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Asshole.

“Good,” Commander Macanthos continued, seemingly pleased with the confidence of the group. “Then it seems we’ll have no problem with today’s challenge.”

My body stiffened. It wasn’t any normal combat training day.Today was a test.

“Gather toward the targets.” Commander Macanthos did not wait for us to follow before turning on his heel and marching toward the back of the courtyard to where the targets were waiting for us.

I never had much target practice in Midgrave. Aside from vampyres, that is. I learned quickly that missing my mark was not an option when it came to fighting those creatures.

This wouldn’t be any different.

Commander Macanthos spun to face us when we were about ten paces away from the targets. “You,” he pointed to Ashlani. “Stand in front of that target.”

The air outside chilled.

Ashlani’s eyes snapped open. She looked side to side before returning her gaze to the commander. “Wh–what?”

Commander Macanthos rolled his eyes as if this was just another day at training for him. “Don’t make me repeat myself.”

Even from here, I could see Ashlani’s breath grow shallow as she hesitantly made her way to the target. She froze for a few seconds before turning to face us, her chin lifted with confidence even though her lip wobbled.

Fuck. I shouldn’t have cared, but I did. Ashlani didn’t deserve what was coming.

“Great.” Commander Macanthos clapped his hands together. “The best way to practice throwing daggers is to up the stakes. Many of you are confident in your ability to throw, but some of you…” His eyes spanned the group of students before landing on me. “You.”

My gaze did not budge from his. “Yes?”

“Let’s see you hit the target.”

A cry slipped from Ashlani’s lips.

“With her standing there?” I asked.

Commander Macanthos did not answer. He crossed his arms over his chest and waited.

Great. Real fucking great.

I slid Venom from her sheath at my thigh slowly, feeling dozens of eyes watching my every move.

The students in front of me quickly slid out of my way as I stepped in front of the target.

In front of a squirming, petrified Ashlani.

I tried to comfort her by softening my gaze and looking as confident as possible. I wasn’t going to hit her. I knew that.

But she didn’t. Neither did the other students, who practically radiated with fear. Lanson included.

“We don’t have all day,” Commander Macanthos pushed. “Throw it.”

Anger laced my senses. Of all the students standing in this courtyard, why me? Why was he singling me out amongst everyone?

I channeled that anger into my senses. Ashlani stood as still as possible, which helped. I didn’t raise my hand when Commander Macanthos asked who was skilled with throwing daggers, so I could get away with hitting the wall next to her.

I focused in, putting one foot in front of the other.

I raised my hand, pointed Venom toward Ashlani.

And I threw.