Page 62 of Embers of Ruin

“Do not lie to me. I have eyes.” Her voice is calm, but her eyes are blazing. “There is nothing amusing about this. She is learning.”

Riven raises his hands in mock innocence. “She’s being thrown into the sand.”

“Correct,” Mazelle nods once. “And she is learning.”

Riven smirks, and Mazelle doesn't miss a beat. “Would you like to be next?”

His smirk falters and he wisely says nothing.

“I've seen your form,” Mazelle says. “It leaves much to be desired.”

“I think he should be next,” I mutter, shooting daggers at Riven.

Onyx offers his hand and I stare at it, then at him.

“I can stand on my own, Onyx.” I don’t mean for my voice to come out as sharply as it does, but I'm sore, frustrated, and humiliated enough already. The least he can let me do is stand on my own.

“I know you can.” His voice softens, and he lowers his hand. “I was only offering.”

I push myself upright and pain immediately shoots through my hip.

“Actually…wait.” I gasp, clutching my side.

He looks back at me and I sigh.

“Put your fucking hand back.”

The corner of Onyx’s mouth lifts slightly and without a word, he offers it again. This time, I take it.

His fingers close around mine, warm and calloused, and he pulls me gently to my feet. Pain flares through my leg the instant I put weight on it, forcing a sharp breath from my lungs. I stumble before I can catch myself, and for one humiliating moment, more of my weight rests against him than I intended.

Damn it.

Mazelle’s eyes find mine. “You did well today. Better than I thought you would.”

I blink, surprised at her admission. “I did?”

“I don’t like repeating myself, Lyra. We'll meet again tomorrow.”

I groan. “I thought you were finished trying to kill me.”

“For today.”

“How comforting.”

If this is only the beginning of training... gods. I’d rather go back to trying to save the dying garden.

The corner of her mouth twitches. “Hardly,” she agrees, then studies me a moment longer, tilting her head. “You're powerful, Lady Tarethyn.”

The title catches me off guard. Damn. Back to Lady Tarethyn.

“With more training, you’ll be unstoppable.”

My brows shoot up. “Was that... a compliment?”

“It was an observation.” She turns and walks away before I can give a response.

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