Page 7 of Dragonrider Academy: Episode 9

All they had to do was stab the opponent with a pointy stick. No worrying about corrupt magic or unhatched queens.

Or the end of the world.

Killian must have sensed my thoughts because he gave my fingers a reassuring squeeze. “You’re doing the right thing, you know,” he said quietly, his voice barely audible over the rise of clanging swords and grunting students as the exercise began.

Turning away from the students, I found his blue eyes gazing at mine with warmth and understanding. “What do you mean?”

“Going after the Lost Dragon Queens,” he said. “Trying to stop the corruption,” he added with a wave of his hand. “It’s important work.”

I smiled weakly. “I know, but sometimes it feels like we’re just throwing ourselves at a brick wall.”

Killian chuckled. “Well, if that’s the case, then I’m glad to throw myself at it with you.”

His words warmed me to my core. Leaning into his easy presence, I planted a soft kiss on his lips.

The taste of him was sweet and comforting, and I found myself wishing we could just stay here forever.

Away from the darkness.

Away from the dangers that loomed on the horizon.

The sound of someone clearing their throat had me jolting.

The professor glowered down on us with her hands planted on her hips.

“Is there something you’d like to share with the class, Miss Reid?”

I winced when she used my last name to address me. My mother would probably hear of this. “No, Professor. Sorry.”

She gave us an unsatisfied glance before turning back to the students. I let out a sigh of relief.

Killian chuckled. “Caught in the act, huh?”

I rolled my eyes, but a smile tugged at the corners of my lips. “Shut up.”

The professor quickly returned with two fencing blades and my stomach dropped again.

“Now that the two of you have managed to distract the class, why don’t you show us all how it’s done?” She held out the blades.

Grudgingly, I took my blade, apparently called a foil. The professor explained that the upgraded weapons were called the epee and sabre.

All terms I’d never heard before. Not outside of a few fantasy books that had sword fighting, anyway.

I had no idea what I was doing, which the professor had quietly demonstrated by giving me the basic weapon.

Making my way to the practice field, I sank into myself when I realized the students had made a battle circle.

Killian and I were supposed to face-off.

I’m going to get my butt kicked.

The blade felt unfamiliar and far too light in my grasp. I brought it to the center of the practice area and faced Killian.

He twirled the blade with practiced ease.

Probably because he’d trained with it before, being a Nephilim.

Show off, I thought, but I couldn’t help but smile. I loved that he still surprised me.

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