Bonds

A week later:

Holden

I was panting now, my grip on the sword loosening. My hair falls over my eyes, my muscles have already been strained. We've all been practicing hard, and preparing with all we've got for this war. I could only wonder how Mystic was doing.

I let the sword tumble out of my hands, as I land on a knee to catch my breath.

"You're not as bad as I thought." A calm voice drawls from my side. I hear his approaching steps, before I see his face.

"Was that a compliment or an insult, Kylan?" I ask, slowly getting to my feet. He chuckles, "no, I really meant it." he said. Going over to the rack to place his sword back, before stretching his arms.

"So, you and Myst are... a thing?" I ask carefully, picking my sword from the ground before placing it in the rack carefully.

He pauses, but I don't sense any negative energy from him.