Page 64 of Visions & Shadows

As I turn around, I see Raighne standing to the side, talking with River. Great, just what I need, spectators to watch me make a total ass of myself.

Raighne’s eyes flick to me, and he stares for a moment beforereturning his attention to whatever River’s saying.

“Alchera, Storm will show you how to hold and handle a knife while I finish yesterday’s session with Blair,” Roark orders, pulling me out of my thoughts.

“Sure thing,” I say as I turn to face Storm.

Nerves begin to spin in my stomach because if he trains me the same way as Brenna, they’re going to have to scrape my dead body up off the grass.

Here goes nothing.

Instead of jumping into action and kicking my ass, Storm gives me a patient smile. “Watch how I hold the knife. It’s important so you don’t cut yourself by accident.”

As I watch the way his fingers wrap around the handle, a slow smile spreads across my face. He swipes the blade expertly through the air and then holds it out to me. “Your turn.”

I take it carefully and hold it the way he showed me.

“Your hands are smaller. I suggest you hold the handle here for better grip.” He slides my hand further up the handle, and my grip feels firmer.

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.”

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