The Gilded Prince: A Dark Academia Reverse Harem Romance Novella by Brooks Danica

Author:Brooks, Danica
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Danica Brooks
Published: 2024-11-27T00:00:00+00:00

Dangerous Gifts

KIT

“Stop fidgeting." Cade's hand lands on my knee, stilling its nervous bounce. "You're going to do fine."

We're sitting on one of the benches outside the combat arena, waiting for our turn at the practical exam. The past few weeks of training together have made his casual touches normal, but there's still something about his hand on my leg that makes my power stir.

"Easy for you to say," I mutter. "You're not the one being tested."

He grins, all golden confidence. "No, I'm just the one who has to keep you alive through whatever they throw at us. No pressure."

"That's not funny."

"It's a little funny." His thumb draws absent circles on my knee. "Come on, Kit. We've been practicing for weeks. You can handle twice what they're going to throw at you today."

He's right. The training sessions with him and Micah have pushed my limits far beyond what any normal siphon should be capable of. But that's part of the problem, isn't it? I've gotten too comfortable showing my strength around them.

"What if I slip up?" I lower my voice, though we're alone in the hallway. "What if someone realizes—"

"Hey." Cade turns to face me fully, his hand sliding up to cup my cheek. "Look at me."

I do. His eyes are that impossible shade of gold-flecked amber, serious for once.

"Nothing is going to happen to you," he says. "Not while I'm there. Okay?"

I want to believe him. Want to trust in that steady confidence, in the way his power reaches for mine like a familiar friend.

But I remember Kianna's words about Marina. About trust and secrets and the price of being too strong and too comfortable with the wrong people.

"Kingston. Paxton." Professor Augustine’s voice makes us both jump. "You're up."

Cade's hand falls away as we stand. "Ready to kick some ass, partner?"

"Ready to try not to die."

He laughs, but there's something darker in it now. Something protective that makes my chest tight.

"After you," he says, gesturing to the arena doors.

I take a deep breath and step through.

The arena has been transformed into an urban warfare scenario - abandoned buildings, overturned cars, debris scattered everywhere. Perfect for ambushes and sneak attacks.

"Your mission," Professor Augustine announces from somewhere above, "is to reach the extraction point while protecting each other from hostile forces. Mr. Paxton, you are not to engage directly unless Miss Kingston is incapacitated. Miss Kingston, you are to maintain connection with your patron at all times. Begin."

Cade's power wraps around me immediately, familiar after weeks of training together. I let myself sink into it, drawing just enough to enhance my senses and reflexes.

"Eight hostiles," he murmurs as we start moving. "Three at your two o'clock, two on the roof, three more circling behind."

I nod, letting him guide us through the maze of obstacles. We've done this dance a hundred times in practice - him feeding me information while I handle the actual combat, only stepping in if I truly need help.

The first attack comes from above. I sense it before I

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