“It is, but I’m curious.” I fought to keep my voice level, choosing words vague enough to not draw suspicion or fate’s wrath. “Are there any common curses you’ve learned of?”
Rina lifted her eyes to the sky as we descended wide steps to enter the training arena. “I’ve studied some, but I’d have to think. I left all my books in Palerman.”
“Take your time.” Impatience clawed at my gut, though. I didn’t know how long I had tounite them, but if there was a chance Rinacould help decipher what threat the Angelcurse carried, I’d give her time.
“What I can tell you,” Rina said as we began Cypherion’s warm-up routine, “is that there are practically thousands of curses in existence, but most are not deadly as yours was. Not unless they come from a higher power.”
“And how do those afflictions work?”One, two, three,I counted out the lunges, hoping steady movement hid my burning interest. An Angelcurse was certainly born of a higher power.
“From what I recall, those kinds of curses are extreme, Ophelia.” Worry creased Rina’s brow as she stopped working, turning to me. “They’re rare and dangerous, almost always connected to someone’s being at a deeper level.”
“And can they be healed?” I didn’t even know if healing was what I needed, not with Damien’s words being so vague.
“I’ll see what I can find. Perhaps Esmond knows something.”
I nodded. “Don’t say it comes from me.”
She leveled a harsh look at me, but I didn’t have a chance to argue because Cypherion and Malakai both shouted, “No!” at Tolek.
“You barely even know how to use the damned weapon,” Cyph said, taking the bow and arrow Tol was lifting. Where had he even gotten those?
“You wound me, CK. I happen to be very skilled with a bow.”
“I’ve never seen you use one.” Cyph crossed his arms.
“And you’ve never seen me in bed, but I can assure you I’m far from incapable there, too.”
“Oh, Gods,” Santorina commented, both of us snickering.
“I suppose they got tired of waiting for us,” I added as Tol set up their gamble for the day.
“Why don’t you take them on, Ophelia?” Erista said, loud enough to be heard by the boys. Challenge sparked in the Soulguider’s eyes. Jezebel looked between the two of us, a knowing smirk dancing on her lips. “I’d love to see the Revered truly fight.”
I assessed the girl, from her curls to the sturdy boots on her feet. There wasn’t a hint of malice in her posture. No, the feline smile splitting her full lips was a promise. It was faith. She trulywantedto see me take down the boys.
“That sounds like fun.” I grinned, retrieving Angelborn from where she leaned against the wall.
“Excellent.” The devilish flash of Tol’s smile shone across the arena.
“Are you sure?” Malakai asked.
“Unless you’re afraid,” I teased. Malakai’s eyes hardened. Cypherion only shrugged.
“Spears, boys,” I demanded, swirling my own in one hand. “What order do you wish to lose in?”
They exchanged a look, silent communication passing through the trio that had trained together for nearly a decade. “I’ll go first,” Cypherion offered. “Mali, then Tol.”
I instantly latched on to his strategy. Cyph—the largest and strongest fighter—would tire me out, and if he didn’t win, Malakai would be second, in the middle, as he hadn’t completed the Undertaking and was the weakest. Tol, nearly as strong as Cyph, would be last, to take out any reserves I saved.
If only I made it that easy for them.
“Show no mercy, CK,” Tol cheered from the sideline.
“Thanks, Vincienzo,” I retorted.
“I’m only trying to get you riled up before it’s my turn.” He winked, and I couldn’t help but laugh.
Turning to Cyph, I tilted my head. “We’ve never truly fought, have we?” When we were in formal training, our instructors had always paired Cyph with the largest, oldest warriors, underestimating my size. After training was suspended, I’d only worked with Jezebel.
