Page 164 of Malicent
I feel guards’ eyes on me. Good. Let them watch. I’m going to be giving them a show, of course.
I clasp my hands behind my back and turn to face Kalix fully.
“Let’s start with hand-to-hand,” he says, taking position across me. He gives me a moment, but I don’t move, a snake waiting to strike.
Kalix hesitates, then lunges, aiming a punch toward my ribs.
I sidestep, slamming my arm down over his forearm, redirecting the blow.
“Not bad, Le Strange.” He chuckles, resetting his form.
He circles, then lashes out with a kick, targeting the back of my knee. I mimic my earlier move, raising my leg, stomping down as his foot slides beneath mine.
I spin, keeping my back away from him. Now it’s my time to circle my prey.
I watch his shoulder, looking for the subtle flex of muscle before each motion.
“You’re fast.” He grins cockily, taunting me to approach. “But I’m faster. Only defense? Come on, witch.”
I rush forward, slamming my foot into his thigh and driving my elbow up toward his chin.
He blocks, palm to chest, knocking the breath from my lungs as I’m sent sailing to the floor.
He’s moving faster now.
I force myself up, ignoring the pain flaring in my back and ribs.
I run again, feinting a punch. As he focuses on my fist, I bring my leg up and over, my heel slamming into his temple.
Kalix stumbles, blood trailing from his nose, but he only grins viciously.
“That’s it, witch!”
His next strike comes faster—and stronger. I cross my arms to block my stomach and kick his knee in return.
The rhythm begins picking up. The adrenaline coursing through me brings out my own vicious grin.
He kicks me in the gut hard enough to send me skidding well off the mat.
“Nice,” I wheeze, coughing from the impact.
He saunters over, arrogant, loose, and dramatic as ever.
He reaches down to try to help me up.
I take advantage of my opening. I take his hand, then slam my legs up and into his chest, rolling back and hurling him over me. He hits the mat with a heavy thud.
I crawl after him, locking my legs around his neck, trying for a triangle hold.
His hands pry my thighs apart with ease. Too strong. His unnatural strength once again surprises me.
“No way you’re just mortal,” I hiss breathlessly.
I feel a bit like a sorry loser, but how is he this fast andstrong?
If only I had my magic.
“You forgot to add ‘most handsome and charming mortal,’” Kalix says, reclining onto his hands. “If we spar with swords, are you going to try and actually draw blood? You give off that vibe.”
