“Why does everyone feel compelled to remind me of that? Trust me, you won’t win this one.”
I copy his stance and flecks of crimson catch the wind and spiral around us. The dust complements his all-black attire and ebony hair fluttering in the breeze. If we weren’t about to partake in a mock battle to the death, I might find the scene lovely.
Every slight movement Kyron makes is a testament to his command and strength, and I was captivated by them from the beginning. I wanted to wield that kind of power, to be a leader that others respected. I spent months training and honing my abilities to make me more like him, to make me capable of taking him down. I never doubted that we would one day stand face to face with weapons in hand, ready to plunge our blades into each other’s hearts…in our own hearts.
My gaze sweeps over the outer edges of the sparring ring. One might look upon the bodies wearing black leather, metal, and armor and struggle to find the difference. But each man and woman here recognizes the traits that set them apart. They can’t ignore the dark eyes filled with power lust and an army that values Khiros and Cyffreds alike. The fear for the other side’s normal creates a chasm that feels too wide to bridge with trust.
It’s my duty to show all present that our differences have no place here. We are one people sharing one land in jeopardy. I must take the first step over the abyss dug by decades of mistrust and singlehandedly build an overpass that will allow everyone here to meet in the middle. But to do that I have to let go of the resentment I hold toward Kyron.
Today, I will leave months of anger and hurt on this sparring field and offer the Stigian prince my unbridled trust. In turn, I hope my people and his do the same.
“Are you ready?” Kyron asks.
“Yes.”
I spring forward and jab, aiming for his heart.
Kyron blocks my advance and chuckles. “I see you no longer wait for an invitation.”
“I learned that lesson the hard way, thank you very much.”
Our wooden swords clap together, joining the cheers of our people. I shove on my hilt and push away from him. Holding his gaze, I take slow, steady steps and circle around him. He remains in place and turns with me, the tip of his sword pointing in my direction.
We are two well-trained predators ready to maul the other at the first opportunity. I’m thankful that he isn’t yielding to me. I shed my fair share of blood and sweat training to defeat him. This is my chance to prove to myself that every scrape and burning muscle was worth it. If I can take down the prince, no opponent will be undefeatable.
“Are you sure you wouldn’t rather dance, princess?” He tosses his weapon in the air, sending it flipping before he catches it.
“Does the uncertainty of what I’ll do next make you nervous, or have you become comfortable with your plush new life and fear that your skills are lacking?” I mockingly ask.
He licks his lips and tucks them between his teeth to hide his smile. With long strides, he moves toward me. “Statera, I love your sassy mouth. Will you put it to good use for me when I claim my reward?”
My gaze darts to Greer, and I reach toward her. With a curl of my fingers, streams of water manifest from her fingertips and rush toward me. I kick back my arm and throw the water at Kyron, drenching him. “Sorry, it looked like you needed a cold bath.”
He laughs, wiping the water from his face. “You’ve learned to summon other people’s gifts without them doing it first.”
“Among other things.”
He stalks toward me and unfurls his fingers. A ball of fire forms in his palm and he zeros in on me. His lips turn up and exhilaration flashes in his eyes. I pose a real challenge to his extraordinary gifts, and he appears thrilled to put me to the test.
“Don’t hold back,” I say, lifting my sword and bracing for what’s to come.
He hurls the flame. It speeds through the air like a shooting star trailing through the sky. With little effort, I catch the ball and crush it in my fist.
“It’s time to quit fucking around and fight me,” I say.
The outer edges of the ring fall silent, and the buzz of power intensifies. Rumbling earth, sizzling electricity, frigid ice, shadows, fire, water, plants—every element comes alive for the Eporri and waits for my direction. I will need them all if I’m to work out my frustration for the man across from me and win this fight.
Kyron’s shadows whirl around him and he disappears into smoke. I spin and send out that luring power that resides inside me, searching fora particular sensation. As if I’m dipping my finger in one wine flute after another, I test each of the gifts humming around the ring, looking for the warmth I associate with only one. The Eporri connects to the power I’m looking for. I duck and sweep out my leg, hitting something hard and unseen.
I spin around as the shadows waver, giving me a peek of the prince lying on his back in the dirt. I grab the power of a Jorden in the crowd and will it to shake the ground beneath Kyron. He grasps for purchase, but he can’t get his legs to steady and falls to his ass. Rolling forward, he grips my ankle and tugs. I land on my back, all the air leaving my lungs. With wide eyes, I watch as he scrambles to his feet and points his weapon at me. I work through the burn in my chest as I skitter back. He swings down. I catch his blade with mine, taking the opportunity to pull his fire from him and toss it at his feet.
He dances back, giving me enough room to jump up. With a fresh breath of air in my lungs, I press forward. We duel at a steady pace of swings, jabs, and blocks. There’s no sign of either of us slowing down, both wanting to take this victory.
Kyron rolls a flame in his free hand and chucks it at my feet to trip me up. But I’m ready for his attempt. I blast him with a flash of light and bring an Electro’s gift to me. I deliver quick jolts of electricity to him, giving him a good zap that sends him back a few paces.
“Fuck!” he growls, swinging harder, faster.
Kyron’s skill with a sword is excellent, and I struggle to keep up. Each of his advances is quick, and my arms burn from blocking them. My footing isn’t as practiced as his. I stumble several times as our weapons meet with a jarring thud. It’s almost too much to keep up with until he thrusts his blade, nearly missing my chest.
