A Song of Ice & Shadow

Part 18

"You're going easy on me again," she bit out, frustration tightening her features, her voice raw with exertion. Despite everything, the ache in very muscle, the bruises already forming, she refused to yield.

Azriel exhaled quietly, observing her determined eyes. She wasn't going to back down. No matter how exhausted, no matter how much her body protested, she would keep going until she collapsed.

He finally spoke again, his voice firm but gentle. "You've had enough."A beat of silence. "I'm sure the blows I landed are going to leave bruises all over your body. We can continue this another time."

"Fine," she relented, finally bending over, hands braced on her knees as she struggled to catch her breath. She felt utterly drained, her muscles and lungs burning with exhaustion.

Azriel approached her with a cup of water, offering it to her. "Drink up," he said, a faint smile softening his usually stoic expression. "You need to stay hydrated."

Y/n took the cup, gulping the water down in one swift motion.

"Are you alright?" he asked, watching her closely, arms crossed.

"Never better," she said, though her voice lacked its usual edge.

Azriel chuckled softly. "You know, if this is how you fight on your first day, I wonder what you have in store for me when you build up your muscles and stamina."

"Just wait and see," she replied, though the thought of more intense training sessions made her wince inwardly.

The next morning, every muscle in her body protested as she dragged herself to the dining room. Cassian, Nesta, and Azriel were already there, eating breakfast.

"Good morning, Y/n," Cassian greeted and she nodded. He gave her a curious look, noticing her slow movement and discomfort.. "Are you alright?"

"Yes, just sore" she replied, wincing slightly as she took a seat. Azriel glanced at her, a knowing look passing over his face before he returned to his cup of tea.

"Why? We haven't practiced for two days," Cassian noted, confused.

"I may have practiced without you," Y/n said, keeping her eyes on her plate. She wasn't about to tell him she'd been training with Azriel, so that one day she might defeat him. No, she did not want him to be ready for her. No need to give him ideas- or any advantage.

Cassian placed a hand over his chest in mock offense."I feel hurt."

"Well, get over it," she retorted, shrugging.

Azriel let out a quiet chuckle, drawing Cassian's attention. His brows knitted as he zeroed in on something. "What happened to you?"

Azriel's brow furrowed in confusion before Cassian clarified, "There's a cut on your throat."

Azriel only shrugged. "It's nothing-"

"Don't you always have cuts and bruises all over your body?" Y/n interrupted, quickly deflecting attention. "I assumed as warriors, you did."

Cassian supposed they did, but squinted at her, not understanding her sudden interference. Suspicion crept into his expression. Unless-

—-

Y/n was seated in her armchair, the fresh night breeze playing with the loosened strands of her braid, moonlight casting a soft glow around her as she knitted a scarf. A knock sounded at her door. She knew who it was and just hoped he wouldn't ask her to train tonight.