Chapter 14

Kleena

Kleena hung her clothes to dry, her arms tired from scrubbing them so vigorously. The entire morning had been dedicated to cleaning Calla’s home and her own clothes.

She noticed Erhan a small distance away, shirtless and doing push-ups. From where she stood, she could see a thin layer of sweat on his muscled upper body.

Damn, now that’s a nice sight. I’ve always liked a man who takes care of his body. And he clearly takes good care of his.

She refocused when she heard Marcus rushing past her, making a beeline for Erhan.

“That looks so cool!” He jumped on his tiptoes. “Will you teach me to fight?”

Erhan stretched his arms, looking down at the boy. “Why do you want to fight?”

Marcus thought for a moment, scratched his leg, and thinned his lips with determination. “I want to protect my mom and the other villagers.”

Erhan nodded, seemingly satisfied with the child’s answer. Picking up a sturdy stick from the ground, he handed it to Marcus and then took one for himself.

“First, you must learn balance,” he said. “Without it, you cannot fight well.”

To demonstrate, he uncoiled part of his tail and raised himself higher, keeping the upper half of his body perfectly still.

His tail moved gracefully, displaying both strength and control.

Marcus watched in awe, realizing that balance wasn’t just about standing on two feet; it was about finding your center, no matter your form.

Kleena sat down on a rock closer to them to watch the pair.

“Your balance comes from here,” Erhan said, tapping his midsection. “Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and bend your knees slightly. Feel the ground beneath you, steady and firm.”

The boy enthusiastically tried to mimic his instructor, wobbling precariously before falling to the ground.

“It’s all right,” Erhan said with a rare smile. “It takes practice. Try again.”

After several attempts, Marcus managed to stay balanced for a few moments. Erhan nodded approvingly.

“Good. Now, grip your stick like this,” he instructed, showing the boy how to hold it firmly but not too tightly. “A weapon is an extension of your body. Feel its weight. Understand its movement.”

He demonstrated a few basic stances and simple strikes, his movements fluid and powerful. His tail provided an added layer of stability and grace, something the boy watched with fascination.

Kleena found stealing glances at Erhan.

She admired the way his muscled body moved with effortless grace and power, each movement fluid and controlled.

His broad shoulders and strong arms flexed as he demonstrated various techniques to Marcus, the sunlight catching on his tanned skin and highlighting the contours of his physique.

Her eyes traced the lines of his body, noting how his muscles shifted beneath his armor with each motion. His chest, broad and powerful, rose and fell steadily with his breath.

It wasn’t just his upper body that captivated her. Erhan’s lower half, the serpentine tail that coiled and uncoiled with hypnotic grace, was equally fascinating.

His tail moved with a fluidity that seemed almost magical, providing both balance and an unexpected elegance to his movements.

The scales glistened in the light, their intricate patterns adding an exotic allure to his already imposing presence.

Kleena, calm yourself. These thoughts aren’t going to get you anywhere!

Marcus swung the stick awkwardly at first, but under the warrior’s patient guidance, his movements grew more fluid.

“Remember…” Erhan pinned the boy with a serious expression. “It’s not just about strength. It’s about timing and precision. Watch your opponent. Anticipate their moves.”

He showed Marcus a few basic stances and simple strikes, correcting his form gently but firmly. As they practiced, Marcus’s confidence grew.

Despite her best efforts, Kleena found it hard to hide her admiration for the Niri who saved her life.

He really is an amazing fighter, and his teaching skills are impressive too. He must have spent hours training to become so agile and strong.

“Lastly,” Erhan said, “you must have the heart of a warrior. Strength and skill mean nothing without the will to use them wisely. Never fight out of anger or pride. Fight to protect, to defend, to uphold what is right.”

Marcus looked up at him, his eyes wide with admiration and understanding. “I will. I promise.”

Erhan nodded, clapping the boy’s shoulder. “Good. Remember these lessons, and you’ll be well on your way.”

The boy beamed, clutching his stick as if it were a mighty sword.

Kleena walked over to Erhan, smiling.

“You’re a natural with him,” she commented, her voice warm with admiration. “You’ll probably make a great father one day.”

An irrational part of me wishes I could be by your side when you become a father. But that’s just crazy. Right?

Erhan’s eyes flickered with surprise at her words. He glanced at Marcus, who was absorbed in his practice, and then back at Kleena. “That’s not something I’ve been told before.”

Her smile widened, a hint of teasing in her eyes. “I can see it in the way you teach him. You’re patient, encouraging… it suits you.”

His gaze softened ever so slightly as he looked at her. “And you, Kleena,” he said quietly. “Have you ever noticed your own maternal qualities? The way you care for everyone around you, always looking out for their well-being…”

He noticed something like that about me? Does this mean he sees me as possibly more than a friend? Surely not… right?

Kleena blinked, caught off guard by his observation. A rush of warmth spread across her cheeks, the unexpected compliment lingering in the air between them.

She opened her mouth to reply but found herself momentarily at a loss for words.

Marcus ran over to them, eager to receive more training from Erhan, who happily obliged. The training session grew more animated, laughter and shouts filling the air.

Kleena found herself drawn into the playful bout, her own laughter joining the chorus of Marcus’s excited cheers.

Erhan, with his calm yet engaging demeanor, encouraged the boy’s enthusiasm, making the practice feel more like a game than a lesson.

“Watch your footwork, Marcus.”

Kleena, mimicking Marcus’s determined strikes, couldn’t help but laugh as she stumbled through the motions, her attempts more spirited than skilled.

Marcus’s grin was infectious, and soon they were all lost in the joy of the moment.

In the midst of their fun, Marcus misstepped, his small body tumbling forward into Kleena.

She tried to catch him, but the unexpected momentum sent her crashing into Erhan.

Instinctively, Erhan’s arm wrapped around her waist, pulling her close to steady her. His tail, strong and sure, coiled gently around her legs to balance them both.

For a heartbeat, their laughter ceased, the world narrowing to the space between them.

Kleena felt an electrifying current where Erhan’s arm held her, his touch both protective and unexpectedly intimate.

Her breath hitched, her senses overwhelmed by his closeness. She could feel his heartbeat, steady and strong, contrasting the frantic rhythm of her own.

He’s so close, I can smell the sweat on his skin, and it smells amazing. I need to calm down!

Their gazes locked, the charged moment amplifying the feelings she had been struggling to ignore.

Erhan’s eyes, deep and intense, seemed to draw her in, and she found herself leaning toward him, her heart pounding.

Oh, this is it. A kiss is inevitable. This closeness demands it. And I really want it!

Just as her lips parted in anticipation, Erhan’s eyes flashed with an unknown emotion. With a swift, smooth movement, he released her, easing back with a grace that belied his powerful form.

She blinked, the sudden absence of his touch leaving her feeling unsteady. She tried to calm her breath, her heart still racing.

Wait, what? Why didn’t he… Does he not like me that way? Oh, no. Did I misread the moment?

Erhan cleared his throat, his expression carefully composed. “Be careful, Marcus,” he said, his voice steady despite the tension that had just passed between him and Kleena. “We don’t want any more accidents.”

Marcus, oblivious to the undercurrents between the adults, nodded eagerly, his cheeks flushed from the excitement of their play.

Kleena managed a smile, her eyes lingering on Erhan’s for a fraction longer than necessary.

“That’s enough for today,” Erhan said as he pulled on his shirt. “I need to go wash up.”

Kleena stood quietly, her hand on her heart.

Oh, heart. You’re confusing me. Falling for the prince of a distant planet isn’t the wisest decision right now.

She watched Erhan slip away, the space he left behind a cold contrast to the warmth of his touch.