Page 52 of Axios

Not wanting to keep him waiting, I walked that way, unsure of what he planned. I trusted him, even if the smirk he gave at my approach made me highly suspicious.

“I believe that in order to learn, you mustdo,” Eryx said, taking a stick from one of the boys and moving it between his hands. “However, observing is also among the methods of learning. If you witness a man leap off a cliff into water, without first checking the depth of the water, and is soon impaled by sharp rocks, you will know to always check a water’s depth before doing the same. Observing the foolish behavior of others allows you to avoid making their mistakes.”

I narrowed my eyes at him as it became clear which role I’d be playing in his little game—the fool. Yes, my skills had improved, but no one matched Eryx. Not even Haden who towered over him.

He grabbed the rod from Demetrius and offered it to me, which I accepted. His green eyes were humored as our gazes met, and he took a step back.

“I will be showing you defense maneuvers,” he told the boys before returning his stare to mine and moving his arms outward to display his torso. “Strike me.”

I could already feel the bruises that he’d inflict on my body. His taunting smirk was telling that he expected the same outcome. Shaking my head at him, I prepared myself for the inescapable defeat. I wouldn’t give in without a fight, though, and he knew it.

We’d come to thrive off competition; challenging each other whenever possible, both in everyday life and when consumed with lust.

He never lost. This time would be no different.

I adjusted the rod in my hand, getting a good grip on it. It was lightweight but would deal efficient damage with enough force behind the swing. And then I lunged for Eryx, aiming for his exposed chest.

He deflected it with ease, knocking the stick aside before striking his own blow to my stomach.

I wasn’t hindered by pain, having had much worse in my lifetime, and immediately struck again. He met my strike and the rods connected in the air. I put weight against mine, attempting to break through his hold, but he had another idea.

He dashed forward and shoved against my shoulder, knocking me off balance and sending my stick to the dirt.

When I bent to retrieve it, Eryx hit the middle of my back—hitting with such force that I crashed to the ground. A sharp pain traveled down my spine, temporarily immobilizing my movements.

“See why you never turn your back on your rival, Demetrius?” Eryx said, slowly circling my body as he walked. “It leaves you vulnerable to attack. If this were a real battle, Axios would be a dead man for that mistake.” He stopped in front of me and nudged the fallen stick with his foot. “Retrieve your weapon and rise.”

When I reached for the rod, Eryx kicked my arm. My hand collided with the stick and sent it farther from my grasp.

I glared up at him.

He kept his gaze locked on mine, and the smirk he’d once carried was absent. In its place was a fierceness I often saw upon him during training. He wasn’t enjoying making a fool out of me. This I knew. And yet, he took no mercy on me.

But I did not want him to.

Quickly, I seized the stick and rolled out of the way as he swung at me. He hit the dirt not even a hairs width from my face. Before I could catch a breath, he kicked my side, and I rolled to the left to avoid his next hit. Ignoring the prickle in my ribs, I jumped to my feet and raised my weapon toward him.

The gleam of humor was back in his eyes, as he took in my defensive stance and refusal to surrender.

“Good,” he spoke, pacing back and forth before me like a predator sizing up its prey. “Again.”

By the end of the session, I was heavily bruised and had a few scuffs that bled a bit; however, I had held my own against him. I did not favor damaging his beautiful skin, but I had dealt a few powerful hits and made for a worthy opponent.

Afterward, I had sat and watched as he instructed the youths to reenact what they’d witnessed.

For a group that had once seemed so frightened and fragile, they blossomed with confidence, and even though a few still were visibly shaken, not one of them submitted to that fear. They used it to help motivate them. When Eryx talked, they listened. The way they regarded him with such admiration spoke wonders to his leadership abilities.

They feared him, yet respected him.

Later that night when we lay together, Eryx took me gently, mindful of my aches and bruises. The competiveness of the day was long gone, and we became lost in the feel of the other—the warm strokes and caresses.

As I came apart in his strong arms, he tenderly kissed my neck and held me close, forever anchoring me to him.

My warrior. My lover. My heart.

***

Rain fell steadily, hammering atop the buildings and flowing to the earth below, gathering in puddles and making the ground soft beneath my feet. The overcast sky was not dark and ominous, but rather a bright gray with darker shades blended in. The winds were calm and the rhythm of the water was all that sounded.