Page 34 of Claimed By Midnight

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ATHENA

Sweat trickles down my spine as I circle Raven in the stone courtyard. My muscles burn from the past hour of training, but I refuse to give up. The xaphan warrior's violet eyes track my movements, her midnight hair whipping around as she pivots to match my steps.

"Come on, little human. Show me what you've got." Her lips curl into that familiar smirk. "You won't hurt anyone with those baby punches."

I lunge forward, aiming for her left side where I know her old injury makes her slower. Raven's dove-gray wings snap out for balance as she twists away, but I manage to clip her shoulder.

"Better." She grabs my arm and flips me onto my back. The impact knocks the air from my lungs. "But still too predictable."

A deep chuckle echoes across the courtyard. I crane my neck to see Koros's massive frame blocking the archway, his mismatched eyes gleaming with amusement. His dark red hair catches the afternoon light as he crosses his arms over his broad chest.

"Don't stop on my account." His scarred face breaks into a rare grin. "This is far more entertaining than watching the market squabbles."

"Koros!" I scramble to my feet, face burning. "I thought you were meeting with Uriel today."

"Finished early." He spreads his nearly-black wings, casting a shadow over half the courtyard. "Raven's right though - you telegraph your moves."

"Then help me fix it instead of standing there like an oversized rono." I plant my hands on my hips.

Raven barks out a laugh. "Watch it, she's getting feisty." She winks at me. "She's been learning from the best."

"Good." Koros steps into the training circle, his presence making the space feel suddenly smaller. "A healer needs bite. Show me your stance."

I shift into position, and his massive hand adjusts my elbow. Despite his intimidating size, his touch is gentle - like a wild animal being cautious with a child.

"Now," he rumbles, "let's work on making those punches count."

So I do what he says. It's funny that after spending so long afraid of Koros, I'm not more than comfortable as he teaches me.

"Plant your feet wider." Koros circles me, his wings brushing the stone. "Your size is an advantage if you know how to use it."

I adjust my stance, heart pounding as the massive xaphan steps closer. Even Raven, who's no delicate flower, looks small next to him. His black and gold eyes scan my form with the precision of a master craftsman examining his work.

"Like this?"

"Lower." His calloused hand cups my elbow, guiding it down. The gentleness in his touch surprises me. "Keep your center of gravity close to the ground. Most opponents will try to use their height against you."

Raven leans against a pillar, arms crossed. "Show her that move you used on those smugglers last week."

"The throat strike?" Koros's scarred face breaks into a wicked grin. "Might be too advanced-"

"I can handle it." I straighten my spine, chin lifted in challenge.

He studies me for a moment, then nods. "Watch closely."

Koros demonstrates the move in slow motion, his massive frame flowing with unexpected grace. His dark red hair falls forward as he ducks under an imaginary opponent's guard, wings tucked tight to avoid telegraphing the movement.

"The key is misdirection." He beckons me closer. "Make them think you're going for the obvious target - then strike where they're vulnerable." His hands position my arms, adjusting my fingers into proper form. Despite his intimidating size, each touch is measured, careful.

"Most fighters expect you to attack head-on." He taps my shoulder. "But you're quick, smaller. Use that. Slip past their defenses while they're busy watching for the obvious hit."

I mirror his movements, muscle memory building with each repetition. The afternoon sun catches his wings, revealing subtle patterns in the near-black feathers - like oil on water.

"Good." His approval rumbles through his chest. "Again, but faster this time."

I practice the move again, this time with more confidence. Koros shifts his weight, deliberately leaving an opening. When I dart forward, he makes an exaggerated gasp.

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