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“En garde!” she called, and Killian launched into action.
Adrenaline spiked through my system as I fell back into a fighting stance more suited for a heavier blade. I lost my balance enough to tilt to the left, giving Killian an opening.
“Point!” the professor called when the blunted tip hit my chest leathers.
I scowled at Killian as he smirked at me. Even though I didn’t like losing, I couldn’t deny the thrill of a challenge.
I’ll do better this time.
We circled each other, the sound of our blades ringing out as we clashed. My movements were clumsy at first as I adjusted to the foil’s weight, but soon I found my rhythm. Even though my broken rib still stung, I’d learned by now how to filter out sensation and focus on the fight.
Killian was a master swordsman with any blade, and that made it exhilarating to spar with him.
Blocking his next move, victory spread excitement through my chest. I parried and stepped forward to close the distance between us.
He couldn’t use his blade on me if I was inside his swing-zone, but I also couldn’t use mine.
The Valkyries had taught me plenty of close-combat tricks.
Such as flipping my grip and using the hilt as a blunt weapon.
I did so with a practiced move, this time familiar with the posture. The change in weight only meant I had to hit with more force.
So I struck right between his ribs.
Killian went flying and my eyes rounded.
Oops.
Looking down, I spotted blood dripping from the bracelet attached all the way to my bones. My birthmark shimmered with raw power.
My supernatural strength was one of my boons as a descendant of the goddess.
I hadn’t intended on using that on Killian in a fencing match.
“Foul!” the professor shouted as she crossed her arms in an “X.”
Killian struggled to his feet and rubbed his chest. His cloak had fallen, fully revealing his burned face that wouldn’t heal.
“Exception,” he countered, meaning he would allow the point even though I’d exceeded the rules of practice force levels.
The professor frowned, but nodded and backed away as the crowd of students watched with anticipation.
Killian reentered the practice ring and resumed his stance.
That’s good, Vivi, he said through our mental connection. Let’s do that again.
Taking a deep breath, I nodded and resumed my fighting stance.
We began circling each other again and our blades clashed together every few steps.
With each movement, I felt my worries and fears slip away.
The risks and consequences of my actions didn’t matter right now.
My entire world zoomed in on this moment just to simply train like I used to.
I faked a jab to the left, giving me an opening as Killian moved to parry.
