Ice Queen (Part One)

Kai

Two months have passed since I started hanging around the team. I wouldn't go as far as to say I've joined them. Caden's made it clear—firmly and repeatedly—that I'm not ready.

At least I have my gaming buddies. We've managed to push our way up to level 924, and training has been going well—except for anything involving Vlad. We're constantly at each other's throats. Honestly, I think he just doesn't like me.

But today will be different. I've come prepared, armed with an entire list of reasons why Caden should finally take me on a mission.

"Caden!" I call out, spotting him waiting by the door for the others.

"No," he says flatly, not even bothering to look at me.

"Ahh, c'mon. My training has been excellent, and you know it!" I argue. "I can hold my own against Luna in one-on-one combat, and I'm doing great with weapons—well, except firearms." I pause, waiting for him to respond, confident that he can't argue with facts.

"But you still have no idea how to use your power. And if something happens, there's a big chance you'll lose control and come at my throat," he counters. "Also, the only reason you're doing well against Luna is because she lets you."

Before I can respond, Luna appears. "What's going on?" she asks, curiosity written all over her face.

"Caden doesn't want me coming with you guys," I say, not bothering to hide my frustration.

"C'mon, Caden, it's just patrol. He won't even get out of the car," Luna says, making a solid point.

Caden sighs, rubbing his temples as if he's already regretting the conversation. "Luna, that's not the point. This isn't about sitting in a car. It's about responsibility, and he's not ready for it."

"I can handle it," I interject quickly. "Look, you've been saying the same thing for two months, but I've been working hard. I'm not asking for a big mission, just a chance to prove myself."

Caden looks at me for the first time, his gaze sharp and assessing. "A chance to prove yourself? And what happens if something goes wrong? Are you ready for that?"

I hesitate, but Luna jumps in before I can answer. "Caden, you can't keep him in the training room forever. He needs field experience eventually, and patrol is low risk. Besides, if anything happens, we'll be there to handle it."

Caden's jaw tightens, and for a moment, I think he's going to shut the idea down completely. Then Vlad's voice cuts through the tension.

"He's not coming."

Vlad appears from the hallway, arms crossed, his expression as stony as ever. "This isn't a daycare. If he screws up, it's on all of us."

I bristle at his tone. "I won't screw up. And it's not up to you, dipshit." I know I've crossed the line, but honestly, he deserves it. He's the reason I failed to convince Caden last time.

"Enough," Caden says, his voice sharp. His gaze moves between the two of us before he lets out a sigh. "Fine. He can come—but only if he stays in the car. No arguments."

"Yes!" I can't help grinning, but the excitement fades when Caden adds, "You step out of that car, and you're benched for good. Got it?"

"Got it," I reply quickly, ignoring the daggers Vlad is glaring at me, as if I've just ruined his entire day.

Luna grins and pats me on the shoulder. "See? Baby steps."

Caden mutters something under his breath as he heads for the door. "Let's move. Patrol won't wait."

As we pile into the car, I feel a mix of excitement and nerves bubbling in my chest. This is my first real chance to prove I belong here. I glance at Luna, who gives me a reassuring nod, and then at Vlad, whose scowl seems permanently etched into his face.

This is going to be interesting.

…

We've been patrolling for almost two hours, and nothing has happened. Caden keeps insisting that's a good thing, but honestly, I find it a bit boring. Luckily, Luna's here to keep me entertained.

"I spy with my little eye, something… black," she says excitedly. For two adults—a 21-year-old and a 20-year-old—playing I Spy might seem pathetic to most people, but at least we're having fun.

"Is it my shirt?" I guess, hoping that's it.

"Nope, but close."

"My pants?"

"No. Why do you think it's something on you?" she asks, raising an eyebrow.

"Well," I say with a smirk, "you've been staring at me this entire time, so I doubt you picked something else."

She turns sharply to look out the window.

"What's wrong?" I ask, fully aware I've made her blush.

"Nothing," she mumbles. "Just wanted to look at the sky. The stars are beautiful tonight."

"Look at me for a second," I say, unable to hide my wide grin.

"No."

"C'mo—"

"Leave the girl alone, Kai," Caden cuts in, laughing from the driver's seat.

"So," he continues, "how are you liking patrolling so far?"

"I like it," I reply. "It's better than being stuck indoors."

"So, Vlad, how do you think I'm doing so far?" I ask, deliberately trying to get under his skin.

Vlad glares at me, clearly irritated. "Listen here, yo—"

Before he can finish, the music from the radio cuts off. Thank god. That awful '80s jazz had no business leaving the '80s.

"Caden! You hear me?" Eugene's voice crackles through the radio, tense and urgent.

"Yeah, what's up?" Caden responds, his tone immediately serious.

"I'm sending you a location. Get there fast!" Eugene practically shouts. "We've got a problem."

"What is it? DL5 drowner?" Caden asks, his hands tightening on the steering wheel.

"No," Eugene says grimly. "It's a defekt."