“It’s time for you to learn combat with something new. You’re not always going to be lucky enough to have the one weapon that resonates with you on hand, so it’s in your best interests to learn adequate skills on multiple weapons. Off you go.”
By the end of class I’d tried Simon’s blades, which I quite liked—I’d managed to throw them into the targets and almost hit the bull’s-eye multiple times—and an axe-looking beast of a weapon, like I’d expect a Viking god to wield, with ornate detailing and filigree etchings in the metal. It was heavy and cumbersome though, and I seriously needed to hit the gym or something to improve my bicep and shoulder strength. Swimming clearly didn’t give me the muscles required to wield heavy weapons.
“I can help you with that,” Damon said with a laugh as he moved to help me adjust the axe on its shelf. I waved him off, because I was doing fine on my own. Bloody heavy hunk of metal.
“I need to start working out,” I groaned, finally getting it situated correctly. “Does this school even have a gym?” I’d never been there.
Damon shook his head, his dark hair shorter than last year. “How can you not know about the arena?”
I lifted an eyebrow at him. “Sounds like a place where dudes dick measure and pretend they’re working out.”
His cocky grin grew. “So you have been there?”
Turning, I started to follow the rest of the students from the class, and he stayed by my side. “Seriously, though, you should head over one day. It’s right by the library.”
A library I hadn’t been into because I’d just never had the time. I’d spent most of last year searching for an Atlantean library, but maybe it was time to check out the Academy library. And the arena.
“I might stop by,” I told him as we exited the classroom. “Maybe after my next class.”
“Attack and Defense?” he asked, tilting his head toward me.
I nodded. “Yep, after lunch.”
“Guess I’ll see you there.” With a wink, he turned away and hurried along the walkway between the class areas.
I was starving, so I headed toward the commons. Simon had gone in the other direction as well, since he had another class, so I was on my own.
Pulling my phone from my pocket, I saw I had two messages.
Ilia: Girl, I’ll be back in a few days. Don’t burn the Academy down while I’m gone. P.S did you make an ocean in the fucking sky? Calm down, overachiever, we already know you’re powerful.
Fuck, I’d almost forgotten about my little magic that went astray. Of course Ilia would have heard about it; it was probably the talk of the school. I shot her back a quick text telling her to be careful and adding a “fuck you” in response to her postscript.
The next text was from Asher.
Asher: So … I’m wet. Which is not as much fun as when you are...
My body burned. He was getting far too good at this sexting thing. I fucking liked it too.
Me: Wet?I added the three dot spray emojis, which I was well aware had a lot of sexual connotations.
Asher: I’m talking about swimming, of course. Which I’m sure was your first thought.
Jesus.
Another text came through straight away.
Asher: Had to check out your ocean. It’s definitely from the area around Atlantis. The water elements are the same.
Me: This is bad. I really fucked up.
Asher: It’s going to be fine, baby. Don’t stress. I have a plan.
Oh, great. The Atlantean-five often had plans, and they often ended in disaster. Like the time Asher decided to sacrifice himself by taking a goddess down on his own.
Me: Don’t do anything until I get there.
I was running through the commons, phone back in my pocket. When I reached the field I was slightly out of breath, but nothing like I would have been before my powers were unlocked. Suppressing my supernatural side had done a lot more than just stop me using my powers. It had weakened me.
