Total pages in book: 126
Estimated words: 123779 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 619(@200wpm)___ 495(@250wpm)___ 413(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 123779 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 619(@200wpm)___ 495(@250wpm)___ 413(@300wpm)
Storm turns out to be a patient teacher, which I appreciate after the two days from hell I’ve just had.
After a three-hour session of holding and stabbing, I’m not tired at all. Unlike yesterday, where after ten minutes, it felt like I was dying.
Roark finishes up with Blair, and as he heads toward us, Storm takes the knife from me.
“Thanks for being patient with me,” I say. “I really appreciate it.”
The corner of Storm’s mouth lifts in a genuine smile. “You’re welcome. Just keep practicing, and you’ll get the hang of it.”
When Roark reaches me, his eyes lock with mine. “How do you feel today?”
I stare at my brother’s face, that’s so similar to mine, and try not to focus on the sense of loss because I never really got the chance to know him before now.
I swallow the lump of emotion in my throat and answer, “Better. Thanks.”
“That’s good.” He places his hand on the small of my back, then says, “The first thing you do in the event of an attack is to bend your knees slightly so you can move swiftly and bounce on the balls of your feet.”
I do as I’m told and get a satisfied nod from him.
God, I have a big brother.
The emotions threaten to overwhelm me as he orders, “Now you’ll practice kicking. Stand as you are, then go down to the grass as if you’re doing a squat. Coming back up into your original standing position, bring your right leg up until your foot is at knee level with your left leg.”
I do as I’m told and look at his face as he nods. “Yes, like that. Now, when you kick out, use only your leg muscles. Keep your upper body still.”
I’m so damn happy he’s pleased with what I’m doing that it quickly gets easier to perform the kick.
“Use your arms to balance yourself. Hold them out in front of your chest as if you’re getting ready to punch someone.” Roark adjusts my arms a little, placing my right arm a bit higher than my left.
“With your left arm, you need to block. With your right, you’ll punch while kicking.”
“I’m left-handed,” I tell him.
“Okay, then just switch hands.”
I adjust my arms and carry out the move while ignoring the pain in my shoulder. A grin spreads over my face when I get it right.
“Good,” my brother praises me. “Keep practicing.”
As the hours pass, I get better, and the exercise feels good.
By the time the sun starts to set, my stomach grumbles something fierce, and it has Roark saying, “Let’s call it a day. You did well. Same time, same place, tomorrow morning.”
Feeling like we’ve bonded a little today, I smile at him. “Thank you for taking the time to train me.”
He nods, and lifting a hand, he gives my right shoulder a squeeze. “Go get something to eat, then rest.”
“Have a good night,” I say, watching as he walks toward River before they head back to the camp.
Storm and Blair also leave, and when it’s just me and Raighne, I grin at my guardian. “I actually learned something today.”
“I saw,” he murmurs, not returning my smile.
Damn, is he still upset from the hug I gave him?
He starts to walk back to our campsite, and I follow behind him, wondering why a hug would upset him so much. It’s not like I professed my undying love to him.
Geez, he’s making a big deal out of nothing.
When we reach my living quarters, Raighne just nods at me before heading to his own tent.
I’m staring at his back when I hear Fleur snap, “Where have you been? I’ve looked all over.”
I turn my head to her. “I was training with Roark and Storm.”
Her eyes widen. “Oh wow. That’s such good news. They’re the best, and you’ll learn fast.” The surprise fades from her face, and she gives me a serious look. “But next time, let me know. When I brought your breakfast and found the tent empty, I almost had a heart attack.”
Frowning at her, I ask, “Why?”
She takes my hand and tugs me into my tent, looking as if she’s about a share one hell of a secret with me.
She glances around, then leans in and whispers, “I thought Adeth got a hold of you.”
Having heard the name before, I ask, “Who’s Adeth?”
Fleur’s eyes widen with shock, and her grip on my hand tightens. “You don’t know about her?”
“No.”
“We’re not supposed to talk about her,” she whispers. “She wants to end all life on Earth. She doesn’t want humankind to survive.” Fleur glances around the living room again, looking anxious as she continues, “I’ve heard she wants you so she can stop you from retrieving the chosen ones. You have to be careful. She’s dark and powerful. Always be on guard and never go anywhere alone.”