A Throne Forged by Shadows - Aaric Graycastle

The gym is packed, the air thick with sweat and anticipation as cadets line the edges of the mats.

My ribs still ache from last weeks fight with Roark, but the pain is nothing compared to the sharp tension in my stomach when the professor calls the names.

"Graycastle. Roark."

My breath hitches.

I whip my head toward Aaric.

He's not surprised.

No. The surprise is on Roark's face.

And that's when I realize—

No. No, he didn't.

He wouldn't.

But Aaric's calm expression says everything.

Aaric challenged Roark.

Roark hesitates for half a second before flashing a grin, stepping onto the mat, rolling his shoulders lazily. "Finally grew a spine, huh?"

He flicks his dagger from its sheath, twirling it between his fingers. "Guess you finally figured out how to pick your fights."

Aaric doesn't respond.

Doesn't smirk. Doesn't joke.

Just steps onto the mat.

Silent. Still.

Something shifts in my chest.

This isn't just about the challenge. It's not about rank or pride.

It's about me.

And I don't know how to feel about that.

I know he'll win. I know.

But I've never seen him like this before.

The professor's voice cuts through the tension. "Begin."

Roark lunges first, dagger flashing.

Aaric doesn't move.

Not until the very last second—then he steps aside, grips Roark's wrist, and twists.

A sharp crack.

Roark's dagger clatters to the mat.

Before he can react, Aaric catches it mid-fall, flips it in his hand, and tosses it off the mat.

It skids across the floor, far out of reach.

"Try fighting like a man," Aaric mutters, voice low, lethal.

Roark exhales sharply through his nose, but amusement flickers across his face.

"Oh, we're playing fair now?" His voice lowers, just enough that no one but Aaric can hear.

"Your princess there might not fight like much, but I bet she'd be fun to throw around off the mat."

I hear my name. Princess.

I frown.

Aaric's expression doesn't change.

But something shifts.

A flicker in his gaze.

A muscle in his jaw tightens.

And then he moves.

The next strike is brutal.

Aaric steps forward, burying his fist into Roark's stomach. The force knocks him off balance, and before he can recover, Aaric's knee slams into his ribs.