Page 123 of A Trial of Fate

Dax placed the balance platform aside, moving next to me so we stood shoulder to shoulder. “Today, I’m going to teach you five basic movements that you will practice each day before we train. Once you master the flow of these, then we can advance your training.” I nodded and watched him carefully, keenly aware of the proximity of our bodies and his mountain pine scent as it danced against the sea breeze. “Now, I understand you have basic instruction in fighting techniques—”

“All shifters are trained to fight and taught basic self-defense when we are younger,” I interrupted.

“Yes, but…youwere also off balance. Hence, the reason I started with the platform.” I scoffed at Daxton but allowed him to continue without interrupting further. He was a deadly weapon in the flesh, so it would not be wise of me to ignore what he was trying to teach me. “Focus on these movements and understand what areas of your body you are leaving vulnerable so you can anticipate your opponent and attack.”

“Okay, got it.”

Daxton led me through the five different exercises, ensuring my form was perfect in each one before I moved on to the next. He watched me carefully, and if I was even a breath out of balance, he was there correcting and encouraging me to try again. I mastered the first step, but I struggled to navigate to the second and third, which played off each other with a defensive block followed by another counterstrike.

“Don’t get frustrated. You’re doing great. Keep trying,” Dax told me countless times, never getting upset or impatient with me.Not wanting to disappoint him, I gritted my teeth and tried once more. I stepped forward with a punch and then followed it through with a spin and a block to my blind side.

“Perfect, Spitfire! Now, the third movement, and we can get some breakfast.”

Hearing that pushed me harder, and I flowed into the third exercise, a side kick following a balanced landing on both my feet. “Did I do it right?” I hesitated to ask.

“Let’s eat,” Dax proclaimed, and I practically squealed with joy.

The grits and eggs were already handed out to most of the crew, and I wondered if Dax knew this and wanted them to eat first. I appreciated his consideration for the hard-working crew and agreed it was only fair for us to eat after they had their fill. We were merely passengers on this ship.

“Are Castor and his companion going to join us anytime soon?” I asked after finishing my plate.

“Not likely,” Dax grunted with a deep chuckle. “I believe I heard them again this morning after you left.”

“I’m glad I awoke before they did then.”

“Oh really?” I saw the mischievous gleam in Dax’s eye, and I slumped my back against the side of the ship. “You didn’t enjoy their boisterous company last night?”

“Really?” I asked with as straight of a face as I could muster.

“It didn’t entice you? I could have sworn you enjoyed listening in.” My cheeks burned bright red. “What kind of kinks doyouhave, Spitfire?”

“That is none of your business!” I threw my empty plate at Daxton’s head, but he was too fast. He caught it in mid-air and gave me a smug grin of amusement. “I could ask the same of you,” I sneered, crossing my arms at my chest with a scowl. I stuck my tongue at him to just seal in my displeasure.

“I wouldn’t deny or feel embarrassed by what I desire. Nor how I satisfy my certain needs.” His smoky gray eyes flicked up at me, and an intense wave of hunger simmered from his stare. My cheeks flushed for an entirely different reason.

“And what do you desire, Dax?” I asked as I dared to lean in closer to him. What the hell was this feeling in my chest? It was like an invisible tether was tugging me toward him, appearing and then disappearing in the next second. Was it his magic somehow affecting me like this?

“You first, Spitfire.” He set the plates down and shifted his body toward me.

And the game continues… “I want to win the trials.”

“Excellent.” Dax smirked and jumped to his feet, extending his hand to me. “Then get your ass up and let’s continue your training.” His voice was rougher now, more serious as the glimmer from before disappeared behind the commanding presence of the Silver Shadow.

Determined to prove that I was unafraid of him, I accepted his hand and pulled myself to my feet “Lead the way…Princey.”

We continued right where we left off, and I managed to master the other two movements. I trained with my dominant hand and foot leading the exercises, and then he had me change to my opposite side. This proved more challenging, but I refused to give up. Dax patiently walked me through each step, never once snapping at my failures—only encouraging me to keep going.

“It’s important to highlight our strengths, but also be aware of our weaknesses and try our best to make sure they are balanced. You are right-handed, with a dominant right foot as well. Practice these five movements with your left side until they feel as natural as your right. In battle, it is never a guarantee that you can attack and defend with your right. Enemies are everywhere, so it is important to defend yourself from all sides.”

“How long did this take you to master?” I asked as we took a break to drink some water.

“I have been trained in combat since I was able to walk,” he answered, taking a sip from the canteen.

“Wow, your parents allowed you to train that early on?” I was shocked. “They must have grown up in a similar manner then, or is this just a custom of the High Fae to train for battle so early in life?” I asked without thinking as I moved through the different stretches to ease the ache in my body.

“My parents …”

There was that pause again, and I knew the pain that lingered in those silent moments. “I’m sorry, Dax. You don’t have to talk about them if you don’t want to. Trust me, I understand. You don’t have to explain anything to me.”

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