Charles stepped away from the group of boys, whose murmurs and laughter filled the locker room. He followed Kaira toward a wooden bench in a secluded corner, away from prying eyes.
The atmosphere was damp, with a faint smell of sweat and metal, mixing with the hum of the fluorescent lights overhead.
Distant footsteps from the servants and the muffled roar of the crowd from the arena filtered through the hallway.
Charles sat down, resting his bandaged hands on his knees, as Kaira settled beside him, folding her arms with a curious expression.
Kaira broke the silence first, leaning slightly toward him.
"How does your fire work, Rian?" she asked in a direct tone. Her red eyes studied him from top to bottom. "I've seen many use flames, but I've never heard of a Cole with a skill like yours."
Charles swallowed, feeling a knot in his stomach.
'Shit,' thought Charles, keeping calm on the outside.
