Chapter 104 Training day

Chapter 104 Training day

Seraphina’s POV:

Sunlight hadn't even fully touched the floorboards of the hallway before I heard the low, rhythmic clink of a spoon against a mug. It was a sound that usually meant waking up alone, but today, it meant waking up to him. Usually they weren’t up this early.

I pushed the bedroom door open, and there he was. Soren. He was shirtless, the morning light catching the definition of his chest, the sculpted lines of his abs, and the dusting of hair that led lower. He looked like a statue come to life, a masterpiece of a man caught in a quiet moment. He turned, and his eyes crinkled at the corners when they landed on me, a genuine, goofy smile spreading across his face.

"Good morning, wildfire," he said, his voice a low rumble that seemed to vibrate right through me. "I knew you’d be up early to train so I thought I’d make you some coffee and something to eat. I know how you like to be ready for anything."

He handed me a steaming mug, the ceramic warming my chilled fingers. I brought it to my lips, the first sip hitting my tongue and instantly sending a wave of recognition through my system. This wasn't just coffee; this was Cassain’s coffee. The way he ground the beans, the specific temperature, the subtle, earthy notes. It was perfect. But as I took another sip, I noticed the sweetness—a hint of cinnamon. Maybe a little too much, but it was perfect for him.

Something warm, something impossibly tender, bloomed in my chest, melting the last of my tension from the night before. He went out of his way to learn how Cassain made my coffee. Damn.. these men were so amazing.

"I tried to make it how you like it," he said, his eyes soft, the goofy smile still in place. "I watched Cassain make it the other day.”

I couldn't help it. I went on my tippy toes, wrapping my arms around his neck, and kissed him. His arms wrapped around my waist, pulling me flush against him, and I melted into the kiss, the world narrowing down to just the taste of him and the warmth of his body. We came up for air, our foreheads resting against each other, both of us breathing hard.

"That was perfect," I whispered.

He pulled back slightly, and his hand slid under my chin, tilting my face up. His eyes were dark with affection. "Eat up," he said, sliding a plate of French toast in front of me. "You need your energy for today."

I ate slowly, the sweet, buttery toast nourishing my body and my soul. When I finished, I pushed my plate aside and made my way to the training room, my body already vibrating with anticipation.

I walked into the training room and found zero waiting. He was standing by the wall, his arms crossed, his eyes on me with a look that was equal parts scrutiny and respect. He didn't say anything. He didn't offer a greeting. He just waited.

"Let's get to it then," I said, dropping into a defensive stance. "I'm ready."

He moved then, faster than I could track, his first strike aimed at my ribs. I dodged, and returned with a strike of my own. We moved in a blur, a dance of steel and skill. We put in maximum effort, trading blows, testing limits, pushing for the perfect counter. Between rounds, he would shout instructions, critiques, and challenges, his voice sharp, his demands relentless.

The morning wore on. The sun climbed higher, casting long shadows across the training floor. My muscles burned. My lungs screamed for air. I felt like I was fighting my own shadow, the exhaustion mounting with every second. I had never pushed myself like this, not even with him. He was relentless, a machine of efficiency and pain, and he wasn't letting up.

Three hours later, I was a wreck. I slumped against the training dummies, my hands on my knees, my chest heaving. I looked at Zero, my eyes pleading. I was done. I couldn't take another second.

"That’s enough for today," I gasped out, my voice rough. "I can't go another round."

Zero studied me for a moment, his face impassive. "Tomorrow you will push a little longer, Sera. The war doesn't stop when you’re tired." He didn't offer me a hand, didn't ask if I was okay. He just turned and walked away, exiting the room without another word.

I stared at his retreating back, surprised by the silence. He had barely talked to me this whole time. No reminders of our past, no jokes, no lectures. Just brutal training. Maybe it was best that way. We were at war now, and he was here to prepare me for the battlefield, not to rehash old memories.