OPERATION WINTERSPINE (Strings Between Us Book 2)

CHAPTER THIRTY-EIGHT: OF BLADES UNVEILED, THE POLITICAL STRIKE

CHAPTER THIRTY-EIGHT: OF BLADES UNVEILED, THE POLITICAL STRIKE, AND THE PROMISE KEPT

KD's POV

My eyes never left her. From the moment she surged forward—blades flashing in the dim light, charging at the armed men—I was rooted, watching, trying to understand the fierce new side of her I'd never seen.

I knew she was scared. I felt it through my Elarin Band. But it wasn't fear for herself. It was for me. Every time she moved, her eyes found mine, even for a fraction of a second

Her heart was pounding—I could feel it as if it were my own. That's why I tried my best not to show fear. But she knew. She felt it through her necklace.

I couldn't move. I have never experienced something like this before. And watching Riyee stand up in front of me, protecting us meant only one thing—there's a part of her I didn't know

And the moment she drew her last move, she collapsed. Xythe caught her before she hit the floor. I wanted to but I couldn't move. I was still locked in shock—shaken by what I'd just seen.

I clenched my fist. I knew Ardent Court wasn't just an 'ordinary' group of students from Celestine. I have a hint that they are something. The secrecy. The constant guardedness. The way Headmaster Antonio praised them during the Sovereign-Ardent Alliance announcement. I'd seen them move during Sports Week—they were skilled. But this? This was different. This was something else.

Especially her—Riyee. She didn't tell me.

I've always told her I would protect her. But today... she protected me. She protected everyone.

The High Chamber councils were silent. What could they even say? They didn't know how to react. The Court had just declared protection over the very people who condemned them. It wasn't just a rescue—it was a political strike. What happened today was a slap on their faces—our faces.

In a single move, the Court turned from the accused into the saviors. Every council member here saw it. Every student, every teacher. Their silence wasn't just shock—it was calculation. Lines were shifting, alliances rewriting themselves in real time. And the worst part? The Court knew exactly what they were doing.

"Remind me again not to get on their bad sides. They're scary." I heard Xylia murmuring beside me.

"They protected us. That's what matters." Mico replied.

"Rielle collapsed. Is she gonna be fine?" Jodie's voice was laced with worry.

And I was worried too. Too much. She's mine. And I'll be damned if anything takes her from me.

I saw Xythe walking towards us while carrying the unconscious Riyee. When he reached us, some other students flinched. But he ignored them and looked straight at me.

"You okay, Pres?" Xythe's voice was flat as he scanned me. "Not that I care—well, maybe a little—but Ari does. If you're hurt, she'll draw Artemis on me and Saichel before you can blink.

I frowned, unfamiliar with the name "Artemis?"

Saichel appeared behind him with a grin. "Her hybrid arc-bow/twin-blade. You know our weapon got names."

I heard gasps and whispers rippled behind me.

"Those...weapons were real? Not for simulation games? It really can kill people?" Jodie asked.

"Yes, very real. Yes, it can kill people." Saichel smirked. "We just used it for things like this. You're lucky it was us who were trapped here with you. If it was Seb or Tofer, you'll be dead."