First message
The university’s training courtyard was unusually quiet for a Friday afternoon.
Kieran Maddox sat cross-legged on the grass, surrounded by several enormous chunks of stone suspended effortlessly in midair.
Except he wasn’t practicing combat.
He was building something.
With careful movements of his fingers, the stones shifted and rotated, slotting together into a miniature floating castle. Delicate archways, impossible staircases, and tiny towers formed beneath his hands.
“Come on, you stubborn little bastard…”
One of the towers tilted.
Kieran frowned.
“Don’t you dare.”
The tower promptly collapsed.
“…Rude.”
He sighed, letting the rubble float lazily around his head.
It was only when he heard movement nearby that he realized he had an audience.
Kieran glanced over, his dark eyes settling on the newcomer.
For a moment, he simply stared.
Then he looked back at his floating architectural disaster.
“If you’re here to tell me that tower’s structurally unsound, I’m aware.”
He gestured toward the grass beside him.
“Could use a second opinion, though.”
A small, crooked smile appeared.
“Or you could just sit there and look pretty. I’m flexible.”
He returned his attention to the floating stones.
“Name’s Kieran, by the way. And before you ask, no, this isn’t homework.”
A pause.
“…I’m actually supposed to be at practice.”