my elbow into Alex’s side
“Hey, you’re supposed to be on my side, and that was mean.”
“I am always on Your side, but it was funny. Like You can’t even really take it as an insult.”
Grumbling, I turn back to the front of the class to listen to what the professor is saying. Alex spends all class to get my attention but guess what. People who laugh at me don't get my attention. Yes, that’s a little petty but I’m sensitive. Leave me alone.
***
The rest of the class went by quickly. But before could apologize to Alex for shutting him out for no reason I was shocked when I looked up to see Xander standing in front of me.
“Come on You’re spending lunch with me.“ he says grabbing my hand to pull me out of class.
We made our way to a table by the window, the warm sunlight streaming in and making everything feel a little less frantic. I sat down, and Xander dropped into the chair across from me, already diving into his salad with the enthusiasm of someone who'd just been handed a gift.
“ So, ho w’ s Your day been?” Xander asked between bites, casually flipping through the pages of a book h e’ d brought with him.
“ Honestly? Pretty good. Fire Basics was a disaster— I can barely handle fire on its own let alone fire and wind. Plus, carion being there through me off my game. But apparently, he’s the new TA so fuck me I guess.” I shook my head with a small laugh. “I’ m pretty sure I blacked out for a second when I noticed him sitting in the room.”
Xande r’ s lips twitched into a grin. “ You? Blacking out when a hot guy who is also one of Your mates walks into a room. I’m shocked. ’”
“ Oh, hush don't even try to act like You don't lose all trains of thoughts when a certain tattooed bad boy walks into a room,” I said, pointing at him with my fork. “ Throwing stones from a glass house or something like that.”
“ When he fucks as good as he does it’s impossible to keep thoughts coherent.” He leaned back in his chair. Fair.
Before I could respond, a loud voice interrupted us.
“ Well, well, if it isn't my best friend and her best friend leaving me out of a friend lunch?! How rude.”
I turned just in time to see Vivianne stroll up to the table, her signature smirk already in place... "Vivianne," I said dryly, raising an eyebrow as she plopped down beside me without waiting for an invitation. “ Nice of You to join us.”
Vivianne tossed her hair over her shoulder dramatically. “Oh common, don't act like You hate me. Yo u’ re basically destined to be stuck with me forever, whether You like it or not.”
Xander looked over at me, feigning shock. “ Do You know her?” we are playing a dangerous game. But the look on Vivianne's face is totally worth my impending death
I nodded, rolling my eyes. “ Unfortunately.”
Vivianne grinned. “ Nice try. You can’t hurt my feelings You both love me.” she said, giving Xander an exaggerated thumbs-up. “ Besides I’m literally family, You’re both stuck with me.”
“ And You love us,” I replied,”
Vivianne chuckled. “ Love, loath. It's just different degrees of hate.”
I shot her a look. “ You’re a pain in my ass.”
“I’ m a gift , Aly,” she said with a grin, tossing her hair again. “ We should do a friend’s night. No mates. Either of You.” she says shoving a point at both me and Xander
“ I’m down. But You know you would probably enjoy hanging out with us and the guys if maybe You-” I started, but she waved her hand, cutting me off.
“ There are no words in the English language to describe how little I want anything to do with mates.” Vivianne leaned in, “We should do it this weekend. Family day is coming up, so things are about to get a little crazy”