Page 62 of Faeheart
“Again,” Atlas commanded, stepping back into a fighting stance. “This time, use your structured magic to anticipate my movements. Don’t just react,predict.”
I nodded, centering myself as I called upon my magic. Blue energy flickered around my hands as I focused on Atlas’s stance, the subtle shifts in his weight that telegraphed his intentions. When he lunged, I was ready, sidestepping his attack and landing a glancing blow to his ribs.
“Better,” he grunted, though I knew the hit had barely registered against his werewolf constitution.
Across the room, Wild and Caden had resumed their own training, though I could feel Wild’s attention split between his sparring partner and me. His protectiveness flowed through our bond like a constant warm current, distracting despite my efforts to focus solely on Atlas’s movements.
“You’re still thinking too much,” Atlas said, circling me like a predator. “Combat is about instinct, muscle memory. You have been trained to analyze everything, but sometimes you need to just act, tofeelwhat’s coming instead of figuring it out.”
He feinted left, then struck right. This time I managed to block, though the impact sent vibrations up my arm that made my teeth rattle. Through our bond, I felt Wild’s spike of alarm at my discomfort.
“Wild, stop broadcasting your worry,” I called out, dodging another of Atlas’s strikes. “It’s making it harder to concentrate.”
“Sorry,” Wild replied, though I could still feel his emotions bleeding through our connection. “It’s hard to watch you get pummeled without wanting to intervene.”
“That’s exactly the problem,” Atlas said, landing a light tap on my shoulder that would have been a devastating blow in a real fight. “The four of us are so connected now that one person’s distress affects everyone. In battle, that could be catastrophic.”
Caden paused in his defensive stance, his brow furrowed with concern. “How do we fix that? The bond isn’t something we can just turn off.”
“You learn to compartmentalize,” Atlas explained, stepping back to address all of us. “Feel the connection, but don’t let it overwhelm your individual focus. The bond should enhance your abilities, not cripple them.”
Wild wiped sweat from his forehead, his copper hair darkened with exertion. “Easier said than done when every time Elias gets hurt, I feel like someone’s punching me in the gut.”
“Because you love him,” Atlas said simply. “But love without discipline becomes a liability in combat. You need to trust that he can handle himself, even when he’s in pain.”
The words hit harder than any physical blow. Through our soul bond, I felt Wild’s conflict, his desperate need toprotect me warring with the logical understanding that his overprotectiveness could endanger all of us.
“Let’s try something different,” Caden suggested, moving to the center of the room. “We all need a break.” Caden gestured for me to follow him to get a drink. “Just ten minutes.”
Atlas considered this, his golden eyes thoughtful. “Fine,” he huffed. “But no more.”
Wild, however, didn’t follow us. “You are being such a hard-ass,” he said, stepping up to Atlas. “You’re gonna work a knot into your tail with all that balled up stress you’re holding onto.”
“And you,” Atlas said, leaning in close so his face was only inches from Wild’s. “Since you have so much energy for arguing and jokes, you can spar with me now.”
Wild’s eyes widened as Atlas moved into his personal space, but the fae didn’t back down. Through our bond, I felt a spike of nervous excitement from Wild that surprised me.
“Fine,” Wild said, his emerald magic flickering across his skin like static electricity. “But don’t expect me to fight like Elias. I don’t play by your rules.”
Atlas’s lips curved into something between a smile and a snarl. “That’s exactly what I’m counting on.”
I moved to the edge of the room with Caden, both of us watching with nervous anticipation as Wild and Atlas squared off. They circled each other slowly, Atlas with his practiced fighter’s stance and Wild with the fluid, unpredictable movements of his fae nature.
“This could get interesting,” Caden murmured, handing me a water bottle.
I nodded, unable to tear my eyes away. Through our bond, I could feel Wild’s chaotic energy building, his magic gathering just beneath his skin. Atlas was a formidable opponent. I knew that better than anyone after being thrown around the room by him all morning. But Wild’s magic was fundamentally differentfrom mine. Where I relied on structure and precision, Wild’s power thrived in unpredictability. It meant that Atlas wouldn’t have an easy time predicting his moves, and that made Wild far more dangerous than me.
Atlas moved first, lunging with werewolf speed that should have caught Wild off guard. But Wild wasn’t there when Atlas’s hand reached the space where he’d been standing. He’d somehow shifted three feet to the left, moving with a grace that seemed to bend the rules of physical space.
“Too slow, puppy,” Wild taunted, his eyes sparkling with mischief.
Atlas growled, his eyes flashing gold as his werewolf nature rose closer to the surface. He attacked again, this time feinting before changing direction mid-lunge. Wild barely avoided the blow, Atlas’s fingers grazing his shirt as he twisted away.
“Better,” Wild acknowledged, his own movements becoming more focused.
The dance continued, each of them testing the other’s defenses. Atlas had raw power and training on his side, but Wild moved like water, impossible to pin down. Through our bond, I could feel his exhilaration growing with each successful dodge, his confidence building as he realized he could hold his own.
Then Atlas changed tactics. Instead of pursuing Wild directly, he began to herd him, using quick, controlled movements to limit Wild’s options for escape. I recognized the strategy since he’d used it on me earlier. But Wild seemed oblivious to the trap closing around him.
