“You’d better figure it out because your enemy certainly won’t wait patiently for you to get your shit together.”
He advances, swinging his sword downward, and I tuck and roll to avoid being sliced straight down the middle. As soon as I’m up, I land a punch to his gut with my good hand. The force makes him bow momentarily, and I used the opportunity to bring my knee into his face. Blood stains my pant leg as he loses his balance, stumbling back and taking me to the ground with him. Ruined hand temporarily forgotten, we grapple on the floor, locked in a power struggle. He lands on top, his hand going for my throat.
“Pathetic! On your back in a matter of seconds. What’s yournext move, witch? Choke to death?” he snarls at me, bringing his bloody face close to mine.
He’s trying to rile me. Trying to provoke me into using my magic.
Fine.
If it’s magic he wants, then it’s magic he’ll get.
Closing my eyes, I sink into the familiar thrumming sensation beneath my skin. I reach down into myself, and when I come up, I haul whatever I can with me.
I feel my temperature warming but don’t realize just how much until Jace pulls his hand back, the skin singed and angry. I throw him off of me and go for the sword again. I am stopped when the air rushes from my lungs, and I begin to gasp.
No air will come. I whirl toward him and his outstretched hand.
He’s using magic. I didn’t even know he had any of his own. He certainly never used it in the training ring before. I sink to my knees, clutching at the phantom hands around my throat. I claw at my own neck, trying to get down a breath until I’m sure that I’m turning blue.
If Jace wants to take my air, then I’ll give him more than he ever bargained for.
I thrust my hands out and pray to whatever god is listening for this plan to work. A heavy gust of wind bursts from my palms and slams him back into the wall of the training ring. The chokehold releases instantly, and I gulp down air greedily.
“Air and fire.” I tilt my head in challenge as I pant. “Wonder what else I can do.”
“We’re about to find out, witch.” He reaches into his belt and throws a dagger at my head.
Instead of moving, I catch it by the blade. In the hand that Jace destroyed moments ago. Only it is no longer twisted at odd angles or barking in pain. My hand is as good as new, save forthe rivulets of blood streaming down my forearm from my leaking palm.
I unclench my fist, letting the dagger clatter to the ground. For a moment, I am distracted by the deep gash in my hand as it mends itself together, sealing until all that remains is a tiny pink mark. I turn it over in wonder.
That’s when I see Jace’s discarded sword begin to levitate.
I quickly scoop mine off the ground, gaping at the floating blade. It swipes at me as Jace leans against the training ring, looking unfazed. He’s controlling the sword without even touching it. I block and parry, but the blade is relentless in its pursuit. I stumble, earning a deep gash in my forearm.
“Stop!” I shout at Jace. “I need to stop!”
Breathless, I block what would have been a fatal blow to my chest. I try mustering up some of that wind I used on him a few moments ago, but my well is dry. I can feel the magic sputter out, depleted.
Whirling toward him, I plead, “Jace! That’s enough!”
That’s when his sword swings around.
I see it in slow motion.
There is no time to block its trajectory, heading straight for my neck. My eyes snap shut, protecting me from the inevitable sight of my head toppling from its rightful place. I brace for the worst but feel the cool edge of the blade against my skin as it halts abruptly. I open my eyes to see the sword suspended in place, resting against my throat. Jace waves a hand haphazardly, and it clatters to the ground.
“You're dead,” he says flippantly.
“Are you insane?!” I scream, my eyes blazing. “You could have killed me!”
“Oh, save the dramatics for the king.” He brushes the dust off his shoulder carelessly.
“I will,” I pant, stalking after him as he starts toward therack. “And maybe then I’ll explain to him how you nearly decapitated his only chance at championing the last potential Dragon Rider. Or maybe I’ll let you explain it to him and watch asyourhead rolls.”
He snarls and advances toward me powerfully.
“I would rather see you headless than on top of a dragon at this point. Just to have a moment’s peace from that incessant mouth.”
