Page 27 of Living Legend

They were narrower than his and dark as the midnight sky, with slight hues of red, like bat wings. The edges jutted out into points with a razored talon, sharp points that could shred skin if I made the right moves. Nicholas looked at me in awe, but he was still as relentless as ever. He soared above me, sword in front of him, ready to force me to the ground, but I dipped down low and watched as he flew over me. He tried again, his feathers rustling with irritation when that ended the same way.

“Nick, just finish this already, for fuck’s sake,” Reese bristled.

I thrashed my wings back and sped towards him, taking advantage of his momentary distraction. He intercepted my hit, his sword high enough to graze my cheek. He ripped his sword away suddenly, just to swing underneath mine, creating that grating sound of connecting metal and sliding hard along my sword, flipping the tip of his own blade up to sever my blade from my hand. I watched as the sword clattered to the ground, useless. Nicholas grabbed my arm and pulled me to him, his face mere inches from my own. His breath smelled like mint as he took a few breaths in and out, slowly and methodically.

“I wouldn’t try to get that now,” he noted of my abandoned sword.

I retracted my wings, but before I was completely dead weight, he turned me around so my back was to his front, holding his sword up to my throat. This time, the metal wasn’t so close to my flesh -- he was just trying to prove a point. We descended slowly, but he didn’t let me go.

He moved his lips to my ear. “Color me impressed.”

I dipped my head back enough so his face was in my view. “I told you I had some skills—” I pressed my back flush against him and let my ass rub against his pelvis. My hand wandered over his hip, fingers tiptoeing around the low waistband of his sweatpants. I let my finger dip slightly inside and fiddle with the elastic band. “Just sucks that this is the only skill you’re interested in.” I felt his heartbeat thump frantically and the muscles of his stomach tighten. I felt something else make an appearance as well, hardening against me. I was satisfied I still won insomeway.

I wrapped my hand around the angelic blade in front of me and shoved it to the side, not looking back at him as I removed myself from his grasp. I pressed on my cheek, pulling my hand back and seeing blood, thick and deep red. I turned around at the sound of clapping.

“You guys are a real treat, making us all look like shit down here,” Reese said, punching Nicholas in the shoulder.

Nicholas handed Reese his sword. “Don’t worry, you still have a chance to make me look bad.” Reese rolled his eyes as he pressed the tip of the sword into the floor.

“Well, I’m ready for another round,” I claimed, making my way over to my sword.

Nicholas chuckled and shook his head. “Oh no, you’re done for now.”

I gave him a confused look. “Then who is he—” I stopped myself before pressing my lips together and shutting up.

Elise appeared at my side, my sword in her hand. She examined the blade, letting her hand caress the sharp edge. Reese’s eyes went wide with what I assumed was both shock and probably a little bit of fear.

“You can’t be serious, Nick.”

“It’s only fair.”

“No, it's not fair. You’re trying to get me killed. She didn’t even want to do this in the first place!”

Elise swung the sword from side to side. “Their little show intrigued me, what can I say?”

Nicholas looked over at Elise, a serious expression on his face. “No funny business, okay?”

Elise gave him a thumbs up and a forced smile. “Of course.”

“See?” Nicholas motioned towards Elise as he locked eyes with his friend. “She isn’t going to kill you. Don’t be a fucking baby.” He gave Reese two strong pats on the shoulder and moved out of the way. I followed him to the back wall as he leaned against it.

“I guess this means you’ll be keeping my dagger a bit longer?” I asked, curious. I could hear Reese taunting Elise, a terribly bad move on his part.

“Do you really want it back that badly?” His eyes slid over to me, curiosity in his voice.

I shrugged. “It seems to be in your good andcapablehands.” I watched his Adam’s apple bob sharply as he swallowed. “As long as I get it back before we leave.”

He coughed as he stretched out his neck, moving from side to side. “About that…”

“I assume that won't be anytime soon, since we’re here,training,” I cut him off, knowing that if they were planning on sending us back, they would have done it already.

“I don’t know what Jonah has in store, but you might want to make yourselves comfortable,” Nicholas suggested with a shrug.

“The handcuffs are just the greatest form of hospitality.” My sarcasm was evident in every word. The sound of clanging swords and curse words filled the room; there were no screams of agonizing pain, so I didn’t bother to acknowledge it.

He laughed, a smooth, deep one that matched his voice. “If Elise wasn’t…herself, I’m sure I could get them to do away with the cuffs, but she’s a bit of a loose cannon.”

“Understandable.”

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