“What is he a baby Zeus?” I grunt against the pressure.
“Focus, Kyra. This is a test of will,” he projects over the sounds of crackling magic. “If you’re pulling too much from your aura, use the momentum and counter.” A great plan, but hard to accomplish against his strength.
Another blast hits, and cracks slither from the impact, weakening my shield and causing me to buckle. “Damn, already? This isn’t good.” How am I supposed to counter when I’m caught up in protecting myself, avoiding whips of lighting?
Alex flicks a hand, and once more, a direct hit drives me back and spawns more fractures. Setting my fatigued muscles ablaze, I know the effects of overuse are coming into play, and I wince. He is relentless, pounding away and not giving a chance for me to respond.
Another flash of purple hurdles towards a running crack, and my shield shatters, breaking into glitters of crimson light and tossing me on my ass. “Fuck,” I cry. Pain runs with the heat of my boiling blood. I failed, yet again.
“You’re dead,” he voices, towering above with a disapproving expression. I huff, letting gravity pull me backwards and not bothering with a response.How’d he get over here so fast again anyway? Asshole.“Regardless, you did amazing, but we’llkeep going until you feel confident.” He strolls off, leaving my pride wounded. “Oh, and Kyra, that’s one point for House Death.”
“Wait what!” Shooting up, I meet his smirk.
Chapter 25
Kitten with Claws
KYRA
A knock forcesa groan out of me as my weighted blanket keeps me immobilized. Courtesy of yours truly. The sun shining over my face, leaves an inviting warmth, and I snuggle in, not giving a damn who is at my front door, when a whisper kisses my ears. “Blaiiiise.”
“What the fuck.” Sitting up, I peer around with blurry eyes and find myself alone. Figuring it’s a remembrance from a dream, I lie back down.
*Knock* *Knock*
“Go away!” I yell, hoping the pest takes a hint. But they don’t, and the pounding continues. I throw my cover off, standing in haste with an exaggerated attitude, and lunge for my bedroom door. ‘Go A…”
“Hi, I have iced coffeeeeee.”
Angie’s beautiful face startles the ever-loving shit out of me, and I scream, jumping and clutching my chest as my heart skips a few beats. “Angie!” In the same span of time, I throw my arms around her shoulders, taking note that Alex kept his word.
“Did you miss me that much?” she teases, but I squeeze harder, disregarding the cold liquid seeping into my shirt.
“Yes, you scared me. Don’t ever be so reckless again.” Tears coat my lashes, and I try holding them back as she nestles into my shoulder.
“Alex informed me to see you before doing anything else,” she mumbles into my shirt. “I made a mistake that’ll never happen again. I promise.”
I raise a hand to wipe my eyes, but the action is too late. “You…better not. I’ve already lost someone close to me. I can’t lose another friend.” She bobs her head in response, and we hold a second longer. The weight of this hug softens my posture, and I exhale, running my hand over her back.She’s really here.
“Kyra, I think you wasted the iced coffee.”
We separate, and a roaring laugh travels down the hall. Angie’s soured sulk eases my mood, and I wipe the remaining moisture from my lashes. I missed her all of yesterday, and her being here now feels good.
My palm brightens, and another mug appears, filled with the caramel liquid she so loves.
“This is for you.” Handing it over, I notice her slackened jaw and wide, piercing blue eyes.
Screeching, “Look at you!” Angie takes it from me and gives it a taste, drinking damn near all of it before taking a breath. I chuckle, entering my closet for a change of clothes, when an unpleasant gag chases after me.
“This is horrible,” she coughs, taking another sip.
“Then stop drinking it. I’m still working on creating quality things.” A part of me knew it would be bad, but here’s to hoping.
“I don’t think practice will help. My tongue burns,” she shouts dramatically, and I roll my eyes, chuckling once again. “And I missed you, too. Sorry I was absent on your first day. Fill me in on everything.” She follows me into my closet, invading my privacy because around her, there is none.
“Angie, I’m trying to change.” Stumbling, I miss one of the pants legs.
“I see, you should pay attention,” she mumbles, judgmentally. “Soooo, who do we have a crush on, and who do we need to kill?”
