I tip my head back and groan before running to catch up. I may hike a lot, but cardio really isn’t my thing. Once we complete a lap, Kian turns to face me and bursts out laughing.
“What?” I pant.
Shaking his head, he hands me a glass water bottle. “You are as red as a beet.”
“Shut up.”
Kian tips his head back and laughs. “Okay. Hand to hand combat is all about fundamentals. Balance, control, and instinct.”
With lightning speed, he demonstrates a quick jab, his fist snapping out like a viper. “This is your golden snitch. Jab, cross, hook. Practice these until they’re second nature. It’s all about precision, not power.”
I raise an eyebrow at him in question. “Golden snitch?”
“Someone got a hold of the Harry Potter books and brought them back for me. Found them to be quite addictive.” He winks as he pushes his blonde hair from his face, and I’m slightly annoyed to see he hasn’t even worked up a sweat.
“I didn’t picture you as a reader.”
“It’s always the quiet ones, right?” he says with a wink.
“Sure, whatever you say.”
Kian grins and motions for me to start. With a nod, I adopt the stance he shows me, my feet shoulder width apart, weight evenly distributed, my fists clenched, knuckles up.
“Good. Now, imagine your challenger is right in front of you. Jab.” I follow his lead, my fist shooting out with newfound purpose. It feels clumsy at first, but with each repetition, my movements grow smoother and more focused.
Kian stands off to the side with his arms crossed over his chest and watches me closely. Offering pointers and corrections as I practice the basics. “Don’t announce your punches. Keep your shoulders relaxed until the last second. And don’t forget to breathe. That is the most important thing.”
Throughout our movements, Kian emphasizes the significance of proper footwork, circling and angling to gain an advantage.
As we continue on, time seems to slip away, and I have no idea how long we have been training. Every muscle in my body aches, but I push through the pain, refusing to be some helpless human.
“Right, good. We can take a break for lunch. It looks like you could use it.”
I don’t need to be told twice. Panting heavily, I collapse onto the dirt, the warmth of the sun heats my face as I gaze up at the sky. Wiping the sweat from my brow, I realize that my body is aching in places I didn't even know existed.
“If you're up to it, we can work on defensive maneuvers tomorrow. I can show you how to block and parry, using your arms to shield yourself from an incoming strike. Your arms are your first line of defense. Protect your head, your body. Keep your guard up.”
Kian comes to stand over me, his shadow blocking the sun. “Sound good?”
I grunt in response and a grin lights up his face. “I think it’s great you're willing to learn how to fight.”
“You do?”
Kian holds out his hand to help me up. “Yes. You should always know how to protect yourself.”
I grip his hand, and he heaves me to my feet. As I’m brushing the dirt from my pants, someone runs toward us. Another guard.
“Kian, the queen wishes to see the human.”
“Everly,” Kian states.
“What?”
“Her name is Everly.”
The guard looks affronted, but refuses to acknowledge me. “Right. Well, the queen wants to see her. Now.”
“We will be there shortly,” Kian replies, waving his hand at the guard.
