The training area was buzzing with activity when we arrived. Students were scattered across the large gym, some practicing combat techniques, others engaged in sparring matches.
The air was thick with the scent of sweat and determination, and I felt a thrill of anticipation.
As the chatter around me faded into the background, I felt a surge of determination.
I was here to carve out my own path, and I wouldn't let anyone, especially not someone like Xavier, derail me.
Coach stepped into the hallway, his presence commanding immediate attention. He scanned the crowd, his eyes landing on me.
"Alright,new girl, let's see what you've got!"Coach's voice broke through my thoughts."Any volunteer"
"I!"
Xavier sauntered over, his confidence radiating. "I'll do the honours" he carried a hint of challenge in his tone .
That's when I knew, things were going to end pretty badly.
I stood across from Xavier, my heart racing. He smirked like a predator sizing up his prey.
"Ready?" he taunted, his voice dripping with mockery.
"Bring it on," I shot back, trying to sound confident despite the fluttering in my stomach.
Xavier lunged forward, throwing a quick jab that l barely dodged.
I felt the rush of air as his fist whizzed past my face. He followed up with a swift kick, catching me off guard and sending my body sprawling to the floor.
"Not bad for a first try," he sneered, watching me scramble to my feet. "But you're going to have to do better than that, dollface "
"It's Baby, not dollface "
"How about you prove to me that you are more than some pretty face"
I pushed myself up, determination igniting within me. I charged at him, throwing a wild punch that connected with his shoulder.
"Ha! Is that all you've got?" Xavier laughed, effortlessly sidestepping my next attack. "Have any one ever told you,you hit like a five year old."
He countered with a swift kick to my midsection, knocking the wind out of me.
I gasped, but instead of staying down, I gritted my teeth and got back up.
There's was no way that I was giving up to this hell hound of a person."I'm just getting started!"
"Then it makes the two of us, because I wasn't trying either "
His grin widened as he danced around me, throwing playful jabs that l struggled to block.
"You look like a skittish little doe in the clutches of a wolf, and that's so cute" he taunted, landing a light punch to my cheek.
I felt the sting, but it only fueled me with fire. "I won't give up!" I shouted, lunging at him again.
With a swift movement, he caught my wrist" too slow"
He twisted it ,using my momentum to throw my entire body to the ground once more. My butt hit the ground hard, the impact rattling my bones.
"Do you know how pathetic you look whenever you fall and get back up?" he whispered, leaning down to level. "Just admit it, you're weak,you wouldn't stand a chance against a strigoi"
My spirit fell unbroken. I shook off the pain, my body trembling with effort as I pushed myself up again. "I'm not weak!" I yelled defiantly.
His gaze swept me like l was smudge on glass,he brushes past me , his shoulder knocking me off balance.
Xavier sauntered away, and l remained on the floor, breathing heavily.
Now I didn't just have a grudge against him; I'd love to turn his face into a scratch-and-sniff sticker while he dreams of unicorns!"