The Rejected True Heiress (Liora) novel Chapter 123

Another beat of quiet. Then Zane’s voice dropped, rougher now, weighted in a way I hadn’t heard before. “I don’t want you to see me that way.”

I froze, my hands stilling on my armor straps.

…Right. That was my cue to leave.

*

When I returned, the tent smelled of leather, dust, and the coppery tang of sweat. My armor clinked as I unfastened the buckles one by one, the straps digging into sore shoulders. The chest plate slid forward, heavy in my hands, before I propped it against the bench.

I was halfway through loosening the bracers when a faint rustle brushed against the canvas behind me.

I didn’t turn. I knew that scent by heart. “You know,” I said, tugging at a stubborn strap, “peeking into a girl’s changing tent is generally frowned upon.”

A low voice, smooth and irritatingly amused, answered, “I apologize. But I should get points for the lengths I go just to talk to you. Besides, it’s a good thing I’m not just anyone.”

I glanced over my shoulder. Callum stood inside the flap, one hand braced on the pole, eyes scanning the room before landing on me.

“You’re blocking the light,” I said, not bothering to hide the smile tugging at my mouth.

“You’re blocking half the school’s expectations and sponsors right now.” He stepped in, letting the flap fall shut. “Congratulations. I heard you obliterated the speed trial. Or most of it.”

I shrugged like it was nothing, though my chest was still buzzing from the scoreboard. “I heard you did the same in the men’s category. Guess we just had a good day.”

“That wasn’t luck,” he said, voice dipping lower. “I’m strong, but you’re just unreal.”

I looked up from my bracer. “Careful, Callum. Compliments start to sound a lot like encouragement.”

His mouth quirked in the faintest grin. “Maybe I mean them to.”

The space between us hummed for a beat before his expression shifted, warmth cooling into something more deliberate. I edged back, the tent suddenly too small.

“My warning,” he said evenly, “is be careful. They’re looking for any excuse to tear you apart. Don’t give them one. Just… be careful leaving today.”

For a moment neither of us moved. The muted roar of the crowd outside felt miles away. His eyes stayed steady, unreadable, and it was infuriating how much I wanted to know what he wasn’t saying.

Finally, he stepped back toward the flap. “See you in the next round… Belrose.”

The tent swayed shut behind him, leaving leather, dust, and his words lingering in the air.

A warning.

A smile tugged at my lips. Callum never told me what to do, but he was always… helpful. At least lately.

I liked us better as friends than we ever were as fated mates.

My body stiffened. Friends?