Kian’s face hardens, and he takes a step toward Fenris, fists clenched at his sides. A shot of adrenaline moves through me, and I quickly sidestep in front of him, grabbing his arm to stop him.
“Hey, stop it. Both of you,” I command firmly, throwing a warning glance at each of them.
Fenris’s eyes flicker down to me, and his gaze narrows. The piercing intensity in those dark eyes makes my stomach twist uncomfortably.
“You’re a shit fighter,” he accuses, his voice cold and direct.
I bristle. “Why are you being such a jerk?”
Without answering, Fenris steps forward, scooping up one of the training swords from the ground. He flips it over with practiced ease, his movements smooth and controlled. When his eyes meet mine again, there’s a spark of challenge in them. He tosses the sword in my direction, and my pulse jumps as I barely manage to catch it.
“Fight me.” His tone leaves no room for argument.
“What? Why?” I sputter, caught off guard by his sudden demand.
He doesn’t waste time answering. In a flash, he’s charging at me, closing the distance before I can even think about reacting. The next thing I know, I’m on the ground, the impact jarring as the air rushes out of my lungs.
Shit, that hurt.
I roll over, trying my best to hold in the groan, as I force myself onto my hands and knees before struggling back to my feet.
“Was that necessary?” Kian growls.
But Fenris isn’t paying attention to him. His eyes are locked on me, a sharp edge to them, as if daring me to give up.
I swipe up the sword, planting my feet firmly in the dirt as I raise it in front of me, my grip tightening.
“Again?” Fenris taunts, his voice dripping with mock amusement.
“Bring it on,” I fire back, refusing to back down.
A grin spreads across his face, and before I can prepare, he’s moving faster than I’ve seen anyone but Raiden or Maxon move. His speed is a blur, and I barely manage to raise my sword before he’s on me, his blade knocking mine aside with an almost effortless flick. The next moment, he’s behind me, and I feel the cool edge of his dagger poised at my throat.
“Too slow,” he breathes against my ear, his voice low and chilling as he shoves me forward, dismissing me like a child who barely put up a fight.
Frustration bubbles up, and I whirl around, a low growl escaping my lips. I lock my eyes on him, my body tense and ready. My grip shifts, my fingers curling with renewed determination. He just watches me, his expression unreadable, his eyes flicking over me as if calculating my every move.
I know I don’t stand a chance against him, but some part of me feels like I have to at least try. Losing might be inevitable, but I can’t let him think I’m weak or too scared to fight back.
“Let’s make this fun.” There’s a dangerous glint in his eye as he stalks toward me. He closes the distance, and I instinctively straighten, bracing myself, unsure of what he’s planning.
Then his hand reaches for my waist. I freeze, every muscle coiled and ready, but I force myself to hold my ground, determined not to flinch or back away. His fingers graze my side, sending a shiver down my spine as he reaches to unclip the dagger from its sheath. With a calm, practiced movement, he lifts it and holds it out, offering it to me.
“Here,” he offers, his voice low, daring me to take it. His eyes bore into mine. For a second, I hesitate, wondering if this is a trap, some trick to catch me off guard again. But his gaze doesn’twaver, and neither does his grip on the hilt. I snatch it from him, with a glare.
Fenris steps back, a slow smirk curving his lips as he raises his hands, ready to fight.
“You want to fight me with no weapon and let me keep both of mine?” I ask, narrowing my eyes.
He tilts his head, that infuriating smirk never faltering, and shrugs casually. “You won’t land a hit.”
A spark of irritation flares through me, and the arrogance in his voice makes my teeth clench. “How can you be so sure?” I growl, the simmering anger in my chest stirring my magic. It hums along my skin, a living, breathing force that demands to be unleashed.
Fenris doesn’t answer. He just stands there, calm and poised, like he already knows the outcome. It’s maddening.
I let my magic flood every corner of my being, filling me with raw power. The air around me shifts, charged with electricity, and the ground beneath my feet trembles in response. My glare locks onto him, unwavering, and I feel the moment his own magic stirs—a glow forming behind those deep brown eyes, sending streaks of purple lightning through them.
Without another thought, I charge forward. The ground answers my call, buckling under his feet as I unleash my power. The earth shifts violently, propelling me forward with a speed that takes him by surprise. My dagger slices through the air, fast and precise, aimed directly at him.
