The sphere had attributes similar to a hologram with some type of sensory feedback, Kira realized.
Maksym doubled over in laughter. “You might be blessed with an abundance of the good stuff, but your control is shit. It’s even worse than Wren told me.”
Wren’s lips twitched with amusement.
“What was that?” Kira asked, glaring at the two.
“A test,” Maksym said, straightening and wiping the tears away from his eyes. “One you failed pretty spectacularly.”
Kira pressed her lips together as she waited, silently counting to ten in her head. When that didn’t work, she started again.
Must not try to strangle herseon’yeror his oshota.
“It’s nice to be on the opposite end of one of Wren’s extreme training methods, for once,” Maksym continued with an easy grin.
“I’m sure.” Kira’s voice was flat.
Maksym didn’t seem bothered by her irritation, tapping Kira’s palm. The sphere expanded again, growing out of her hand like it was some type of mutated flower.
“What the—”
Maksym’s eyes crinkled. “Let’s try again, shall we?”
Kira frowned at him but concentrated on channeling herkiinto the sphere.
This time it burst almost immediately. Kira flinched as small streaks of pain whispered across her skin, only to leave her hand whole and healthy again in the next moment.
“Wren thinks pain helps us learn faster.” Maksym studied her hand with a clinical detachment. “I’d argue if he wasn’t right.”
“How long am I expected to do this?” Kira asked, forcing patience into her voice.
“Until you can channel yourkiinto that without breaking.” Wren pointed to a sphere the size of a golf ball.
Seeing her objection, Wren sent her a chiding look. “I’ve seen your niece’s training. It’s quite intense. Are you telling me you’re unwilling to learn in the same fashion?”
Kira pressed her lips together hard.
There was a lot she could say to that statement. Most of it sarcastic.
She kept silent for one reason. He was right. She couldn’t expect excellence from Elena if she wasn’t willing to persevere against her own weaknesses.
If this would make her a better warrior, keep her healthy once the inhibitor came off, it was worth the small frustration and fleeting pain.
Approval shone in Wren’s eyes at her acceptance. “Good.”
Elena stuck her head into the room as Kira lifted her hand again. “Auntie. Finally. I’ve been looking everywhere.”
Elena walked toward them, looking at the table and its spheres with curiosity. “What’s that?”
“Training.” Kira grinned. “Want to try?”
Elena stopped, keeping her distance. She shook her head several times. “No, thank you. I’ve already had my fill of that man’s training.”
Wren met Elena’s irate stare with a bland expression.
“Why were you looking for me?” Kira asked.
Reminded of her mission, Elena bounced forward. “Youryer’seand some of the others wanted to go sightseeing.”
