The dreaded day had finally arrived. The front gates, the only part of the city not surrounded by the forest, opened widely to announce the

  Clarentsi family’s arrival. Eritandellion had slipped back into the city the previous night, much to Mat and Spring’s delight. He seemed slightly disappointed that they had made no progress on Mat’s time powers. But promised them he wasn’t. Once the delight at his return passed, Spring became angry.

  “How could you arrange my marriage without even asking me!?” She shouted. “I don’t want to marry him.”

  “I understand that my dear.” Eritandellion said. “But you should at least give him a chance. If you don’t like him, then I won’t let them bully you into agreeing. It’s up to you my dear.”

  Spring had been relieved by that, but she was still nervous.

  Mat stood by her side, holding her hand tenderly.

  “It’ll be okay.” Mat promised her, squeezing her hand softly.

  “I know.” Spring said. She didn’t believe it. Something in her gut told her it wouldn’t be. A carriage rolled up the street, made of polished wood and gold. The Clarentsi family. It stopped by the gate leading into Eritandellion’s training ground. The door opened, and a tall dark skinned young man with broad shoulders and a distinct jaw line walked out, waving to the crowd that had amassed around the carriage.

  “Good morning! Hello, it’s good to see you all!” He cried out. Almost everybody was watching him, clapping and cheering. The training that everybody else went through day after day was run distantly by the Clarentsi family. He walked slowly through the crowd, making his way closer to Spring. Suddenly, a young, ginger man walked into him, apologising briefly as he read through his notes once more. The Clarentsi son, Humphrey, Spring knew his name was, grabbed Sam.

  “Are you trying to disrespect me?” He roared. Sam looked up, recognising the man instantly.

  “N – No. I – I didn’t s – see you. I’m sorry.”

  A dangerous look flashed on Humphrey’s face.

  “I should make an example out of you!” Humphrey roared, raising his fist to slap Sam.

  “Sam!” Mat exclaimed, his voice joyful. Spring hadn’t even noticed him moving toward Sam. “Did you bring the book that Eritandellion asked for?” Mat asked. Sam looked confused but quickly clocked what Mat was doing.

  “Y – yes. I was just checking it was the correct one once more.” He rapidly said.

  “Oh good.” Mat said. “Could you let my friend here go?” He asked Humphrey. “Eritandellion will be angry if he doesn’t get his book soon.”

  Humphrey didn’t look happy, but clearly didn't want to cross Eritandellion either.

  “Of course!” He said. “You should have said so sooner.”

  Grabbing Sam’s arm, Mat led him away as soon as Humphrey let him go, whispering something to him before walking back over to Spring. Sam rushed into Eritandellion’s tower. Humphrey had recovered from his anger and made his way quickly to Spring.

  Up close he posed a towering figure, looming over Spring. Mat, standing next to her, wasn’t much smaller than Humphrey, but it was noticeable.

  “You must be Spring.” He said taking her hand and kissing it; Mat was still holding the other one. “I must say, everybody undersells your great beauty. I am beyond charmed.”

  Mat’s hand was trembling, and sweat was forming on his palms. Giving him a reassuring squeeze, she addressed Humphrey.

  “You’re the one who wants to marry me?” She asked bluntly. Shock was visible on Humphrey’s face, but he took hold of himself effortlessly.

  “Indeed I am. Even more so, after meeting you in person.”

  “Right, well let’s get on with it then.” Spring said dismissively, having to let go of Mat’s hand. While she was displaying a dismissive persona, she was actually really scared. All who knew what was going on also knew the family would hound her down until she agreed. From meeting Humphrey briefly, she didn’t like him. Marrying him would effectively ruin her. She wouldn’t be allowed to marry or date anybody who actually interested her; Mat being the prime example. Still, she had to have a “date” with Humphrey at least before going back to Mat.

  ***

  Mat's chest ached as he looked longingly after Spring as Humphrey led her away. Maybe it was for the best. He was sure Humphrey would look after her as best he could, if not for any other reason than wanting to keep the power it gave him. Mat had been growing closer and closer to her, his glass heart on display and vulnerable to breaking. Knowing it was a bad idea hadn’t stopped him, and now he was paying the price. He wanted to hold her in his arms, to kiss her. Even to be more intimate with her. How had he let this happen? He hadn’t wanted to get this close to anyone ever again, not after Mary. Yet here he was, desiring a girl that he had just lost.

  Running his hands through his hair, Mat sighed and walked toward Eritandellion’s tower. Sam was waiting by the door, reading through his notes again.

  “Ah Mat, I need to talk to you. I’ve run through my notes again and I’ve adjusted the cycling technique further. The changes are based on your Advancement and notes I’ve been making during near death encounters.”

  “I’m not in the mood.” Mat said angrily. “Can’t we just do it another day?”

  “Not if we can help it.” Looking at Mat’s face, he backed down a little. “If you insist, we can ramp the work down today.”

  Mat rolled his eyes.

  “Fine.” Mat said.

  The hours crawled by Mat not really feeling it. His mind wasn’t focused on his powers; Spring was the only thing on his mind. There was a stabbing in his chest every time he thought of her beautiful purple eyes. The care and warmth in her eyes, once directed at him, would now be given to Humphrey.

  “I give up!” Mat cried. “I can’t do it.”

  “Please just try once more.” Sam begged. “I know you can do this.”

  “No, I can’t.” Mat spat bitterly. “I can’t even focus right now. We’ll try again another day.”

  Mat didn’t say anything further as he stormed off, back in the direction of his house.

  On the way back home, he bumped into someone. Not looking up from the ground, he muttered an apology.

  “Do I know you?” A manly, posh voice asked. Mat looked up and saw a young man with dark skin and long black hair. He shared the same broad shoulders as Humphrey, but other than that he wasn’t too similar. For one, he didn’t look so full of himself. A glimmer of recognition shone in his eyes, but he didn’t say anything.

  “I was with Spring when Humphrey arrived.” Mat murmured.

  “I knew I’d seen you before. It’s a pleasure to meet you.” He said, putting his hand out to shake Mat’s. Mat shook his head but didn’t walk away. Analysing the young man in front of him, he saw a huge, claw like sword resting on his back. The man had a pitying look in his eyes.

  “Are you close with her?” He asked.

  “Yeah. We were.”

  “I’m sorry. I hope things work out for you.”

  Mat gave him a thin smile.

  “My name’s George. I’m Humphrey’s brother.”

  So that’s why he looked so similar to him.

  “Well, you can tell your brother that he’s a very lucky man.” Mat said. George didn’t say anything, so Mat continued walking away.

  ***

  Spring wasn’t shocked to discover Humphrey’s boring personality. The dinner they were eating was more interesting than his conversations. Most of the talking was done by him, telling her about how great he was. Spring gave him polite responses, but Humphrey certainly knew she wasn’t bothered about him. When they were finished eating and left the restaurant, he took her hands.

  “Why don’t you come back to my lodgings for a while. You would absolutely love it. And my bed’s rather cosy.” He said, wiggling his eyebrows at her.

  Spring felt repulsed.

  “No thanks.” She said. “I’m going home. Thanks for the conversation.” She said politely. Walking away, she decided that she wanted to see Mat. Maybe she would stay with him for the night. Humphrey was seething behind her, but she didn’t turn to look at him.

  ***

  A knocking came from Mat’s door. He was half curious who it was, but he found himself unable to fully care. It would probably be Sam, talking about work again. While he liked Sam, he wished he could be left alone for a while. Opening the door, he froze at the sight of a pair of stunning purple eyes.

  “Spring?” He choked out, unable to contain his excitement. “What are you doing here. I thought you were with Humphrey.”

  “I was.” She agreed. “Then I left and thought, who did I want to spend my day with? You were the answer.”

  Mat’s legs almost gave out. Grabbing her hand, Mat pulled her into the house and, before he could stop himself, passionately kissed her. She pulled away after a moment, caressing his cheek longingly. Mat’s heartbeat began to quicken. What had he gotten himself into? Was the kiss a mistake?

  “I wanted to discuss something with you.” She said. Mat closed his eyes and waited for the end of their relationship. “I’m not leaving you Mat. No matter what the Clarentsi think of me rejecting them, no matter how close you get to me, I’m not going anywhere.”

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  Mat’s eyes swivelled on her.

  “How did you -”

  “Sorry. I didn’t mean to upset you. I just… I can tell something happened back at your home. I only wanted to reassure you.”

  “It’s fine.” Mat assured her.

  “Thank you.” She said. Her eyes lingered on him for a minute, a strange look in her eyes.

  “Is something wrong?” Mat asked.

  “No. No.” She took a deep breath. “What I wanted to discuss with you is – it’s a bit nerve wracking.”

  “What’s wrong?”

  “Nothing’s wrong. I was wondering if – only if you want too, I mean – I’ll get it if you’re not ready so don’t feel obligated to agree – but I wondered if maybe we could be more… intimate?” She asked, her cheeks and ears turning crimson.

  “O – oh.” Mat stammered. “Y – you mean like – like that?”

  Spring nodded nervously.

  “I – I – um.”

  “It’s fine.” Spring promised him. “We can wait. I shouldn’t have pushed it. I’m sorry.”

  Mat gently rested his hands on her shoulders and let his head rest on hers. His hands were profusely shaking, and Spring tenderly put her hands on top of his, stabilising them. Closing his eyes, he forced out the answer he wanted to say. He knew he was being stupid, but he couldn’t help himself. Feeling her delicate nose touching his, he spoke.

  “I’d really like that Spring. I – You make me feel so happy.” Mat admitted.

  “Good.” She said softly. “Because you make me feel the same way.”

  Her lips lightly began kissing his own, and she pushed him onto the bed in the centre of the room. As Mat wrapped his hands around her back the kiss became more intense and passionate. Spring reached for his long blue coat and pulled it off, discarding it on the floor Her hands clumsily reached for the buttons on his shirt, fumbling until she got the first button done.

  Mat struggled with taking her white robe off, his hands shaking too much. While one hand remained on his buttons, and his chest, her other one grasped his hand, guiding it to help remove the robe. Mat opened his eyes for a spilt second, seeing excitement on Spring’s face. He threw the robe on the ground, pulling her purple t shirt over her head. Their lips broke contact for a moment, and Spring met his eyes, her gaze soft and warm. Once the shirt was gone, she grasped his hair and pulled him in to continue the kiss. Both her hands returned to his buttons, fumbling until she got the next one undone.

  Mat clumsily unstrapped her bra, letting it fall onto the bed sheets. Spring had finished his buttons in that time and easily slid the shirt from his shoulders.

  Mat’s heart was pounding out of his chest as his body was now bare. He felt more vulnerable than he had in months. Spring had full power over his heart; he’d given her that power.

  Their trousers and pants proved little issue, and Mat soon found himself fully naked. Cool air from the crack in the door blew through, but it was barely noticeable with the warmth of Spring’s body.

  Gently pulling his lips away, his eyes opened to Spring’s face right by his. Instead of humour or cruelty in her eyes, there was passion and… love. Mat knew he must be mistaken about that.

  Her hand ran down his bare chest, stopping momentarily to feel his heartbeat; it was skyrocketing.

  “I’m not going anywhere my sweet.” Her soft voice said.

  Mat embraced her, and the last barrier between them vanished.

  Mat couldn't have felt more elated as he and Spring laid together after they had finished. Mat had expected her to leave, to abandon him to loneliness now that they had finished. Instead, she cuddled up to him, stroking his hair and resting her head on his chest.

  “That was my first time.” She said, nestling her head deeper into his chest. Mat put his hand around her shoulders, gently rubbing them. “I’m really glad it was you.”

  Mat couldn’t believe she was still here, still talking… could it be lovingly. Mat was unsure.

  “So am I.” Mat agreed. “I’m sorry if I have been distant recently. It’s just… I’ve been through a lot, and I didn’t want to face any heartbreak again. My…”

  “You don’t have to tell me right now. Don’t force yourself if you’re not ready.”

  “No. No, I want to tell you it’s just… it’s hard.”

  Spring looked up at him softly.

  “My parents never really paid much attention to me or any of us older siblings." Mat began. "We have a lot of siblings, so they were rather distant. On top of that I struggled to make friends, so I was mostly a loner at school. All of my friends forgot about me or ditched me the moment we were apart. My best friend Tom stayed though. Then I met Mary.” He had to take many deep breaths before he could carry on. “I spent two years with her, thinking she loved me despite her harsh words. Then I walked in on her and Tom -” He couldn’t keep it together any longer, tears streaming down his face.

  “It’s okay.” Spring said soothingly. “They’re not here. I am. And I’ll never put you through anything like that. I swear.”

  Spring’s finger brushed the tears off his face until they finally stopped coming.

  “The only reason I’m going back is to see David and Evie again. David’s my twin and Evie is only a bit younger than us. Other than them, I have nothing to go back for.”

  “Then we’ll find them. After that we’ll find something else.”

  “We?”

  “Of course. I’m not going anywhere Mat.”

  Mat buried his face in her neck, briefly kissing her.

  “I’m so happy you’re part of my life.” Mat whispered.

  Mat awoke the next morning with a small smile still resting on his face. Looking at Spring, who was cuddled up to him snoring, he still felt his breathing becoming sharper. He hadn’t wanted to end last night; afraid she would leave. Yet here she was, gently snoring in their tangle of cuddling arms. Mat felt he should get up and make her something to eat but also didn’t want to wake her. Spring looked so peaceful. The decision wasn’t a hard one. He nestled up to her, slightly tightening his hold on her. Knowing he wouldn’t get back to sleep, Mat just looked at her appreciatively, gently stroking her hair. While he waited, he cast his mind back to the idiocy of last night. He had lain his whole self, physically and otherwise, bare for her to see. With a careless touch, she could have shattered him, sending him back to how Mary left him. Yet she hadn’t done that. Spring had stayed with him. Mat had no regrets about doing it, but it could have gone wrong. Except Spring wasn’t that kind of person. She was sweet and kind and attentive.

  The memory of last night was one he would cherish forever. Spring was only his second girlfriend but felt like the first. The difference between Mary and Spring was night and day. Mary had done things for him out of the kindness of her heart, and during intimacy she didn’t show any care for him or touch him anymore than she had to.

  Looking back on last night, Spring had been very attentive and touchy during and after intimacy. More than he had expected; not that he was upset about that. Even the memory of the night made his heart flutter.

  “You’re so precious to me.” Mat whispered, not waking her up.

  Suddenly, there was a loud knocking on the door. Spring woke up, looking at him tenderly.

  “Who do you think that is?” She yawned, snuggling closer to Mat.

  “I don’t know. Probably Sam. He’ll come back later.” Mat said, running his hand along her back. She planted a kiss on his chest as she shuffled around, stretching her arms before cuddling him again.

  Another knock shattered the peace. Mat frowned a little. While Sam was a bit oblivious, he doubted he would be this persistent, let alone that loud.

  A much louder bang rang throughout the room. If Mat couldn’t see the door, he would have assumed it had burst off its hinges. Untangling himself from Spring’s arms, he crept over to the door, picking his dagger up on the way. Spring was alarmed, pulling a few pieces of clothes on. Mat realised he was still naked. Still, he had to know who was at the door. He raised his hand in Spring’s direction, indicating for her to be quiet.

  “Who’s there?” Mat called through the door.

  “I need you to open the door.” A voice called back. It belonged to Humphrey Clarentsi.

  “Why?” Mat asked. “Do you need something?”

  “I need you to open the door.”

  There was a dangerous tone in his voice which unnerved Mat. He quickly made his way to the other side of the room, quietly pushing the window open.

  “You need to get out of here.” Mat whispered.

  “We can take him.” Spring argued, although she sounded uneasy.

  “Please Spring.” Mat begged. “I couldn’t live with myself if something happened to you.”

  “Then come with me.”

  “No, I need to try to distract him. Perhaps I can talk things out with him.”

  Both of them knew that wasn’t happening.

  “If you don’t come, then I’m not leaving.” Spring said stubbornly. “We’re a team.

  Mat had no time to argue, hearing Humphrey now kicking down the door. He managed to pull his trousers and button his shirt back up, with Spring’s help, before he broke the door down.uHu

  “Can we help you?” Mat asked, feigning calmness.

  “You can help me by never speaking to my wife again.” Humphrey spat. “Spring, come with me.”

  She stayed firmly planted next to Mat.

  “I don’t remember agreeing to marry you. Not likely to escape my memory, is it?”

  “You will marry me.” He said confidently. “I tried being nice yesterday, but you will marry me no matter what you think of me.”

  “No, I won’t.” Spring said.

  “My family is very powerful. No matter who your teacher is, you weren’t born into power. I outrank you. Now, come with me!” His voice boomed.

  “I need you to get out of my house.” Mat said, moving to stand slightly in front of Spring. Humphrey appeared to actually see Mat for the first time.

  “Spring, why are you with this man?” He asked angrily. “You wouldn’t – you didn’t dare. Did you sleep with him!?” His voice echoed through the street.

  “What does it matter to you?” Spring asked. “I can make my own decisions. I can decide what I do and who I spend my time with.”

  Humphrey stepped closer to them.

  “You little whore.” He spat. “How dare you disrespect me like that. Especially with a – a rat like this.” He said, gesturing at Mat.

  Mat angrily stepped toward him.

  “Don’t ever call her that again.” Mat snarled. “You’re not even worth her time. How dare you use that kind of language toward or about her.”

  “Did you really choose this man over me.”

  “Yes.” Spring said calmly. “He means so much more to me than you ever could. Now leave us alone.”

  Humphrey snarled as huge, serpentlike sword appeared in his hand.

  “This is your last chance to end things peacefully.” Humphrey warned. “If you come with me now and swear to never talk to this boy again, I’ll let him live. But either way you’re coming with me.”

  Spring’s Sword of Eternal Flame manifested in her hands, and she now took over at the front, defending Mat.

  “You keep your hands off him.” She snarled.

  A cruel grin warped Humphrey’s face, and he shot at Spring like a bullet. In one fluid movement she parried the hit, carrying the momentum to get a quick slash at his arm. It didn’t cut deep, but Mat knew first-hand how painful that could be.

  Humphrey gave a gasp of pain but didn’t stop. With his sword, he let out a barrage of attacks, Spring deflecting all of them, although there were a few close calls which made Mat a little nervous. He wasn’t sitting idly by; running into the battle, he plunged the dagger into Humphrey’s back.

  Trying to pull it out, his Eyes of the Tiger Bloodline warned him of an incoming attack. From directly ahead of him. Ditching the dagger, he launched himself backward, with more power than he realised he had within him.

  Mat assumed it was due to his recent Advancement. As he landed back on the bed, A pair of huge, emerald wings, the same colour as his serpentine blade, sprung out from his back. While he continued battling Spring, he flapped his wings. Huge blades of wind roared in Mat’s direction, forcing him to roll to the side to dodge the first one. The second blade, however, slammed into him, creating a deep gouge in his arm, which he had instinctively raised to defend himself. The pressure from it was powerful, Mat flying through the wall and out into the street.

  He coughed up dust, painfully getting back to his feet. Stumbling his way back, all he could hope was Spring was okay.

  ***

  Watching Mat fly though the wall hurt Spring. He could be dead for all she knew. If Humphrey wasn’t pushing Spring to her limits, she would be able to expand her Toh energy to scan the area for him. Right now though, she needed everything she had.

  Humphrey’s Bloodline was strong, giving him wings and the strength to easily wield such a huge blade. The fact he could swing it so quickly and precisely without tiring just showed his immense strength.

  His downfall, which Spring was counting on, was the amount of stamina it would take. Each Advancement would have greatly empowered his stamina, but it wasn’t unending.

  Eventually, he would tire. He must tire. Mat’s dagger was left lying on the bed, obviously not having a strong enough grip to keep hold of it during the attack. Spring reluctantly had to say that was a benefit. While she kept Humphrey distracted, beginning to deflect and slash her sword at him, she slowly used her Metal Manipulation bloodline to take control over the dagger.

  When his defences were to be down, the wings vanished into his back as it was difficult to manoeuvre with them, Spring sunk it into Humphrey’s back. A yelp escaped his lips but he didn’t stop fighting, his swings no less precise than before.

  Spring knew the only way she could win this fight would be to take a risk. He didn’t seem to be tiring in any way, and Spring knew she was going to lose before he tired. Throwing herself to the side, she felt the blade sink into her arm, almost amputating it. She landed on her feet, gritting her teeth against the pain. Humphrey gave a vicious grin, sure he had won the fight. His walk was cocky, though he had a limp now, and his teeth were sparkling white. Until they weren’t.

  Humphrey coughed, and blood came up, staining his teeth. His grin vanished as he looked down at his body. Sitting in his stomach, sparks flying off of it, was Spring’s sword. The pain caught up to him, and he stumbled, catching himself on a set of drawers.

  “You… stabbed me?” His voice was more questioning than angry.

  Spring fell back on the wall, her arm holding on by a small shred of skin and a lot of willpower. She knew the wound she had inflicted had a low chance of killing Humphrey. While its head would burn and boil his blood, he could get help quickly. The Clarentsi family weren’t far away in the city. Humphrey gave her a final glare before stumbling through the hole Mat had been thrown through. Moments after he fled, Mat ran through the hole, glancing around frantically. Seeing Spring, who was now lying on the ground, he ran to her, taking her in his arms. Spring was losing consciousness, the blood leaking out of her rapidly.

  “HELP!” Mat shrieked. They were now outside. Spring idly wondered how they had gotten there. Her vision blacked out; when she came to again, she could see a long corridor. It looked familiar, but she couldn’t place why. The man carrying her – did she know him? – was remarkably handsome. His eyes were stained with tears, running down his soot-stained face.

  All went dark.