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I’ve always been able to read my opponents, to see them for their weaknesses, their motives. To pinpoint how they will react, what they fear, what will break them.

Haru is unreadable.

“And what if there is no diamond beneath the dirt? What if there is only an empty hole?”

“Then you will collapse. Implode. However, there is no void within any man. Our souls will always be filled with our choices, our actions and their consequences. If you do not choose what to be inside, you will fill up with the poison of doubt and cowardice.”

“Because only a coward does not take responsibility for his actions.”

“Precisely. You are not a fool. Not a coward. But you are afraid, and rightly so.”

“What am I afraid of?”

“Yourself.”

“You’re a blade in your own right, Haru,” I mutter, shaking my head slightly in disbelief and a little irritation.

“Hm. The sword is only an extension of the soul, the mind.”

“Is that like guns don’t kill people, people kill people?”

“Violence is only a result of choices made. Like you: you cut yourself as often as you cut your enemies. As often as you and Circe cut one another.”

“When this business is concluded, perhaps we might cross blades,” I offer.

“I accept. It would be good to see the retreat where we trained again.”

“You honor me.”

“I also protect myRaibaru.”

“Competitor?” And how do I know that word?

“You…love her, don’t you?” I ask, no emotion in my tone. It’s a statement, a fact.

“Not exactly.Raibarumeans rival. Someone who challenges you. Much like a sibling, a member of your family. Circe is mine.”

“How does training me protect her?”

“I would make you a weapon better honed to guard her back.” He smiles, rising as an attendant enters to accompany us inside. “I would prevent her from harm, from a betrayal.”

“How would you do that?”

“I will kill you.”

12

CIRCE

Your head might just float away looking at him like that.

Artemis’s appraising glance sweeps over Ero as he runs through another drill with Haru.

“I’m not some lovestruck girl.”

The wooden swords are so familiar, the lessons and the face of my old master too. I just can’t really pinpoint when I was here, how long ago, or what the context was. I think my father sent me…

Worse. You’re letting him in. I thought he was just a means to an end.