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Cole and Melaina exchange a hesitant look, but Melaina reluctantly agrees with a silent nod. The two of us ready our stances in the center of the clearing, eyes trained on the other, swords held in preparation.

Twenty-two seconds…if I can make it that long, I’ll be proud of myself.

“You can do all of that and more,”Daeja coos in the distance, reading my mind.

A smile tugs at my lips, my spirits instantly lifting.

Melaina and I explode into a frenzy—swinging, cutting, and thrusting. I have to say, I’m jealous of how graceful she is inthe way she spins and swings. And here I am, sweating and breathing heavily, my hair stuck to the nape of my neck.

Only a minute passes until she disarms me, but at least I made it longer than I anticipated.

If I can’t hold my own against someone in the same squad, how am I to ever fight against an actual opponent? Self-doubt creeps in as stealthy as a lion. The only potentially dangerous thing about me is I have a dragon.

Melaina plucks my sword from the ground and hands it to me, and we both walk out of the center together.

“Has anyone ever told you, you’re a little obvious?” Melaina murmurs as we join the group of onlookers.

“A little obvious?” I repeat, unsure of where this conversation is about to go.

“When you’re about to swing left, you kind of take a half-step forward. It makes it predictable what your next move is going to be.”

“Oh…I didn’t realize.”

She pulls me back by my elbow, further away from the crowd. “That’s okay, I used to do the same thing, until my father pointed it out. Here. Stand straight, balance your weight between your legs, and bend your knees. No. Not that far—like this,” she instructs and demonstrates the steps.

“So when I swing at you…” She pulls her blade down, slow across mine. “It’s easier to block. Or maneuver for a strike.”

I nod and twist my wrist to flick her sword away from me.

She nods her head. “Good! Just keep practicing like that.”

“Thanks, Melaina.” I grin. “Did you learn sword fighting from your father?”

“Yes. He was Jurrock’s second in command. So whenever he was home, he would teach me how to defend myself. My mother was never a fan of it, so we often did it in secret.” She chuckles at the memory.

A twinge of envy twists my heart that she had the opportunity to have such a memory with her father.

Her full lips fall as she gazes down at her sword. “I learned the rest from Nolan and Gavin when he died.”

I frown. “I’m so sorry for your loss.”

She nods, eyes still fixed on her sword. The weapon’s silver sheen is mottled with patina, the hilt shining in comparison to the condition of its blade.

One of her dark fingers caresses the length of the metal. “Thank you. He died an honorable death years ago. Rebels attacked a town and tried setting it on fire. He was trapped, and this was all that was left of him.”

I stiffen as I think of Hornwood, hoping the color doesn’t drain from my face. My memory rolls over me like a fog. I swallow hard, trying to push through the tension collecting in my throat. The memory of my mother dying in the fire all those months ago flashes in my mind.

A heavy sigh escapes her lips. “Then I joined the military, to save anyone else from having to lose their loved ones. My mother wasn’t too fond of the idea. I think the only reason she allowed me to is because of Nolan and Gavin.”

“Why do you say that?”

Melaina huffs and rolls her eyes. “Apparently, Gavin swore an oath to my father when he was his apprentice. He feels like he’s obligated out of honor to keep me safe. And Nolan, I’m not sure…I think my mother paid him. I keep thinking if I rise the ranks I can payhimtoleave me alone.”

I glance over to where Nolan sits. His leg seems to have healed, although he’s been a bit hesitant to participate in sparring. Gavin sits next to him, quiet and still, thoughtfully watching a pair of soldiers sparring in the clearing. His raven black hair is swept back from his taut face.

“If it’s any reassurance, I think you’d do just fine without them,” I reply.

She smiles as she sheathes her sword. “Thanks, Katerina.”