“Alora!” Kaevin yelled out, his blade barely missing her as he knocked her to the ground with his other hand.
She landed on her hipbone with a force certain to leave a huge bruise. Sitting up, she prepared to yell at him, when a blade came over her shoulder, slicing Kaevin’s shirt. It bloomed red. In fact, he already had several red streaks on his shirt.
“Kaevin!” she screamed, crab-walking to the side where she could see his shirtless opponent. Has Vindrake attacked? Should I transport us away? Should I bring Morvaen here?
“We’re... only... sparring,” Kaevin huffed, sweat pouring from his brow. His face distorted with effort as he barely dodged two more slashes from his apparently uninjured opponent.
I can’t believe this guy could get the upper hand with Kaevin, no matter how gifted he is. Since we’ve been soul-mated, Kaevin’s practically unbeatable in a one-on-one match. Morvaen told me so himself.
The warrior advanced toward Kaevin with a nonchalant air, sparing a glance at Alora. “Don’t be too concerned. I’ll not hurt your soulmate... not too badly.”
Kaevin broadcasted a myriad of strong emotions, each of which flooded inside her brain, though she attempted in vain to shield herself. She felt his pride hanging in tatters and saw his desperation to be... something... something he was afraid he wasn’t. She wanted to help him, but that was the last thing Kaevin wanted from her.
She had an idea... there was one thing she could do to show her support.
“Ha!” she shouted at Shirtless. “The only reason you’re not ripped to shreds is because Kaevin’s trying not to hurt you. If this were a real battle, you’d already be dead.”
“Stay out of this, Alora.” Kaevin’s tone was stern, but his self-assurance rose up a peg. His emotional aura was all positive now.
“Yes, stay of this, Bearer, or you might be hurt, as well,” the arrogant guy said.
“Are you threatening me?” Alora demanded, shaking her finger at him. “That’s a really big mistake, to threaten me in front of my soulmate. He’s been nice to you, so far. But what you don’t realize is Kaevin’s not only gifted in weapons and agility, but his gifts are enhanced. And they’re enhanced, not once, but twice! No other warrior in all of Tenavae is that gifted. In fact, he’s the most gifted warrior in history.” She wasn’t really sure about that last part, but it sounded reasonable.
For the first time, Alora noted some uncertainty in the bare-chested guy. Kaevin, on the other hand, exuded confidence, and was fighting like his old self. His blade slid forward, nicking Shirtless’ arm and drawing blood. Infuriated, Shirtless lunged at Kaevin, his sword a blur. Alora saw the tip of his blade extending past Kaevin and cried out. Both men fell to the ground, but somehow, Kaevin was on top, his knee on the man’s bare chest, his blade to his throat. His hand was shaking with adrenaline and rage, and Alora feared he would cut the guy’s jugular. But claps and cheers from behind her distracted him, and he looked up to an audience.
“Well done, Kaevin,” Thalaena said, coming over to glare down, her hands on her hips. “But both of you well know that sparring with true blades is forbidden. Judaene, come with me... we will speak to Morvaen about this. Kaevin, we will discuss your infraction later, after Laethan has tended your cuts.”
**********
Kaevin climbed to his feet, pushing off his knee on Judaene’s chest and eliciting a satisfying grunt from his opponent. He stormed off toward the healing house, ignoring Alora as she called out, trailing behind him. Then he ran, knowing she couldn’t possibly keep up. Just as he reached the healing house, she appeared in front of him, and he slid to stop, barely avoiding a collision.
Of course, she transported. She’s getting in the habit of using her gifts against me.
“Kaevin, please talk to me before you go back inside.”
“I’d rather not.” He focused on her forehead, refusing to be charmed by those beautiful blue-green eyes.
“I thought you were incredible back there. I’ve never seen you move so fast.”
“You think I don’t know what you did, Alora?” he ground out the words.
“Please don’t be angry, Kaevin. All I did was practice weapons and fighting with Jireo. We were always careful, and it was very safe. I only did it so I can be helpful, instead of being a liability in a close fight.”
“Against my express wishes,” he muttered. “But that’s another matter, altogether. I’m referring to the way you manipulated me with your empathy during that sparring match.”
“But I didn’t—”
“You can’t deny it, Alora, because I felt it.” Pinning her in place with a steely gaze, he squeezed his hands into fists to stop them from shaking. “I can’t believe you would do that after Laethan warned you against it. I suppose you thought I couldn’t win without your help.”
“I didn’t do it... I swear I didn’t.”
Now she was crying, but he didn’t care. He felt her remorse, but he hardened himself against it. She was probably faking it anyway. “Stop lying to me,” he spat. “It’s as if I don’t know you anymore.”
“I’m not lying. I’m telling you the truth.”
“Stop!” Laethan appeared, stepping between them with his head pressed between his hands. “Even I am not strong enough to shut the two of you out of my mind when you’re spinning out emotions like a tornado.”
“I’m sorry, Laethan. I didn’t mean to lose control.” Alora sniffed, turning her head away.