Although it disgusted him to think, Wynn’s thoughts kept creeping back to Marius’ advice for sweetheart swindles during the trip back to Himitus.

 

Take the scenic route, Marius had said. A forceful hand early on only pushes the prize away.

 

The prickling feeling that followed was all too familiar, but Wynn took the wisdom regardless. For all the grief that Marius gave him, there was no denying that his father knew his way around sweetheart swindles.

 

Upon their return to the city, Wynn voiced his next move to Cassidy. Cassidy played her part seamlessly, texting Rae with a request that she help out with Rebecca’s newest magic trick. She added another message noting that Wynn would accompany her to the rendezvous.

 

Rae immediately agreed, noting she'd be available after five due to a class she was assisting. With their plans set, the two spent some time shopping before heading back to Cain Manor to rest for the evening.

 

They set out again the next day. Wynn, ever the professional, donned his usual suit. Cassidy opted for loafers, slim-fit dark jeans, a pastel camisole, and a blazer. After dropping Cassidy at Rebecca’s apartment, Wynn made his way to the Steel Flow Dojo.

 

The dojo doors opened with a subtle chime as Wynn stepped inside. Ambient light spilled in, revealing polished wooden floors, walls adorned with motivational posters, and a cluster of children in colored belts practicing their techniques.

 

Wynn’s gaze settled on Rae instantly. Clad in a crisp white gi and a belt as black as her layered bob haircut, Rae kneeled beside a little girl and guided the child’s stance, ensuring her feet were positioned correctly. Her thin lips moved, offering whispered advice, while her deep-set brown eyes were soft and filled with patience.

 

Figures I’d find her like this, Wynn thought. She was a real gem, the best of them. She deserved better company than what he could offer.

 

Spotting Wynn, Rae gave a brief wave before refocusing on the young student. Once done, she walked over and said she'd need a few minutes before retreating into the bathroom. When she reappeared ten minutes later, she was dressed in white canvas sneakers, cropped jeans, a striped short-sleeve top, and a gym bag slung over her shoulder.

 

“Sorry for making you wait,” Rae said.

 

“Don’t sweat it,” Wynn said. “It’s not like Rebecca’s going to vanish into thin air.”

 

“Speaking of, why isn’t she here?”

 

Wynn shrugged. “Beats me. She’s playing the ‘magicians never spill their secrets’ game right now.”

 

“Then we better get going.”

 

Wynn held the door open for Rae and allowed a cool breeze to kiss their faces. In sync, they crossed the gravel lot to his sleek sedan, which Wynn unlocked with his fob. They climbed inside and, after Wynn started the engine, they were off.

 

Neither spoke as Wynn navigated their way through the city. An unspoken tension settled in, making the car’s confines feel all the more cramped.

 

Why the silent treatment? She had a thing for him, right? So why did she hang bac— Oh. She was one of those shy types… Peachy. He’d have to take the reins. “Hey Rae, there’s something I’ve been meaning to ask.”

 

Rae’s fingers curled around her seatbelt as her attention locked onto Wynn.

 

“What’s the story behind your love for martial arts?” he asked. “What’s driving you?”

 

“Well, um...” Her nails scratched lightly against the seatbelt strap, tracing its path from her shoulder down. “I haven't really given it much thought, to be honest. It's just... I enjoy it, you know?”

 

Not really. Combat was a means to an end, not something to take pleasure in.

 

“It brings me this incredible sense of purpose, both in my body and... um, my mind. It’s like…” Rae’s forehead wrinkled as her gaze lifted to the ceiling, as if searching the ceiling for the right words. “…like the rest of the world fades into the background when I’m training. Or fighting.”

 

Rae’s glance remained on the ceiling as she gnawed at her lips.

 

“Maybe it’s because it makes me strong? No… I mean, yes, but… it’s more than just physical strength. It’s this…inner resilience, I guess? You learn to be patient, to be unwavering, to…to endure, even when faced with difficulties. It’s…” Rae mustered a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes. “…kind of hard to find the right words for it.”

 

“I think I get the gist,” Wynn said. “We may have some common ground there. The structure and discipline, they help keep me centered. And it’s comforting to know I can handle myself and be a shield for others.”

 

“Centered, huh? That’s accurate. Though for me, it’s kind of like… it’s like I’m meditating while moving. Have you ever experienced that?”

 

“Oh yeah. It’s like time slows down, and I can anticipate every move before it even happens. My body often feels like it’s being guided by an invisible force.”

 

Rae’s head bobbed up and down, her energy evident. “Yes, that’s it! That feeling is why I’m forever thankful to my mom for opening the door to martial arts.”

 

Ah, her mom… Olivia Crawford… The woman everyone thought was invincible, until life proved otherwise… It was time for a supportive line or two. “I’ve seen footage of your mom in action. I was blown away. It was like witnessing a legend come to life.”

 

“Yeah…” Rae murmured, a note of wistfulness coloring her words. “My mom…she was truly something. I can only hope to reach even a fraction of her power.”

 

“I’ve seen what you can do, and, well, you’re selling yourself short. You’ve got the potential to be just as incredible as your mom, if not more.”

 

Rae’s face lit up, but she quickly tried to compose herself, even if the tips of her ears reddening gave her away. “Oh, um… Well, I… I appreciate the kind words, but my mom… she was on a whole different level. I’m just…me, you know? I don’t know if I can ever match her, but I’m doing my best.”

 

Wynn switched lanes as smoothly as he sifted through his memories of Cassidy discussing Olivia.

 

“Hey,” he said, “why not take a page from her book and hit the road for a bit? Who knows what you’ll discover or who you’ll meet. You might find something that’ll take you to a whole new level.”

 

“That’s an interesting suggestion… My mom used to speak highly of her journey too, but… the thought of leaving everything behind feels like a big step. Also, Mom shared the journey with Mister Nick. If I were to embark on a similar path, I’d be taking it alone.”

 

An ache welled up in the back of Wynn’s throat. Was she hinting that she wanted him to go with her? He didn’t want to read into things, but it sure felt that way. Crap… What was his play here? He couldn’t give her false hope, but he couldn’t be too cold either…

 

“You know Cassidy would make it a point to visit you wherever you end up,” he said before thinking, And who knows, maybe you’ll stumble upon someone who’ll become your lifelong travel buddy?

 

“It’s fascinating how our families’ destinies have intertwined,” Rae said. “Did you know that Mister Edan once saved my grandfather’s life?”

 

“Nope, but I can’t say I’m surprised. He’s got a talent for swooping in to save the day.”

 

“No arguments here. In my grandfather’s case, he managed to keep him alive after a brutal battle where he was gravely wounded. Mister Edan stabilized, bandaged, and kept him alive until medics arrived.”

 

Almost before he realized it, Wynn’s head gave a tiny nod, as if a part of him felt compelled to salute Edan’s actions. “Guess I owe Edan another thank you then.”

 

“Huh? Why?”

 

“If it weren’t for him, we wouldn’t be having this conversation. You wouldn’t exist, after all.”

 

Rae’s cheeks blossomed with color. “I-I suppose that’s one way to look at it. It does make you appreciate the chain of events.”

 

Wynn’s tiny smile was as quick as a camera flash, but captured a depth that a longer smile might not have conveyed.

 

Wynn pulled into an open parking spot beside a forest trail, and instantly, a burst of vibrant greenery greeted them. As they stepped out, a gentle breeze carried the sweet fragrance of wildflowers and the tang of pine, all framed by the golden hue of the lowering sun. The occasional trill of a bird seemed like a punctuated invitation to explore.

 

“Now that we’re here,” Rae said as she stepped out of the car, “what do we do next?”

 

As he approached the car's rear, Wynn thumbed his key fob and the trunk popped open. He then reached inside and collected a briefcase situated next to a compact toolbox.

 

“Just gotta take a little hike to a campsite nearby.” Wynn shut the trunk, which gave a satisfying thud. “We’ll be there before you know it.”

 

Wynn led the way, his shoes crunching over the uneven forest path. The air was rich with the scent of fresh soil and budding foliage and sunlight flickered through the canopy of leaves, dappling the ground in patches of gold.

 

Periodically, Wynn would glance back at Rae, who moved with an ease that suggested the woods were a second home. Her eyes danced from one natural wonder to another before pausing and raising a finger to a small, red-breasted bird perched on a branch.

 

“Ah, that’s a robin!” she said, her voice tinged with delight. “Did you know that they’re one of the first signs of spring?”

 

“Spring’s herald, huh? Cute. I’ll remember that.”

 

Not long after that exchange, they rounded a bend and the trees opened up into a clearing. The campsite that lay before them was modest but charming, furnished with a weathered picnic table and a stone fire ring. The sun dipped toward the horizon but still lit the area, casting everything in a golden glow. The distant gurgle of a creek and the occasional chatter of woodland critters punctuated the stillness of the scene.

 

“And we’re here,” Wynn said.

 

“I don’t see Rebecca anywhere. Is hide-and-seek a part of her act?”

 

“Nah. This time, it ain’t Rebecca playing tricks.”

 

The breeze ruffled her hair, but Rae’s motion was swift and sure as she angled her face towards Wynn. “Okay, you’ve got my attention. What’s going on?”

 

“According to Cassidy, you want to get to know me better. She also thought it’d be easier on you if it came as a surprise, so…here we are.”

 

With her eyes closed and her head slightly dipped, Rae’s face softened. A tender smirk, barely perceptible, peeked through. “Cassidy always finds a way to make things interesting.”

 

“She also gave me a head’s up to your post-dojo munchies,” Wynn said as he strolled over to the picnic table, “so I took it upon myself to whip them up.”

 

Laying the briefcase on the table, Wynn undid the clasps and revealed a sushi heaven, each roll packed tightly to preserve its shape. Next to them, a container of soy sauce sat sealed, its liquid darkness hinting at depths of flavor.

 

“Oh, wow…” she said, sounding touched. “This is beyond kind of you…”

 

“Don’t just stand there, dig in.”

 

Rae seized a pair of wooden chopsticks Wynn had also packed and dived in. The first roll was dipped into soy sauce with the precision of an artist and, as she took her first bite, her eyes fluttered shut in sheer delight.

 

Wynn joined her in the feast not long after, after she said it was “too much for just me.” Wynn knew better – Cassidy had mocked Rae’s appetite far too many times.

 

Occasionally, they’d both reach for the same roll, their chopsticks grazing each other’s in a fleeting touch. Each time, it was as if their utensil were exchanging a secret handshake. A buoyant warmth swelled in Wynn's chest each time he yielded, his reward the gleam in Rae's eyes as she claimed her prize.

 

After sharing the last sushi roll—each claiming a half—Wynn glanced skyward. The day's light gave way to dusk, queuing them to departure. Wynn closed the now-empty briefcase, and they retraced their steps to the car, their footsteps assured yet unhurried. Once they reached the car, Wynn fired up the engine once more and they left the darkening forest for Rae’s home, The Crawford Estate.

 

“Thank you for making tonight unforgettable,” Rae said once they arrived at her family’s manor in The Peak. “I… I had a great time. It’s something I’ll treasure.”

 

“I’m glad to hear that. The feeling’s mutual.”

 

Rae’s eyes shimmered with quiet joy. “If you want to do something similar again don’t hesitate to reach out.” She found the handle, and with a gentle tug, eased herself out of the car. “See you around.”

 

“Take it easy,” Wynn said before pulling out, his body light – as if a vacuum had sucked away every last bit of stress and tension.

 

For a brief moment while driving, he allowed himself a grin – the mission had been, by far, the most tranquil he’d ever had. But almost as quickly, the weight of his duties settled back onto his shoulders.

 

That was a task, not a reality. He couldn’t afford to let it become anything more. After all, he wasn’t his father; he wasn’t going to rope a woman into his crapshow. Also, Rae deserved a guy who could be straight with her, who’d make her the priority. He owed Cassidy too much to be that man.

 

As if on cue, Wynn’s phone chimed a custom alert that told him that Cassidy had texted him.

 

“V.E.R.A.,” Wynn said, activating the AI assistant in his phone, “read the text out loud.”

 

“New message from Cassidy Cain,” Vera said. “Cassidy says ‘Becca and I are headed to Cain Manor now. Leave us be, I need to lift her spirits. Also, there’s something we need to discuss, but it can wait until tomorrow.’ End of message.”

 

Wynn knitted his brows. What was Cassidy’s rush? And why did Rebecca need a pick-me-up?