Training

Luca’s strike came out of nowhere, and I was sent hurtling through the dense woods like a cannonball. Each tree I collided with felt like a battering ram against my ribs. By the time I crashed to a halt, pain radiated through every part of my body.

“IS THIS TRAINING, OR ARE YOU TRYING TO KILL ME?” I winced as I forced myself to stand. My back protested with a sharp ache, and cracking it only seemed to make things worse.

A sharp whistle sliced through the air, pulling my attention upward. Siv was descending from above, his form was swift as he zeroed in on me.

Adrenaline surged, and I dodged just in time. Siv landed where I’d stood, the ground quaking beneath the force of his impact.

“What are you?” my eyes widened, panting as I tried to catch my breath.

He chuckled, a sound as cocky as it was infuriating. “I’m train-Blake-to-be-so-strong-he-won’t-need-his-magic.”