Fighting Elves

Carter knew him. That was why he had ignored the girl beside him.

"My life is like a story from a novel," he thought, "only without extraordinary powers."

He chuckled softly to himself, full of irony. He wasn't a hero who got everything easily. Even in matters unrelated to strength—feelings, relationships—his life wasn't that simple. He was trapped in a complicated love triangle.

It wasn't that he didn't like the girl beside him, but right now, there were more important things. Something far more valuable than emotions.

"Viola… why are you so stubborn?" he asked quietly, his tone calm yet laden with fatigue.

Viola turned, her lips curving into a thin smile. "What's wrong? Am I bothering you?" she asked back, her eyes sharp, revealing her keen sense of the situation.

Carter took a long breath.