Tarshi towered over most of the other gladiators, his massive frame rippling with muscle. His black skin glistened with sweat, a stark contrast to his white hair. But it was his eyes that truly set him apart - black as night, with no visible whites. Those eyes had captivated me during the arena fight, and now they locked onto mine once again.
I felt a strange pull towards him, an inexplicable urge to approach. There was something in those alien eyes - a depth of emotion, a hint of loneliness perhaps - that resonated with me. Despite his fearsome appearance and his Talfen heritage, I couldn't help but wonder about the man behind the facade.
“Livia!" Marcus's gruff voice snapped me back to reality. "Over here. You're with Rena today."
Grateful for the distraction, I jogged over to where Marcus stood with Rena. She was several inches taller than me, with arms like tree trunks and a scar running down the side of her face. She nodded at me, her expression neutral.
"Right," Marcus said, his eyes glinting. "Let's see what you've learned. No holds barred. Fight until one of you yields or I call it."
Rena and I circled each other, sizing each other up. I knew I couldn't match her for strength, but maybe I could outmaneuver her. I watched as she twirled her heavy wooden practice sword around like it was nothing, and I shifted my own from one hand to the other as my palms started to sweat.
Rena lunged forward suddenly, her wooden sword slicing through the air. I barely managed to dodge, feeling the rush of wind as it passed inches from my face. My heart pounded in my chest as I scrambled to regain my footing.
"Too slow, little one," Rena taunted, her voice surprisingly gentle despite her fierce demeanor.
I gritted my teeth, refusing to let her words affect me. I feinted left, then darted right, aiming a quick strike at her side. But Rena was faster than she looked. She pivoted, blocking my attack with ease and countering with a powerful blow that sent shockwaves up my arm.
The fight continued, a brutal dance of wood against wood. Sweat poured down my face, stinging my eyes. My muscles screamed in protest with every movement, but I pushed through the pain. I couldn't afford to show weakness, not here, not now.
Rena pressed her advantage, raining down blows that I could barely deflect. I stumbled backward, my feet slipping in the sand. In desperation, I dropped and rolled, narrowly avoiding astrike that would have taken my head off if it had been a real sword.
As I came up, I saw an opening. Without thinking, I lunged forward, driving my shoulder into Rena's midsection. She grunted in surprise, staggering back a step. I pressed my advantage, swinging my sword in a wild arc. I saw an opening and struck. My sword connected with her side, but Rena barely flinched. She grinned, a predatory glint in her eye.
"Not bad, little one," she growled. "But you'll need more than that."
She swung again, and this time I wasn't quick enough. The wooden blade slammed into my shoulder, sending shockwaves of pain through my body. I stumbled but kept my footing.
I fought back with everything I had, but it was becoming increasingly clear that I was outmatched. Rena's skill and experience far surpassed my own, and my body was rapidly succumbing to exhaustion. I could feel my grip on my sword slipping, my vision swimming as blood and sweat mingled on my brow. Gritting my teeth, I pushed through the pain. I couldn't let this end like the fight with Cato. I wouldn't be humiliated again.
I spun right, bringing my sword up in an arc. It caught Rena across the chest, eliciting a grunt of surprise. But before I could press my advantage, she countered, her fist connecting with my jaw. Stars exploded in my vision and I tasted blood. But I refused to go down.
Blinking away the dizziness, I saw Rena's triumphant smirk. She thought she had me. Good. My chest heaved as I circled her, looking for an opening. Rena's reach gave her a huge advantage - I needed to get in close.
Steeling myself, I charged forward. Rena's blade came down in a vicious arc, but I slipped inside her guard. My shoulder slammed into her chest, and for a moment I thought I'd knocked her off balance. Then her free hand clamped around my arm likean iron vice. Before I could react, the world spun and I was flying through the air. I hit the ground hard, the impact driving the air from my lungs. Rena's wooden sword pressed against my throat.
"Yield," she growled. I glared up at her, chest heaving.
“Fine,” I muttered. She smiled, and brought her sword back, leaning down with an outstretched hand to help me to my feet.
I grasped Rena's hand, wincing as she hauled me to my feet. My body ached all over, and I could already feel bruises forming where her blows had landed. But beneath the pain, a small spark of pride flickered. I'd lost, yes, but I'd held my own against a seasoned gladiator. I hadn't embarrassed myself this time.
"Not bad, little one," Rena said, clapping me on the shoulder. I tried not to flinch at the impact. "You've got spirit, I'll give you that."
"Thanks," I muttered, still catching my breath. I glanced around, noticing the other fights had stopped. Several gladiators were watching us, including Septimus. His face was unreadable, but I thought I caught a glimmer of... something in his eyes. Approval? Concern? I looked away quickly, not wanting to dwell on it. I caught Tarshi's gaze once more. He inclined his head slightly, a gesture that felt almost like respect.
Rena passed me a water skin, and I took it gratefully, relishing the cool liquid as it soothed my parched throat. When I set it down, I turned around to see Marcus watching me, his expression unreadable.
"Your performance was impressive," he said, his voice steady, betraying no emotion.
"I lost."
"Defeat does not always define a warrior's worth," Marcus replied. "Sometimes, it is how they rise from their failures that reveals their true potential.”
I sighed. “So you want me to go away and train some more?”
“I watched your fight closely," he said. "You displayed determination, skill, and most importantly, heart. You fought with every fiber of your being, refusing to give up even as the odds were stacked against you."
"It wasn't enough," I said, unable to keep the disappointment from my voice.
