Made For Each Other

Garrick’s POV I lean back against Chradgh near the edge of the flight field, arms crossed, watching Xaden and Violet like some nosy old uncle. I shouldn’t care, shouldn’t be so invested in my best friend’s love life, but damn it, it’s hard not to notice when two people practically radiate a connection like that. They’re sitting on the steps near the field, heads tilted toward each other as if the rest of the world doesn’t exist. Xaden’s talking—low and steady—and whatever he’s saying has Violet laughing, her nose scrunching in that way that somehow makes her even more endearing. I see the exact moment Xaden’s eyes soften. His features relax, losing that sharp edge he wears like armor around everyone else. With her, it’s like the weight of the world lifts off his shoulders. It’s unsettling, really, how easily she dismantles the stoic wall he’s spent years perfecting. Not that he seems to mind. His hand is resting lightly on her knee, somewhat possessive, but also just… there, like it’s the most natural thing in the world. And Violet? She leans into him without hesitation, as if she knows without a shadow of a doubt that he’ll always be there to catch her. They don’t even notice the stares. Because, of course, people are staring. Xaden Riorson, infamous for being cold and calculating, is looking at Violet Sorrengail like she hung every damn star in the sky. It’s nauseating. And somehow… not. “Stop staring,” Bodhi says, sidling up beside me. He’s got that stupid smirk on his face, the one that says he’s been watching me watch them. “Not staring,” I reply, though my tone lacks conviction. Bodhi snorts. “Sure. You’ve been standing here for five minutes, Garrick. Face it, you’re just as whipped as he is—except your loyalty’s towards his happiness.” I roll my eyes but don’t respond because, well, he’s not wrong. My best friend finally being happy is something I will always owe Violet for. It’s like they were carved out of the same stone, destined to fit perfectly. “They’re disgusting,” Bodhi mutters, though there’s no real venom in his voice. “Makes me want to throw something at them.” As if on cue, Violet reaches up and tucks a stray strand of hair behind Xaden’s ear, her fingers lingering for just a moment too long. He catches her hand, pressing a kiss to her palm, and she looks at him like he’s the only thing in the world that matters. And maybe, for her, he is. “Yeah,” I say, my voice low. “Disgusting.” But even as I say it, I can’t look away. They’re so perfectly in tune with each other, so damn effortless, it’s hard not to feel a little envious. Because whatever they have? It’s rare. And Xaden? He knows it. It’s written all over his face every time he looks at her. “Think we should interrupt?” Bodhi asks, a hint of mischief in his tone. “Not unless you want to get your ass handed to you.” Bodhi laughs. “Fair. I’m not messing with them. That level of devotion? Terrifying.” I hum in agreement, finally tearing my gaze away. But as I head off, I can’t help but glance back one last time. Xaden’s hand has moved to the back of Violet’s neck, his thumb brushing lightly against her skin. She leans into his touch, her eyes closing briefly, and the look on her face is one of absolute trust and peace. Yeah, they were made for each other.