We soon arrived at the mountain or at least, we stood staring at it from a distance. It was decided that we'd leave in two days to rest and gather our strength in case we got ambushed again. Which, given our luck, was very likely.
Liam, being the ever-so-practical leader, decided Noah should teach me how to defend myself and because fate clearly had a personal grudge against me, I found myself alone with Noah, his intense gaze fixed on me like some brooding predator. I tried my best to focus on impaling the training dummy made of sticks and unlucky stones all tied up with heaven knows what, instead of the way he looked at me like he was contemplating how I'd taste with a side of red wine.
"Again," Noah barked for what had to be the hundredth time.
Liam, off to the side, watched with that disappointed-dad expression, like I was personally failing him as a human being. I hated it, I hated all of this, I would have run for the hills if not for Sabrina keeping me in check.
Today, Liam had left to find some fruit, leaving me alone with Noah in the woods
"Liam wants me to train you the respectable way," Noah began, his golden red eyes narrowing. "But remember, not all your opponents will fight honorably."
I gulped. "Great"
"Take your stance." He motioned, and I obeyed, bracing myself, what I wasn't prepared for was him stepping behind me, placing his hands on my waist.
"What... are... you doing?" I squeaked, my face instantly heating up.
"Training. You." He emphasized the last word like I was an idiot. "Now, spread your legs like this and clench your fists properly."
The moment he let go, I exhaled
"Now, attack me," he ordered.
I lunged, throwing punches with all my might. He caught every single one effortlessly.
"Slow. Weak. Unstable. Predictable," he said, dodging like I was moving in slow motion.
I finally gave up, frustrated beyond words, and turned to leave...
And that's when he flipped me onto the ground.
"Never turn your back on an opponent," he said fiercely, hovering over me. His eyes locked onto mine, and for a moment, I forgot how to breathe, this close I could see the gold and red in his eyes, how can someone be this handsome. Then, as if realizing our position, he abruptly stood up, muttered something about continuing later, and walked away.
Instead of following him, I stomped off to the trees. I yanked out my daggers and started training by myself, throwing them with growing accuracy. Dagger throwing became my new therapy. Sometimes, I'd even steal Liam's dagger to practice. If I got good enough, I could escape and take Sabrina with me.
As I trained, memories of Ethan and Vicky surfaced. Ethan would've scolded me for holding a weapon, but Vicky would've convinced him I needed it. He'd have caved in and taught me himself. The thought made my chest tighten. I threw my dagger at an innocent tree, then Liam's dagger that I stole, anger burning inside me. I wished they were here to see me now.
I walked over to retrieve the daggers when I heard a hiss. I froze, turning, I saw nothing.
Another hiss
Before I could react, something large and silky wrapped around my neck, squeezing the air out of me. I clawed at it, struggling, my vision darkening. I frantically searched for my dagger, damn thing was still stuck in the tree.
Just as my lungs screamed for air, a sword slashed through the creature, and I collapsed under its weight. My vision swam as I gasped for breath, the world tilting. A familiar voice cursed above me, hands frantically checking for injuries.
"Noah," I croaked.
Then, darkness took me