The moment her fist connected with my shoulder
; I knew Cassidy hadn’t been exaggerating . Emilia punched hard , like MMA level hard . Not only was she strong , but she was fast too . She came at me without warning , without shifting into a stance that let me know the battle had begun . She had hoped to catch me off guard , but Chris had skinned my hide too many times for me to make that mistake again . His method of keeping me on my toes came in the form of sneaking through my window in the dead of night .
If I weren’t o n my feet the second the window cracked open , I’d quickly find myself groaning on the floor with the taste of blood in my mouth . His methods weren’t humane by any means , but they worked . Boy , did they work . I used my small stature to weave in and out of her blows , a partner in a painful dance that would surely leave me black and blue . If I weren’t a Luna or a Vampire , I might’ve lost this fight . That being said , m y positions gave me power and speed , both of which I used in abundance just to remain on my feet .
” You see how she’s not letting me knock her off balance … ” Emilia shouted to the class who watched with overflowing interest despite the thick silence that enveloped the room . ” If you fall in battle , you have seconds – seconds to act before your mistake becomes fatal . ” To prove her point , Emilia let me knock her to the ground .
In a move that I would’ve done if the roles had been reversed , she kicked out with her long legs and managed to clip my ankle in the process . My legs buckled from the sharp pain that danced up my tendons and bone , but a quick roll to the side followed by a few sharp jabs kept me advancing forwards . What ended our match was a sharp whistle that exploded from the back of the room .
I barely noticed it . The shrill sound couldn’t reach me , not while this sea of adrenaline churned in my head , its frigid waters bursting with every technique , move , and tip I’d learned from Chris . When Emilia faltered mid punch and I managed to land a crushing kick to the side of her ribcage , I knew the whistle hadn’t been intended for me .
The warrior , whose prowess I actually found myself admiring fell to the ground . She recovered quickly , with speed I found impressive despite the fact that I was faster . Before she could make it to her feet , my foot was at her throat . I kept it there , hovering above her pulse point , feeling the faint thud hit the millimeter of air between us .
I could’ve used this moment to assert myself , to land a final blow that would prove to these wolves that I wasn’t one to be messed with , but it was Emilia’s eyes that halted the idea in its tracks . They at me with pride , but also just a stared up hint of fear . It was that fear that made me lower my foot and extend a hand .
here , he’s got it . ” Emilia said through heavy breaths , smiling as she wiped the sweat from her forehead The expression soured as she turned to glare daggers at the class . Even I had to repress the urge to finch at the ferocity in her voice . ” Who did that ? ” For far too long the class stood in silence , most of them cowering under her heavy stare .
I noticed quickly that Cassidy wasn’t one of them , and Emilia seemed to notice as well because her eyes darkened t o a muddy brown when they registered her face and tense posture . Cassidy took a step forward and Emilia’s mouth opened , but the high – pitched bleating of a cellphone rang out instead of her voice . ” Apologies , I’m afraid I have to take this . ” Emilia murmured to the glass , though her eyes remained on my tanned , narrow eyed friend She slipped from the room without another word , her shrill ringtone fading a s she walked down the hall.
” Goddess , what a cathartic experience . I’ve been waiting to see her get her ass kicked for years
that whistled at her ? ” Cassidy’s eyes twinkled mischievously , and within their depths I swore I saw something that reminded me of Chelsea . ‘ It was a bit harsh ; I know … but you have n o clue how much she has coming to her . ‘ Her thoughts had a sour undertone that alerted me to how much she disliked Emilia . With a quiet grunt she lowered herself
, but they don’t speak about i t because they’re all weaklings who fear m e … and rightfully so . ‘ Cassidy huffed , gnawing on her
to form in my head , one that was pulled from the depths of someone else’s memory . ” Ugh , Cass wait up ! ” Brandon shouted , his voice a few octaves higher and his appearance almost ten years younger . His feet
callous scowl I was used to seeing him wearing . ” Not a chance in hell ! Last time I was it for two weeks . You’re not catching me anytime soon
golden curls through the tall grass feet away . It swayed in the breeze , jostled by the light rain that continued to fall . ” Only Asher can catch me ! He’s never it ! ” ” Asher’s in Alpha training , Cass . You know he doesn’t have time to play anymore . ” Brandon’s little frown and furrowed
groaned loudly and threw his hands in the air , ” Fine ! I’ll get Asher , but you have to promise you won’t sneak out while I’m gone . That’s cheating , and cheating means you’re
away now , going to get Asher . ” Brandon shouted , cupping his hands around his lips as he backed away . When his small form vanished behind a hill , I saw a pale face with bright blue eyes pop out of the grass .
thirteen . The scenery changed as she walked , her blue jeans darkening with each water droplet that landed on them . Even her paisley top , which looked adorable when paired with the dainty charm bracelet around her wrist , was changing colors from the rain . Before long
were everywhere , laughing and playing like there tomorrow would never come . It breathed life into Cassidy’s cheerful walk , which soon fizzled out when I heard Emilia’s voice . ” You should’ve known better than to come back around here .
a child her champagne eyes were bright and her
until it was an avalanche cresting down the side of a great mountain , ready to crush them all . They were children , but the way they glared at one another reminded me of adults . Emilia stomped over to Cassidy and grabbed a handful of
and bled onto the sidewalk after Emilia . The other children looked at the fight happening just feet away on the sidewalk where so many of them played . Some pointed , others laughed and taunted Cassidy , who quickly found herself on the pavement . Emilia leaned down to whisper something in Cassidy’s ear when the memory came t o an end . Even though I was floating back to the present , I could still taste the rain on my tongue and could see the murder
he said she doesn’t handle embarrassment well . ‘ Maya murmured , flattening
her a feverish glare and sent her answer rushing
iris’s a deep shade of blue . It wasn’t the words Emilia said that stuck with her , that turned her anger into something more potent . It had been the embarrassment
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
The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!