In contrast, my sparring with Griffyn feels almost too easy. He’s going easy on me, and I can tell he’s holding back.
Griffyn smirks at me, his gray smoke eyes twinkling mischievously. “Ready for round two?” he teases as we square off.
I smile back at him, “Yes, and stop going easy on me.”
However, as we begin to spar, it becomes increasingly clear that Griffyn isn’t giving me his all. His movements are slow and deliberate, making it easy for me to block his punches and kicks. Frustration bubbles up within me. I need to be challenged if I’m to improve.
“Griffyn, come on,” I snap, pushing him away. “Stop holding back.”
He looks sheepish but before he can respond, Blaze intervenes.
“This isn’t working.” He shouts, “Aksel, get down here.”
A moment later, Aksel descends the basement stairs, an unreadable expression on his face.
“Let’s do this,” I whisper to myself, locking eyes with Aksel.
Our sparring session is intense, to say the least. Aksel doesn’t hold back, and I find myself fighting for every inch of ground. He’s relentless, pushing me harder than I’ve ever been pushed before. My muscles scream in protest as I block his blows, desperately trying to land a hit of my own.
As our training continues, I begin to see why Aksel is the head of the Alpha Team. His skills are unmatched, his movements precise and deadly. Sweat drips down my face, my breath coming in ragged gasps as I push myself to keep up with him.
Finally, after what feels like an eternity, Aksel calls a halt. I collapse onto the floor, my body trembling from exhaustion. Despite the pain and the fatigue, however, a sense of pride swells within me. I may not have bested him, but I held my own.
“Good work, Anna,” Aksel says quietly, offering me a hand to help me up. “You’re making progress. Keep it up.”
“Let’s have Anna against Rion now. Vampire versus vampire,” Blaze demands.
His voice bothers me. My annoyance with Blaze simmers beneath the surface, but I push it aside, focusing on the lesson at hand. Rion and I stand opposite each other, our eyes locked as we prepare to spar.
“Remember,” Blaze instructs, his voice steady and firm, “timing is crucial. Anticipate your opponent’s movements and use their momentum against them.”
I nod, taking a deep breath as Rion begins to circle me, his steps light and graceful. He may not have received the same extensive training as the Alpha Team, but his years of power are evident in the way he moves. My muscles tense, ready for his attack.
“Begin,” Blaze commands, and Rion lunges toward me with lightning speed. I manage to sidestep his strike, but just barely. We trade blows, our movements are fluid and precise, each trying to win.
Rion gets the upper hand and restrains me with both arms behind my back.
“Excellent!” Aksel calls out from the sidelines, his eyes following our every move. “Rion, your skill is impressive. You would make a fine addition to the Alpha Team.”
Rion freezes mid-step, his surprise is evident in his wide-eyed expression. I can almost feel his sudden apprehension, the weight of Aksel’s words settling heavily on his shoulders.
“But…the academy…” Rion stammers, clearly torn. “I don’t want to be apart from Anna.”
Aksel chuckles, folding his arms across his chest. “As a councilman, I can help you get around that.”
I can see the internal struggle playing out on Rion’s face.
“Whatever you decide,” I say softly, placing a hand on his arm, “know that I’ll support you.”
I love that they’re welcoming Rion into their fold. This means so much to me and clearly to Rion as well.
Rion’s eyes meet mine, gratitude shining in their green depths. He doesn’t need to decide right now.
“Alright,” Rion says with a determined nod, shaking off his momentary hesitation. “Let’s continue.”
We resume our training, and the air around us crackles with tension and energy.
As soon as we are done I move over to Aksel to say thank you for accepting Rion.
