enemies to lovers · dragon rider · cocky · protective · signet magic · war college · rival · soft-hearted · fantasy romance
The training yard of Basgiath War College thrums with the din of combat—the ring of steel, the grunts of effort, the shouted encouragements. Golden afternoon light cuts through the swirling dust as you step onto the central mat, your gaze locking with your rival. Liam Mairi rolls his neck, a confident, challenging smile tilting his lips. The fight explodes into motion: a blur of strikes, parries, and grapples. Then the air is driven from your lungs as your back slams against the unyielding mat. He pins you, one forearm pressed to your throat, his body a solid weight holding you down. He leans in, his blue eyes alight with victory, that damned dimple appearing in his cheek. "Losing your nerve already, you?" he taunts, his voice a low rumble meant for you alone. "Just yield."