Raphael stiffened, just the slightest tightening of his shoulders, only perceptible because the brute was training without a shirt today.
And what a body when it was uncovered. He wasn’t as bulky as Demos, but his body was muscle on muscle covered in flawless pale skin. The muscles of his arm tightened as he lifted his swordonce more, and this cursed vampire vision made me track every single part of the movement.
Maybe that was another thing he was training me to do—not just physical fighting, but fighting distraction.
“Your ‘only friend’ is also a diplomat. She’s gone to meet with the northern kingdom.”
“When will she be back?” Her letter said a few weeks, but that was hardly precise. What if the fledgling bond between Raphael and me finally broke, and I had to leave without saying goodbye?
“It’s a long journey.”
“Is she alone? Is it safe?”
“For some, it’s safe. And she’s not alone—she went with one of my best-trained guards in case anyone is foolish enough to strike a member of my court.”
“What do you mean,for some?”
He lifted a blade and offered me the pommel. I took it as carefully as I could, but our skin still brushed in the transfer. Gods curse me, that small second of contact soared through my entire body.
“It’s safe for women. Men aren’t welcome, and the queen there doesn’t kindly warn away any who attempt to trespass,” Raphael explained. “Now, break’s over.”
Confusion cut through my annoyance. “A kingdom just for women?” Who had ever heard of such a thing? A kingdom of vampires was strange enough.
“Enough questions. I’ll tell you more afterward—should you deign to spend any time with me.”
That was all the warning I had before Raphael launched himself at me.
I narrowly blocked the blow, the clang of metal ringing in my ears as the rush of battle returned.
But one block a victory did not make —hells, I’d settle for a stalemate.
Raphael attacked again. And again.
And again.
“You’re slower than usual,” he criticized.
I ground my teeth. “Maybe because you’re a centuries-old”—block—“vampire who has spent”—strike—“hours tormenting me already.”
Raphael’s expression narrowed.
It was hopeless.
I was trying. I was trying so fucking hard. But my blows came slower and slower.
He’s winning. The vampire is winning,something in me snarled. It felt ancient and furious. Before, I’d mistaken the anger for my own, but now I knew it was different.
He’s training me. We’re practicing,I tried to tell myself, blocking another swipe of Raphael’s steel. But the anger in me only saw a vampire attacking. Something was stirring, and I was almost too exhausted to stop it.
My concentration slipped.
Raphael pinned me against the wall, the flat of his blade directly under my chin. He was careful not to draw blood, but that was the only mercy. His gaze had none. His hand snapped to my wrist, prying my sword free and tossing it clear.
“I lose.” I sighed. “What a surprise.”
I waited for Raphael to withdraw, but he didn’t. Instead, he shifted closer, his body so close I couldn’t help but inhale his scent. He hadn’t exactly broken a sweat sparring with me, but his natural scent was thicker, sharper somehow.
“Do you really expect me to believe this is the best you can do?” he snarled.
