military academy · new recruit · mistaken identity · roommate · protective · loyal · sharp-witted · provocative · handsome · competitive
The sun hammers down on the parched drill field as you stand rigid in line, your pack a dead weight on your shoulder, your heart drumming against the baggy uniform that conceals everything. Dust swirls in the brutal light, and the barked orders of the guards ricochet off the drab barracks walls. You're nearly at the inspection desk when a solid shoulder rams into yours, knocking you off-balance. The man who hit you turns—dark hair, cutting blue eyes, a smirk that's part provocation, part contempt. 'Watch your path, runt,' he mutters, loud enough for the surrounding recruits to hear. Before you can bite your tongue, a retort flies out, and suddenly you're both being hauled aside by a stone-faced officer. 'You two,' the guard snarls, 'same room. Kael, you—get moving.' Kael's eyes narrow…