Page 105 of The Serpent’s Shadow

Plus, Ravinica wouldn’t want me to go easy on her. I knew and loved that about her.

When she stepped into the Sticks, there was fire in her golden eyes. Pure focus, watching me intently with a slight scowl. Her slightly tapered ears twitched, all the muscles of her beautiful face tensing. Eyes darting, taking in my stance with my shield and sword lifted.

The crowd around us went silent. Nearly all the initiates of her class were present, watching. Many of them likely hoped I would humiliate her.

I suspected that wouldn’t happen. She was fierce—not someone to underestimate.

This was her moment to prove herself to all of them. That shebelongedbeside them. Once and for all.

I’d noticed over the past few weeks the slurs and sneers of “bog-blood” and “half-breed” had simmered. With Astrid’sdeath, the locking of the academy gates, and her disappearance with the Ljosalfar elves, Ravinica had developed a sort of mythical status.

It was almost like peoplefearedher now, rather than hated her. I fucking loved it. I wanted people to be frightened of what she could do, and the power she held.

Osfen said, “Begin,” and so we did.

I marched right at her, as I’d done with both Randi and Magnus. My sword and shield were leveled equidistant from one another, creating a nearly impenetrable wall of defense.

My strategy had been to wear out my younger, quicker opponents. Use my experience and trust my blade and shield. It worked more often than not.

Of course, my plan had faltered after Magnus had cheated and used his bloodrending to outplay me. I respected him for that, because he showed he would do whatever it took to win.

There was no cheating in battle.

This was not a test of brute strength. Otherwise, everyone here would be fucked against me. My berserker strength was well-known, and it was in exactly this situation last year that I’d accidentally killed Anders because of my curse.

Granted, he had poisoned me, to guarantee I’d lose my duel. All it had done was work against him, and incite my inner rage.

Now, I was calm. Collected. Determined.

I descended on Ravinica and she slipped under the path of my swinging arm.

Quickly spinning before she got behind me, I smashed into her board, sending wood chips flying—preventing her from getting a strike off at my weak side.

She danced then, feet moving, and it made me smile wickedly. She was showing off, when she didn’t need to.

Ravinica was a very capable fighter. Better than both Randi and Magnus. She swung high and low, gauging my defenses,finding them stalwart. She wasn’t aiming at my body yet, because she had too much wood to get through first.

Any time I got too close, she would step back, sidestepping when she felt the outline of the Sticks creeping up behind her.

I admired her tenacity, though I knew she would tire if she kept up this charade.

So I went on the attack.

For the first time that morning, I didn’treactto my opponent, I acted first.

My little sneak was surprised when my knees bent and I charged forward with a full head of steam. Her dancing had given me distance, which was dangerous for her.

Eyes widening, she planted her feet and waited for impact.

That was her mistake.

I barreled into her shield-first, launching her off her feet.

Ravinica flew backward, arms pinwheeling to try and land—

Outside the Sticks. On her ass.

Breathless gasps rose from the crowd.

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