Valinand Castor weren't teaching me howto swing a sword in a way that would be impressive to anyone watching, in a way that was almost artistic. They were teaching me how to stay alive. And maybe even how to slay a beast. It was a grittier, rougher way to fight, all about balance and defensive maneuvers.
So I listened. I flexed my muscles and nodded to Castor who swung at me again and again with all the ferocity of a legendary hero’s second in command.Valinbarked orders from the side to compliment Castor’s every now and then. I took them all in stride, committing their instructions to memory as I leapt and dodged andsurvived. I fought until my arms were so sore I could barely raise my sword, until my legs felt as though they might give out at any moment, until my mind was fuzzy with exhaustion and unable to keep up with the rapid movements of my body. Only then didValinannounce my training for the day was complete.
Nodding to Castor in appreciation of his tutelage, I excused myself and left in search of a meal before making my way toKleio’shome for my afternoon lessons in magic, same as every day. My exhaustion always remained. What energyValin and Castor did not manage to drain during morning sparring,Kleioalways managed to destroy in our lessons with magic. But I was getting stronger, both mentally and physically,I could feel it. The aches turned sweet rather than sore, my mind grew clearer, the magic within me became easier to grasp. Until finally, over a week into my training,Kleioannounced we could move on from the senses.
“Not because you've mastered them,”heclarified, holding up a finger, “but because necessity and the powers that be have determined you need to progress in other skills sooner than previously anticipated.”
Brows furrowed in confusion of what that might mean, I opened my mouth to question him but was interrupted by a soft knock on the door behind us.Kleio’sgaze flicked immediately to the door at our backs. The way his lips parted slightly told me he hadn't been expecting a visitor. He rose and made his way to the door.
I waited where I stood in the common living space as he opened the door. I watched as every muscle in his body tensed immediately. Curious, I made my way around the massive dining table covered in maps and documents of all sorts to get a better view ofKleio’sguest.
“Callidora,”hebreathed before I could properly see her.
But when I made my way up behind him, there she was. She was unmistakable in her gauzy white gown which looped around her arms in a way that exposed the gleaming tanned skin of her shoulders and fell to the floor in rivers of shimmering white fabric, pure as snow. Her sparkling blue eyes darted fromKleioto me and her pale pink lips stretched into an ethereal smile.
“Kleio,” she dipped her head elegantly in greeting. “Dante.”
I froze, every muscle locked in anticipation. The Lord of the Geist’s own sister, the only being in all of Pavos who truly had Deimos’ ear. I thought back to Castor’s warning the night before. I’d refused Deimos’ gift. Was she here to take me to him? Or to dole out my punishment herself?
“What are you doing here?”Kleioasked, surprise evident in his tone.
“My brother has sent me to check on the young Victor’s progress,” she replied easily, breezing past us into the small cabinmy mentorcalled home.
She strode through the living room as though it was her own, eyes darting from corner to corner, falling upon the documents open on every surface, pausing at one or two to run her slender fingers over the ancient script. She turned back to us, the cascade of her long, blonde curls shifting over her shoulder as she did.
“I'm here to observe," she announced. "I presume that will not be an issue.”
I expectedKleioto answer right away, to affirm we had nothing to hide and that the Lord of the Geist’s sister herself was always welcome in his home. But he didn't. He didn't say anything at all. After a moment, his silence drew my attention back to him.
He looked as though he’d seen a ghost. He stood in his open doorway and stared atCallidorawhere she stood beside his dining room table with wide-eyed shock. I nudged him but he didn't so much as blink. Slowly,Callidoraraised a brow and I answered for him before the silence could stretch on any longer.
“Of course you're welcome…my lady,” I blurted.
She dipped her head serenely in thanks and turned back to the document she'd been analyzing before. I elbowedKleioin the ribs, harder this time, and he seemed to snap out of it, blinking back to reality and finally turning his gaze fromCallidorato face me.
“Right,” he muttered, shaking his head. “Moving on from the senses then.”
“Strength?” I guessed, hoping to keep him talking so he didn't revert to that strange stupor of before.
“No." He shook his head. “You utilize your enhanced strength every morning in your sparring. I'd say you've practiced it enough. And it won't be underwater breathing either. That's of little use in the desert. Though, it does have its importance which we’ll discuss at a later date. No. Today, we focus on healing.Dositea!”
In the silence that followed, the click ofKleio’sbedroom door opening seemed to echo in the small home. We all turned to find a small woman emerging from the room, head bowed low as she strode toward where we stood in the center of the common area. She was small, perhaps a whole foot shorter than me, with a tiny, birdlike frame, and the absence of that telltale glow.Human, I realized.
I turned a narrowed glare on Kleio.
“What's the meaning of this?” I asked, unsettled by the girl’s shaking frame, her inability to meet my eye.
Kleiojust squared his shoulders and met my gaze.
“Training,” he reminded me, tone brusque.
“I don’t understand—”
“Heal her.”
With that, he pulled a knife from his pocket and slit the girl’s throat.
“Gods!” I cursed, forgetting I was currently in the room with two of them.
