Reborn Luna (Hope and Keith) novel Chapter 54

<30 Royal ball-2

30. Royal ball-2

She laughs. “You mean Leon? You’ve heard the rumors, haven’t you?”

+25 Points

“I’ve heard plenty. Loner kid. Strong. Quiet. Brooding. Sounds like every cautionary tale roiled into

one.”

Hope rolls her eyes. “He’s not like that. You’ll see. Come on-I was just going to check on him

anyway.”

We cut across the open yard toward the warrior barracks. Shouts and grunts echo from the sparring ring nearby. Warriors move through drills with a sharp, rhythmic precision, dust rising under their boots. Hope leads me around the fence, toward the group.

“That’s him,” she says, pointing.

er warriors exchange blows. He’s huge for his age Leon stands in a loose stance, watching two older warriors exchange blows. He’s huge for his age -maybe fourteen, but already broader than most of the adult trainees. His dark hair falls in uneven layers around sharp, watchful eyes. There’s something… intense about him.

Almost as if he’s lived longer than his fourteen years.

I suppose living the life he did would do that to anyone.

He turns. The moment he sees Hope, his face lights up like the damn sun.

“Hey!” he calls, jogging over, sparring gloves still on. “I wasn’t expecting you today.”

His voice is deeper than I expect. Still boyish, but steady. He grins at her like she’s the only person on the planet. Then his eyes shift to me.

Smile dims. Posture tightens. He doesn’t stop walking, but there’s a shift-a subtle wariness that sets my instincts humming.

“Leon,” Hope says, placing a hand on his shoulder, “this is Keith.”

Leon gives me a small nod. “Hi.”

I nod back. “I’ve heard a lot about you.cthecwarriorscsy you’re a quick study.”

“Thanks. I try not to slow them down.”

He doesn’t answer. Just watches. Not rude exactly-just cautious. Defensive.

“He’s fine,” Hope murmurs to him. “Keith’s not here to measure dominance or whatever. You’re safe.”

О

<

30 Royal bail-2

+25 Points

He glances at her. Trust floods his expression so fast it almost hurts to watch. That spark in his eyes-bright, eager, unguarded-returns instantly.

“was just showing Jeris the new rotation block they taught me,” Leon says, bouncing a little on his heels. “And I actually landed a takedown on Eli yesterday. He said I was too fast for a guy my size.”

Hope beams. “That’s awesome. You’ve been putting in the work, huh?”

Leon nods quickly. “I think I’m finally getting the hang of how to move my weight better. I kept overextending.”

They fall into easy chatter, talking about drills, pressure points, angles of attack. The kid knows his stuff-eager, sharp, and clearly driven. I stay back a step, watching. Hope’s energy shifts when she’s with him-open, light. She’s proud of him. He thrives on it.

Then I notice it.

Every time he looks at her, there’s a flicker. Not just admiration. Not just affection. A spark, small but real. Possessive. Longing.

Jealousy flares in me before I can stop it.

I push it down. What the hell am I doing? He’s a kid. Just a boy with a harmless crush. Everyone’s had one. Still, something about it sets my instincts on edge-like the quiet tension before a shift.

Leon says something that makes her laugh, and that damn spark shines brighter. My gut tightens

again.

Get a grip, Keith.

My beast is bristling, like there is another male trying to barge in on our territory.

What the hell is going on with me today?

I remind myself of his age. Remind myself of Hope’s heart. Remind myself of my own strength and place beside her. Still, the feeling lingers. Not fear. Not even a threat. Just… awareness.

A sense that there is something I’m missing and that detail is important.

Eventually, she places a hand on his arm and says, “We’ll catch up later, alright? I just wanted to check in.”

Leon nods. “I’ll be in the ring till sunset.”

“Keep pushing,” she says. “You’re doing great.”

He grins again, but when he glances at me, his smile falters.

30 Royal bali-2

We turn to leave. Relief rolls through me like a slow exhale. Not because I dislike the kid. But because the weight in the air finally lets up.

“You see what I mean?” Hope says as we head down the trail.

“He’s sharp,” I admit. “Big for his age, too.”

“He’s been through a lot. Doesn’t talk about it much, but it shows in how he trains. He’s determined. Won’t let himself fall behind.”

“Yeah,” I say, rubbing the back of my neck. “I can see that.”

Goosebumps rise.

I turn.

Leon stands just beyond the fence line, watching us. But it’s not the grin from before. It’s something else-measured, intense. Like he’s sizing me up. Testing something.

Not aggressive. Not overt.

But not friendly either.

Our eyes lock. A few seconds pass.

Then he nods once-slow and deliberate-before turning away.

I stare after him a moment too long.

Hope glances at me. “What?”

“Nothing,” I say, forcing a breath out. “Just… kid’s got a stare like a blade.”

She laughs. “He’ll grow out of it.”

Maybe.

Or maybe not.

2

Comments

LUCK DRAW >

Vote

3

O

<