by Shana Vernon
I heard a few chuckles ring through the room.
“The first important thing to note when facing multiple opponents, is not to get in between them. This makes you vulnerable and puts your back to at least one person, which in turn, gives them an opportunity to catch you off guard. This can sometimes be difficult to avoid when dealing with vampire contracts, as they are faster than humans. And that is where your gifts come in. Use them. I cannot stress this enough.”
Looking around the room, I could see that most of the initiates weren't paying that much attention to what Master Wilde was saying. Ekon was shuffling on his feet, impatient to get started, his shirt discarded on the floor next to him. Sofia didn’t seem to be listening at all. Her focus was on Axel and I could almost see the gears winding in her mind while she stared at him. She was likely wondering if Axel was as skilled at hand to hand as he was at knife fighting.
Master Wilde continued and I swiveled back to him. “The second and possibly most vital principle, is not to allow yourself to be taken to the ground. That is a sure way to lose the fight and likely your life along with it. When dealing with Vampires, it is essential to remember the ways to actually kill them; beheading with an iron blade, iron stake to the heart, or Rosa Mortum poison.
“Your location during a fight is key. It allows you to always keep your opponents in your line of sight. Since you have multiple aggressors, you don’t have time to get fancy with your fighting moves. Go for the most sensitive parts of the body. Go for the eyes, the throat, the knees and groin, and the ears,” he said in closing, then backed away from us and went to the edge of the mats.
“Begin.”
Noticing the gleam in Hailey’s eye, I didn't hesitate before pouncing forward and landing a jab to her shoulder, causing her to stumble backward. I saw a snarl cross her face before quickly shifting my attention to Brielle and aiming a kick at her knee cap.
She dodged my move and threw a ball of water toward my face.
I ducked and backed up a few steps as Hailey tried to circle me. Now that Master Wilde had given us some instruction, I could show my strategic mind during the fight, while keeping my higher-level skills in check.
I sidestepped another ball of water and lifted my hands in a defensive maneuver as Hailey bounded toward me with a determined expression. I skirted the uppercut aimed at my chin, evaded the boot which sailed toward my leg, but missed the second punch right into my gut.
Wow, she’s fast.
I pushed past the pain and returned the gesture, but my arm went straight through her body, which had suddenly become intangible. Before I had time to recover, a ball of water slammed into the side of my chest, soaking my jumpsuit.
Get ahold of the situation, Lenna.
Adrenaline flooded my veins as I moved around Hailey and landed a two blow combo to Brielle’s torso, knocking her to the floor as she clutched her sternum. I didn’t have time to worry about her before Hailey closed in on my back. Luckily, I heard her approach in time and twisted on the floor, swiping her feet.
She landed on the mat with a loud thump, and I jumped back as another water ball flew past my face.
Brielle was back on her feet and approaching me quickly.
I avoided her swing and delivered a swift jab to her left arm, before pain exploded on the side of my head. My eyes watered and I blinked rapidly trying to clear them. I hadn't seen Hailey return. I clutched my stomach as a wave of nausea from a developing concussion swept over me.
I was about to send healing currents to my head when I remembered what Master Wilde had said. Before I managed to clear my vision, blows rained on me from every angle. I heard a sharp crack as someone broke a rib and I felt as it pierced one of my lungs. My breathing became labored and I could feel my blood pumping as my hands trembled.
This is stupid. I can’t properly defend or heal myself.
I dropped to my knees, my arms covering my head. The barrage paused and I heard Master Abbott’s voice from across the room.
“Don’t stop! She isn’t finished yet.”
Is he kidding me? How am I supposed to continue without healing?
Trying to muster up some determination, I wiped my eyes and shakily got to my feet.
Hailey and Brielle both looked a bit unsure as I raised my hands in a defensive position, the trembling lessening, my breathing still coming through in short bursts.
Brielle stayed where she was and I thanked her internally as Hailey approached me slowly.
I wobbled on my feet before steadying myself and moving forward, a strange look appearing on her face.
Is that concern I see?
She threw a few halfhearted blows, which I dodged, before dropping her arms and stepping back. “Lenna might not be done, but I am.”
The pain in my head sidelined for a moment as I processed what she said. The concussion must be making me hallucinate if Hailey was sticking up for me.
“Fine, I will finish this sparring session with Ms. Bishop.” Master Abbott marched up to the mat and waved Hailey and Brielle back.
I saw Sofia head over to Cade and have a whispered conversation with him, their gazes locked on me.
Cade shook his head in response to something Sofia had said and shrugged his shoulders, his face barely able to mask his concern. She glared at him and stalked off to stand next to Ekon. The rest of the initiates had given up on their fights in favor of watching us.
I had no idea what to do. It was one thing showing too much skill in front of Cade or Quinn, but in front of Master Abbott? He knew Papa too well, he would recognize his fighting style from me in a second. On the other hand, if I didn’t protect myself, he could kill me. I had no clue what Master Abbott’s gifts were, they could literally be anything.
I observed him as we circled each other, looking for openings. He didn’t give any telltale signs that I could use to guess what his gift was. He wasn’t trying to take off any clothing, so I could disregard shifting. He also wasn’t pulling any elements out of the air, or doing anything recognizable that I could tell.
I felt my lungs slowly fill with fluid.
I guess I'm going into this blind. So to speak.
Master Abbott took a step forward and disappeared.
What? Was he like me and Papa?
I twirled around trying to find him, when I felt a blow to my right knee and I dropped to the floor, Master Abbott became visible out of the corner of my eye. Before I could gather my wits about me, he popped out of view and less than one second later, I felt him shove me forward, my face smacking down into the mat.
Oh. My. God. He’s a teleporter!
I didn't even believe in God, but at that moment I prayed to whoever might be listening to send me help because I was so royally screwed.
“That’s enough, Uncle!” I heard Cade yell from the sidelines.
I tried running backward, keeping my eyes moving in every direction in search of Master Abbott. My heart hammered in my chest and sweat beaded my brow as I struggled to remain upright. If I didn’t heal myself soon, I would be in serious trouble.
Master Abbott ignored Cade’s command. He appeared directly in front of me and smashed his fist straight into my face. I felt as my cheekbone shattered and a tooth came loose.
My stomach reeled as blood poured out of my mouth. I tried to fight back, but he was already gone.
He popped back into view and threw another punch at my face, but this time I was ready. I sidestepped his fist and pulled it forward, spinning around him and slamming my elbow into his back.
My action bought me a few extra seconds as Master Abbott regained his stability, but I was done. I could feel my broken bones and the severe internal bleeding which was causing my body to shut down. I dragged my arm over my eyes, clearing my vision from the sweat dripping down my face and brought my hands back up.
“Enough!” Cade yelled and blasted a fireball at Master Abbott.
He stumbled backward and shot Cade a scowl, but nonetheless, lifted his hands in s
ubmission.
“Alright, alright. She’s done.”
I almost sagged in relief, but that was interrupted when Master Abbott blinked out of sight and I felt a boot slam into my chest. I screamed as white light detonated from my hands and rammed dead-center into Master Abbott.
I fell to the mat and groaned, rubbing my chest.
Sofia and Ekon ran over.
“Holy shit, girl. You need to heal yourself now!!” Sofia begged, taking a hold of my hand.
Warm arms circled my waist, helping me sit and I looked up into the watery eyes of Ekon.
I coughed and cleared my throat. “I’m okay.”
He shook his head in exasperation. “Of course you are, gorgeous. Just go ahead and heal yourself to make us feel better, alright?”
“Lenna!” I heard Cade shout as he ran toward us. He stopped midway to yell instructions at Master Locke to heal his uncle. He arrived at my side moments later. “Are you okay?”
I nodded slowly.
He sat down on the floor beside me and put a hand to my swollen cheek.
I let out a sharp inhale as his fingers made contact with my tender skin.
“Heal yourself, Lenna. Please. This doesn’t look good,” Cade urged.
I lifted my hand and was about to send the warm, rose-colored light into my body when Master Locke’s voice emanated from across the room. “He’s not healing, Cade. My gift isn’t doing anything.”
Cade jumped to his feet and sprinted to his uncle’s side.
I moved to stand and leaned heavily on Ekon as he helped me to my feet.
“What are you doing?” he asked.
I stumbled forward until I reached Master Abbott’s side and touched his shoulder. I could tell he was close to death; his sternum was crushed and a bone punctured his heart. He wouldn't make it without my help.
I sat down, my legs no longer able to carry my weight and glared at his immobile body. It would be so easy to just let him die. I could simply tell them he was too far gone. They didn't know the true extent of my abilities. I was about to tell Cade there was nothing I could do when I thought about Papa.
Master Abbott definitely didn't deserve my help, but Papa most certainly did. If I let Master Abbott die, any leads I had on him were dead as well. I mustered up the last dregs of my energy and shoved the rose light into Master Abbott, feeling his body knit itself back together from the inside.
Just as the last remaining injuries were healed, blackness encroached on my vision and Cade’s worried face was the last thing I saw.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
Sore. That was how I felt when I returned to consciousness.
Why am I so sore?
I groaned and opened my eyes to see Cade asleep on the armchair next to me, the whirring and beeping of the machines reaching my ears as I became more aware of my surroundings. The privacy curtain was pulled around the small space, hiding us from view.
Oh right, Master Abbott nearly killed me. How could I forget?
I couldn't remember the last time I’d felt this sore. I spread warm, healing currents through my body, easing the dull ache in my knee and soothing the discomfort in my cheek. After a quick glance downward, I found that I was dressed in new, Guild-issued pajamas and a sweater.
I sat up on the infirmary bed and ripped the monitors off my body, realizing just how limited the healers at the Guild were. Their excitement about me working there suddenly made a lot of sense.
I swung my feet off the side of the bed to get a little closer and nudged Cade’s leg.
“Wake up, sleepyhead.”
Cade jerked awake and sprang to his feet. “Lenna,” he breathed, his gaze trailing up and down my body before he grabbed the back of my neck and leaned his forehead against mine. "I’m so sorry, Lenna. I don’t know what he was thinking going at you like that. He has extreme views when it comes to training.”
“That isn’t an excuse, Cade.”
“You’re right, it isn't.” He paused and tilted his head back to examine my face. “I was so worried about you.”
He leaned forward and pressed his lips into mine. His kiss quickly turned desperate and demanding.
I suddenly wanted to pull away and slap him for doing this to me again, but I couldn’t peel myself from him. Instead, I grabbed his waist and yanked him closer, laying back on the bed and dragging him with me. All thoughts fled my mind as I lost myself in his embrace. His soft lips moved expertly against mine, one of his hands still grasping the back of my head while the other clutched my backside.
My senses returned and I slowly pushed his chest away from mine, while his hips stayed nestled between my legs.
“Cade?” I asked huskily.
His grey eyes met mine and I could see fear bubbling up from deep inside them. “When my family was killed, something inside of me broke, Lenna. Something I thought could never be fixed.” He ran a hand through his dark hair. “Seeing you lying on the floor, unconscious, covered in blood, woke something inside me that I thought was long dead. I know that we only recently met, but there is something about you… something that makes me feel again.”
He removed himself from between my legs and sat next to me on the bed. “I don’t want to lose that.”
Did I still want to be with him?
I slowly shook my head. “Cade, you’ve been so hot and cold with me.”
He took my hand again. “I know, and I’m so sorry for that. My family wasn't the only thing that burned in that fire. I’m broken in so many ways, but I know what I’m feeling inside and I want to give us a try.”
I slowly withdrew my hand from his. “I don’t know that I can trust that, Cade. It might be best if we just stay friends anyway.”
Cade furrowed his brow. “Is that really what you want?”
I tried to ignore the twinge in my chest as my heart throbbed.
No, definitely not.
“Yes, I think so,” I said and pulled the infirmary sweater tighter around my body.
Cade stood up and a mischievous grin lit up his face before he swooped down and planted a kiss on my cheek. “I’ll just have to change your mind then.”
“Oh? You think it’s that easy?”
He shrugged. “I’m up for the challenge.”
Swoon.
The curtain swung open and a shout rang through the small space, “Oh, thank the fucking lord you’re okay! We were so worried!” A distressed Sofia entered the area, pushing Cade out of the way before plunking herself on the bed. “Ekon, she’s over here, I found her!” she called over her shoulder before turning back to face me.
Sofia checked me over before snapping her wrist band a few times and pulling me into a bone-crushing hug.
I tensed for a moment at the unexpected contact, and then wrapped my arms around her, leaning into her embrace. I breathed in the scent of her strawberry shampoo and realized she was starting to bring me a sense of comfort. Sofia had somewhat forcefully wormed her way into my heart.
Cade caught my eye from behind Sofia’s back, throwing me a lopsided grin and a wink, before slipping out of the Infirmary.
Not a moment later, Ekon barged in and yanked me off the bed and into his chest, in yet another hug.
I should probably get used to the physical contact already. They aren’t strangers anymore.
When I finally untangled myself from his arms, I saw that a tear had dripped down his face and into his stubble.
My throat constricted at the sight of it and I squeezed his hand to offer some comfort. “Let’s get out of here,” I said and started leading him to the exit, Sofia falling into step beside me.
“How long have I been out?” I asked as we made our way down the empty hallways. The crumbly stone walls offered nothing to explain the time of day, and there weren’t any windows in this section of the compound.
“You’ve been out a few hours,” Sofia said as we turned a corner. “They gave us the rest of the day off after what happened between you and that mother fu—”
; “Shhhh, Sof!” Ekon said, clamping a hand over her mouth to silence her. “You don’t know who might be listening.”
Uh oh, he nicknamed her. I don't think she’s going to like that.
“Yeah, Sof. Shh,” I said, emphasizing the nickname.
Sofia slapped his hand away from her face. “So what if they hear me. He’s a fucking psycho for what he did to her! We’re training to be assassins, not torturers. He acted like an animal, beating into her like that.” She turned back to me. “It’s a good fucking thing your ability manifested all the way. Who knows when that asshole would have stopped.”
“Yeah, that was wicked,” Ekon interjected.
“If by wicked, you mean unbelievably fucking spectacular, then yes,” Sofia replied.
I chuckled as we approached the door to our rooms and swung it open a second later to see a bunch of concerned faces waiting for us.
Surprisingly, Hailey was the first one to step up. “I’m sorry about earlier, it wasn’t right what they pushed us to do.”
I stood there with my mouth open for a good minute or two before I found my voice. “I appreciate that, Hailey.”
She dipped her head as Brielle sidled up and slipped her hand into Hailey’s. “After you fainted, Master Abbott told us he was pushing you so you would manifest the glow you woke up with the other day. I’m sorry for my involvement with that.”
“No need to apologize, you were just following orders. I’m already back to normal now,” I said as Axel arrived by my side.
“I’m surprised Master Abbott used such an antiquated method for motivation. It has been long since proven that fear is never a positive motivator. His methods are much more likely to cause damage to the psyche, and the world cannot afford to have a bunch of mentally damaged assassins running around. Can you imagine the chaos?”
Axel’s intelligent gaze met mine as he continued. “You should monitor yourself for any signs of emotional strain or anxiety over the next few days. Let me know if you need any help.”
I gave him a warm smile. “Thanks, Axel. I’ll get right on that in the morning. Turns out, being almost beaten to death makes me a little tired.”