Theodore sneered, his crimson hair catching the sunlight as he stepped closer, his black streak locks framing his face like a crown of flames.
His dark eyes bore into Nathan with a mixture of disdain and amusement.
"Well, well, if it isn't the bastard himself." He drawled, his voice dripping with mockery.
"Tell me, Nathan, how does a whoreson like you even manage to sneak your way into the academy".
"Did you beg your way in? Or did they just take pity on you?"
The surrounding cadets erupted into snickers, their laughter echoing across the training field.
Nathan's fists clenched at his sides, his nails digging into his palms. He could feel the heat of rage rising in his chest.
But even more than that was the familiar icy grip of fear.
The memories, no trauma of Theodore's relentless bullying from childhood resurfaced in his mind.
The taunts, beatings, and humiliation from Theodore had scarred Nathan so much that truthfully speaking, Theodore was the only one of his half-siblings he feared.
He kept his head down, his bangs shadowing his eyes, as he refused to give Theodore the satisfaction of a reaction.
But Theodore wasn't done yet. Not even close. He stepped closer, his voice rising. "What's the matter, 'brother'? Cat got your tongue? Or are you just too much of a coward to even look me in the eye?"
The word 'coward' struck a nerve, but before Nathan could respond, Natasha stepped forward, her usually playful expression replaced by one of cold fury.
"Back off Theodore". She snapped, her voice sharp enough to cut through the tension. "You're not as impressive as you think you are".
Theodore's smirk faltered for a moment, his eyes narrowing as he turned to Natasha. "And who the fuck do you think you are, interfering in family matters." He spat, his tone venomous.
"Know your place, bitch."
His hand twitched and for a moment, it looked like he was about to strike her.
But before he could, Nathan's hand shot out, gripping Theodore's wrist with a strength that surprised he himself.
He then spoke, his voice low, cold, and detached. "Don't you dare touch her".
Theodore's eyes widened briefly before letting out a mocking laugh. "Oh? And what are you going to do about it, little brother? Huh? You really think you can stop me?"
He leaned in closer, his smirk widening. "Go on, bastard. Show me what you've got."
Nathan's jaw tightened, and without a word, he unfurled his wings from his back, the powerful appendages stretching wide and casting a shadow over the ground.
The surrounding cadets gasped, some stepping back in surprise. Of course there were those who didn't flinch.
At the sight of this, Theodore's smirk only grew, his hand glowing faintly as he prepared to activate his power.
But before either of them could make a move, a suffocating wave of kulling intent washed over the field, freezing everyone in place.
It was like the air itself had turned to ice, sharp and unyielding. Nathan and Theodore immediately turned their heads toward the source, their blood running cold.
It was Lancelot, their instructor for this class, who was striding towards them, his golden hair gleaming like a lion's mane under the sun.
His usually calm demeanor was gone, replaced by a storm of anger that made even Theodore take a step back.
His piercing gaze swept over the group, and when he spoke, his voice was low but carried the weight of a thunderclap.
"What," he began, his tone dangerously calm, "do you think you are doing?".