Page 11 of The Onyx Covenant

Aria leaps over the swing, laughing. “Better! But still too predictable.”

We fall into a familiar twirl, trading blows and blocks, feet moving across the moss-covered ground in patterns we’ve practiced a thousand times. Aria is stronger than me—all corded muscle and natural power—but I’m faster, more precise. What I lack in brute force, I make up for in technique.

“Heard anything about Orion lately?” I ask casually, ducking under a swing that would have connected with my shoulder.

Aria’s rhythm falters for just a heartbeat, enough for me to tap my staff against her ribs.

“Point,” I announce, grinning at her scowl.

“Low blow,” she mutters, stepping back to reset our positions.

“All’s fair in combat,” I remind her, echoing the words she’s said to me countless times. “Besides, you’re the one who can’t stop talking about him.”

Orion Blaze—my father’s most promising young warrior and Aria’s not-so-secret obsession for the past year. He’s handsome enough, I suppose, if you like the brooding, serious type. All sharp angles and intense stares, with a reputation for being utterly dedicated to pack protection.

Aria attacks again, her movements more aggressive now.

“I saw him swimming in the northern lake yesterday,” she admits between strikes. “Alone.”

I raise an eyebrow, blocking her assault. “Spying on him now? That’s not creepy at all.”

“It was reconnaissance,” she insists, feinting left before striking right. I predict the move and counter, but she’s ready, hooking my staff with hers and nearly wrenching it from my grip. “Besides, someone has to appreciate the view.”

“And?” I prompt, dancing backward to create space. “Was the view worth your stalker tendencies?”

A flush creeps up her neck, visible even against her sun-kissed skin. “Let’s just say the Goddess blessed him generously.”

We both burst into laughter, the kind that makes your stomach hurt and your guard drop. Which is exactly when Aria sweeps my legs out from under me. I hit the ground hard, air rushing from my lungs, the tip of her staff at my throat before I can blink.

“Point,” she says sweetly. “Never let your guard down, priestess.”

I knock her staff aside with the back of my hand. “Cheater.”

“Survivor,” she corrects, offering me a hand up. I take it, then use her momentum to flip her over my shoulder. She lands with a thud and a curse that would make even the most hardened warrior blush.

“Survivor,” I echo, standing over her with my own staff now pointed at her chest.

Aria stares up at me for a moment, then breaks into a wide grin. “You’re learning. Good.”

I help her up, and we move to sit on one of the smaller boulders that edge the clearing. The sun has fully risen now, bathing the forest in golden light that dapples through the canopy above. Sweat cools on my skin as I take a long drink from my waterskin.

“What about you?” Aria asks after a comfortable silence. “It’s been a year since you met that gorgeous, mysterious guy you barely told me anything about. How come you haven’t seen him again?”

I shrug. “I guess life happened. He went his own way. I went mine.”

“Life happened?” Aria arches a brow. “That’s it? No lingering glances or wistful letters penned by candlelight?”

I laugh, though it comes out flat. “Please. He wasn’t exactly the write-me-poetry type.”

“Still…” Aria leans in, a teasing grin spreading across her face. “You liked him.”

“Maybe.” I pause, my smile fading. “But liking someone doesn’t mean they’ll stick around.” The memory is bitter, but I’ve had plenty of practice telling myself to move on. “Besides, you know my father. He’d go ballistic if I showed interest in anyone he hasn’t personally vetted and found worthy of his precious daughter.”

Aria makes a sympathetic noise, but her facial expression is too knowing for comfort. She sees more than I want her to—always has.

The truth is, I still wake from dreams of silvery eyes and promises whispered against my skin. Still feel phantom touches on nights when the moon is high and my defenses are low. Still hate myself for it.

“Your mother’s been dropping hints,” Aria says, twisting a lock of brown hair around her finger. “About you needing to choose soon.”

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