Page 85 of Prince of Darkness and Deceit

“Focus,” Draven barks.

He’s still several feet from me. He could’ve advanced while I was distracted but didn’t.

Jaxon’s right. He’s going easy on me. I knew it. Still, the admission is more disheartening than anything.

The scabs on my face tug when I frown. I raise my weapon.

Approval crosses his gaze right before he swings.

I duck and block a strike to my head, then yelp and barely recover in time to block one aimed at my gut. I shove the sword against the staff and fall back.

Draven remains where he is. “Good.”

I raise my brows at the compliment.

“Thank y— AH!”

Draven swings the staff low. A bolt of pain emanates from my ankles, and my feet sweep out from under me.

The blue sky fills my vision. My back slams into the earth, knocking the air out of my lungs.

“What the hells!?” Ferria shouts.

Sounds of shoving and grunts reach my ears.

Then wild red strands dangle in my face before Ferria tilts her head back and snarls at Draven, “What the fuck was that for?”

”This is training,” Draven clips out. “Elara should always be on her guard.”

I gasp for breath, my lungs slow to expand.

“Please,” Ferria hisses, venom lacing her words. “This isn’t training. You just enjoy beating those weaker than you.”

A pulse of darkness shudders around me, sharp and cold. It fades just as quickly, leaving an echo in its wake.

What in the hells is that?

Draven exhales a harsh, dismissive sound. “If that is truly your belief, then I will excuse myself.”

Draven stomps off into the camp of soldiers, who haven’t so much as said hello to me or my sister since their companions started training us. Neither has Rian. Not that I’m eager to speak with the unsettling Fae.

“Gods.” Ferria snorts. “That one is sensitive.”

My attention shifts back to my sister.

Concerned eyes flit over my face. “Are you okay?”

“Yes.” I clench my abs and try to sit up.

“Whoa, easy.” She slips an arm under my back to help hold my weight.

I lean against her for support and pant, “You’re…mean.”

“Me?” Her pitch rises. “No. He’s mean. He didn’t need to take your legs out from under you. He’s just like every man in Verdanthia who thinks he can use his superior strength against women just because we’re weaker. To make themselves feel powerful.”

“Excuse me?” Jaxon’s voice drops. “What did you just say?”

Ferria doesn’t flinch at the threat in his tone. “Draven. He’s a jerk who likes to knock down those weaker than him.”