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“I disagree,” said Laethan. “She cannot win against anyone who’s gifted, but she can fight and make your battle easier.”
“Perhaps the idea has some merit, but she lied to me. She and Jireo both did this without my knowledge and against my wishes.”
It’s so strange to argue without feeling anything.
Alora explained, “I convinced Jireo that Kaevin would have a better chance of surviving if I had some training, and his defender bond sort of made him train me. He was kind of trying to save Kaevin’s life, in advance.”
“Clever effort on your part, Alora,” said Laethan, turning his attention back to his sewing. “I see nothing wrong with you learning to fight.”
“I’ve also been working out—running and doing pushups and such. I’m tired of being the person everyone else has to bend over backwards to protect. I want to be strong, like everyone else in Laegenshire.”
“Everyone has a role to play, Alora. You must not expend too much of your energy fighting your own. Kaevin is your soulmate, and perfectly equipped to be your protector.”
“That’s right, Alora. You should stop fighting your God-given role, and allow me to be your protector,” Kaevin agreed. “Ow! That one really hurt!”
Laethan raised an eyebrow. “Remember that, the next time you’re doling out your anger and hurting the one you’ve sworn to protect.”
He added two more harsh reminders before pronouncing his work done, dousing the stitch work with more stinging liquid and wrapping clean bandages around his waist.
“Alora didn’t mention what she did when I was sparring with Judaene,” said Kaevin.
“I didn’t do it, Kaevin. At least, I don’t think I did.”
“What did you do, or not do?” asked Laethan, turning his attention to Alora.
“Kaevin thinks I manipulated his emotions.”
“She thought I couldn’t win without her interference.”
Laethan furrowed his brows even deeper than usual. “I’ve told you that is a misuse of your gifting, Alora.”
“But I couldn’t help feeling what Kaevin was feeling. I knew he was distracted, because he should have been winning, easily.”
“That still does not excuse you for manipulating Kaevin’s emotions. Or did you manipulate Judaene’s emotions, instead? Neither one is allowed.”
“But I don’t think I did it. I just started trash-talking.”
“Trash-talking?” Laethan squinted.
“You know... I told Judaene he was lucky Kaevin was going easy on him, being double-enhanced and the best fighter in history... stuff like that. And then Kaevin wasn’t distracted any more, and maybe Judaene was, just a little bit. But that’s no worse than chatter when someone’s swinging at a baseball.”
“I have no idea what you are talking about,” said Laethan. “But that was definitely not gifted manipulation, so you did nothing wrong.”
Laethan caught Kaevin’s gaze and held it for an uncomfortable few breaths. “Kaevin, you are a lucky man, yet also an idiot if you don’t recognize what you’ve been given. Your soulmate believes in you and wishes to do everything possible to support you. I’m not aware of any man who wouldn’t wish to be in your position.”
Laethan must have released Kaevin’s emotional block, because all his feelings flooded back at once. His eyes found Alora’s, and his heart broke for the pain he’d caused her.
In an instant he was beside her, pulling her up into his arms.
“I’m sorry, Alora. I’m sorry I hurt you.”
“I’m sorry I hurt you, too.”
“You truly meant the things you said?”
“Of course I did. Everything I said was the truth. And I’m sorry I went behind your back to train.”
Bending his head to kiss her, he was interrupted by Laethan clearing his throat right behind him.
