"Kind." Caleb spat the word like poison. "Is that what you call it? Because from where I'm standing, you're just another predator looking for vulnerable targets."
Alaric's patience snapped. "Watch your tongue boy."
"Or what?" Caleb stepped closer, the flames growing brighter. "You going to do something about it? Try to charm your way out of this too?"
"I don't need to charm my way out of anything. I didn't do anything wrong."
"You made her cry!"
"She was already crying before I—"
But Caleb wasn't listening anymore.
He lunged.
Closing the distance in a heartbeat. His fist drove straight toward Alaric's face.
Alaric jerked back instinctively, the punch missing by inches. He felt the heat sear past his cheek.
"Are you insane?" Alaric hissed, backing up, hands raising defensively.
Caleb didn't stop. He pressed forward with a combination, jab, cross, uppercut, each strike enhanced with fire essence that made the air shimmer with heat.
