Page 150 of Forcing Fate

It was entertaining to see the different fighting styles. No one was getting pulverized like the first man, and it seemed fair enough. The hum and excitement in the air was tangible as men cheered for their favored competitor. I was sure that bets were recorded and probably far outweighed Collins’ favor.

He moved like a rabbit, quick and deft, avoiding each strike. Soon his rival was drenched in sweat, and heaving for breath. Collins waited for the right moment. Finally, his opponent reached for him and Collins ducked under his arm, spun around him, and leapt onto his back. Wrapping his thin arms around the man’s neck, he held on for all he was worth. His opponent stumbled back and slammed Collins into the wall, trying to be rid of him, to no avail. In mere breaths, Collins was declared the victor.

Men parted into smaller groups, and it was obvious that Collins was the last fighter. General Rafe led me to a tree, far enough to be out of earshot.

“You’re failing, cadet.”

I ground my teeth together. “We’ve been over this.”

“You’re miserable.”

My gaze snapped to his. He couldn’t know that. I told no one.

“Your eyes tell all.”

“Do they now?” I asked with a mocking sneer.

He chuckled and crowded me in, backing me against the tree. “They do, Vy.”

I shivered. His tone sent warmth flooding through me. I leaned back against the rough bark and gazed up at him. “I’m not so eager to die,” I huffed.

His eye shone in victory. “You won’t be so easily killed if you join me.”

“Why don’t you just force me? You seemed to have no issue forcing your hand concerning other matters,” I asked, waving a hand at my hair.

“Some things I can push you toward, others you have to choose.”

“So, I have to choose to be in your Tennan?”

He smirked at me and waited, not giving me an answer.

“If I join you, I’ll be on the front—as in front of the army, behind enemy lines—in a year,” I clarified.

“Less.”

I deadpanned. He could at least make it seem as though I had a chance.

“If I stay, I will go to the war front in two to three years. Seems like I’ll have a better fighting chance with my company.”

Something snapped, and his eye flared with anger. He snarled and slammed his fist against the tree beside my head. “You’ll be fodder. A human shield. Nothing more than a body waiting to be taken,” he growled, leaning closer.

“At least I’ll be with a larger group! My chances of survival will be higher than tagging along with you. I’m a burden, Rafe! I can’t do anything right! There’s no point. I’ll just slow you down as you do—whatever it is that you do,” I said, the words rushing out of me like a dam had broken.

“You’re not a burden. Curse it all, Avyanna. You’re not like the others. Korzak isn’t like the others. He would simply be a larger target. Collins—how long do you think he’d last on the front lines? A day? I’d give him two if he ran like a coward.” He let out a slow breath. “You’re special. You’re unique. Blast it all.” He pushed off the tree and paced like a wild animal.

“Is it because I’m a girl?” I ventured.

“A girl?” He scoffed, looking me up and down in a way that made me very aware of my maturing body. “You chose this path. You chose to be a soldier. Now choose: Join me and live, or stay where you are and die a miserable death with your company.”

He walked over, all traces of gentleness gone. His eye flashed like a fierce dragon. “I’d wager three days. Three days—and some Shadow man would have your head on a pike. He might even take a finger as a souvenir. All the training you received at the Masters’ hands would give you three days. Think about that.”

“Why me?” I bit back, not caring who saw. “You say I’m special? What makes me special? That I’m a woman? Is it that, General Rafe? Is that all you would have me for? To warm your bed?”

I wasn’t anything special, and from his flinch, I hit a nerve.

“Girl, if you think I intend to bed you, you’re sorely mistaken,” he hissed in my face.

“Then what?!” I demanded through clenched teeth, pushing at his chest.

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