The Morning of Atta
The sky was still dark when Atta sprinted through the gardens of Saint Athepia, dressed in simple shorts and a shirt. His breath came steady, his heartbeat calm. With every stride, he focused inward, letting mana wrap around his legs. Suddenly, his speed doubled, the wind rushing past his ears.
A smirk crossed his lips. "Big sister Fiza's advice really works."
But his focus broke when someone appeared in his path.
"—Ah!"
Too fast to stop, Atta stumbled forward and crashed onto the grass at the feet of Princess Isha. She burst into laughter, her melodic voice echoing through the garden.
"Wow, Prince Atta, I didn't know you trained this early in the morning."
Groaning, Atta pushed himself up. "And what are you doing here, Princess Isha?"
She held back her laughter, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "Your footsteps woke me. You were practically running past my window."
Atta sank onto the grass, cheeks warm. "Sorry… I didn't mean to disturb you."
She extended her hand with a smile. "You apologize too much. For a prince, that's rare. I like that about you."
He took her hand, rising to his feet. "And you forgive too easily. That's what I like about you, my princess."
They shared a smile as the first light of dawn spilled over the horizon.
"I should get ready for class," Atta said softly.
"I'll be waiting," Isha replied.
With that, Atta jogged back toward his dorm, the sunrise at his back.
Inside, Reyan was already out of the shower, drying his hair in a bathrobe.
"Morning, roomie," he grinned. "Went running again?"
Atta slid his shoes beneath the bed. "Yeah. Only three days left until the Theoms Tournament. I need to be ready."
Reyan chuckled, leaning against the wall. "I doubt anyone's working as hard as you."
Atta lay back on his bed, staring at the ceiling. "It's my first real competition. I don't want to lose."
Reyan smirked. "You do realize Prince Ethan and a bunch of nobles will be competing, right? Think you can handle them?"
For a moment, Atta's thoughts darkened. How do I even explain I'm a prince myself…
Out loud, he only said, "I don't know. But I'll try."
Reyan clapped him on the shoulder. "That's the spirit, bro. That's what I like about you."
Atta smiled faintly. "Come on, we'll be late for class."
Later, the marble halls of Saint Athepia echoed beneath Atta's boots as he walked to his lesson. Suddenly, a hand slammed him against the wall.
Prince Ethan.
Atta stiffened, anger surging as veins tightened on his forehead. "What's the meaning of this, Prince Ethan?"
The angel prince leaned close, his voice a low growl. "Brother Cassius told me you're entering the Theoms Tournament. On his request, no less."
Atta glared. "So what if I am?"
Ethan's fist tightened at his side. "Don't think I've forgiven you for that guard's death—or for the way your sister, Princess Fiza, humiliated me. If you dare step into that arena, I won't hold back. My fists won't stop next time."
Atta arched a brow and leaned forward, his voice dropping into a cold, dangerous tone. "I'd like to see you try."
A cruel smirk twisted across Ethan's lips. "Don't forget what happened in the garden. You can't use magic. You're still nothing but an inferior human."
But Atta only smirked back, eyes hard. He leaned in even closer, their foreheads almost touching.
"Who said I need magic?"
---
To Be Continued....