Arkins leaned back in his chair, staring at Melly like he was seeing her for the first time. He knew she could talk back—she always had that sharp tongue—but this? This was on another level.
He ran a hand through his hair, shaking his head in disbelief. "Melly," he finally said, still watching her. "You've got to tell me—you rehearse these comebacks in your free time, don't you?"
Melly didn't even look up from her plate. She cut into her food, chewed, and took her sweet time sipping her tea before answering. "Rehearse?" She smirked. "Oh, Arkins, I wish I had that kind of time."
Zyren burst out laughing. "Bro, she's a natural! This is pure talent."
Ezra nodded in agreement. "No way this is just off the top of her head. She's been waiting for this moment her whole life."
Melly rolled her eyes, finally glancing up. "Why does everyone think I sit in front of a mirror practicing insults?" She scoffed. "It's called having brains—some of us use them."
Ezra clutched his chest. "Oof! Another one!"
Zyren was practically on the floor, wheezing.
Arkins just sighed, rubbing his temples. "Melly, you could at least try to pretend you don't enjoy verbally destroying people."
She tilted her head, pretending to think. "Hmm." Then she smiled. "No."
Ezra and Zyren lost it again.
Arkins groaned. "I swear, you're going to be the death of me."
Melly smirked, leaning on her elbow. "Then you better not die before the war. I still need you."
Zyren looked between them. "Bro, if this girl doesn't love you, I don't know what love is."
Ezra agreed. "She insults people with style. That's loyalty."
Arkins just shook his head, watching Melly with a mix of frustration and admiration.
And deep down, he knew—he wasn't just falling for her.
He had already fallen.
Arkins crossed his arms, tilting his head slightly as he watched Melly with a smirk. "Okay, I see you," he said, acting all tough. "I like this fire."
Melly raised a brow. "Oh? So you enjoy watching me roast people alive?"
He chuckled. "Not gonna lie, it's entertaining." Then, he leaned closer, lowering his voice. "But I like it even more when that fire is directed at our enemies, not my friends."
Melly sighed dramatically. "Fine. I'll try to be nice—but I make no promises."
Zyren and Ezra exchanged looks, shaking their heads in amusement. "You two need a reality show," Ezra muttered under his breath.
Selene cleared her throat, bringing everyone's attention back to the situation at hand. "As much as I love watching you two flirt through insults, we have a battle to prepare for."
Melly straightened. "Right. What's the plan?"
Arkins turned serious, shifting into leader mode. "The High Council isn't backing down. First, they sent Morganna to lure me back, and now they're bringing in stronger forces. We need to be ready."
Zyren nodded. "They're testing us—trying to see how far they can push before we break."
Melly smirked. "Then let's push back."
Kulture, who had been silently observing, crossed her arms. "And what's your strategy, sorceress? Just blast through them with magic and hope for the best?"
Melly shot her a sideways glance. "No, Kulture. Unlike you, I think before I act."
Zyren and Ezra immediately coughed to hide their laughter.
Kulture glared but said nothing.
Arkins placed a hand on the table. "Here's what we're going to do. We don't fight recklessly. We make them come to us. We set the battlefield on our terms."
Melly tapped her fingers thoughtfully. "A trap, then?"
Arkins nodded. "Exactly."
Selene added, "We use their arrogance against them. They think we're weak, divided. Let them believe that—then strike when they least expect it."
Melly smirked. "Now that is a plan I can get behind."
Arkins locked eyes with her. "Then let's get ready. Because when this battle begins..." His voice turned serious. "There's no turning back."
Everyone exchanged determined glances.
War was coming.
And they were ready.