Page 32 of Fated for Dawn

Sweat dripped down my forehead as Rafe and I clashed. Every swing of my sword met a strong counterattack, my breath coming in ragged gasps as I pushed myself harder.

Finally, Rafe stepped back, grinning.

Zade ambled in my direction, apparently unimpressed.

“Your stance is off,” he said, leaning closer to adjust me. He shifted my grip on the sword. “And keep your guard up. Now, let’s see what you can do against me.”

I gulped and exhaled slowly, bracing myself. His sword gleamed with the same celestial craftsmanship as Rafe’s. I ignited mine, flames bursting to life along the blade. Then my wings popped out. Zade’s eyes flickered with surprise, but he masked it quickly, shifting into position.

Without another word, he came at me fast—shit—his strikes precise, calculated. Like Rafe, he moved with elegance, but Zade’s style had a raw, brutal efficiency.

My heart pounded as I struggled to keep up. Sparks flew with each clash, illuminating the training ground. My muscles screamed under the relentless onslaught, sweat stinging my eyes, but I forced myself to keep pushing.

Zade was unrelenting, his attacks driving me back with each strike. My arms trembled with the effort of blocking his blows, but I didn’t back down.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, he stepped back.

“That’s enough,” he said, sheathing his sword smoothly.

I exhaled, my body screaming in protest as I sheathed my sword, watching it disappear into the magical pocket. I wondered if I could fit more stuff in there…maybe some snacks?

Zade studied me for a moment, then nodded. “Not bad. You’ve got potential.”

I grinned. “Thanks, but it’s mostly the sword. You should see me with a wooden one—I’m a danger to myself.”

Zade’s frown deepened. “The sword helps, but don’t underestimate your skills.”

Was that a compliment? Was Zade complimenting me?

He smiled back at me.

This was the moment to bring up what had been weighing on me since my return.

“Lia.”

His expression hardened, but he nodded for me to continue.

“So, you were Lia’s guardian, right?”

“Yes.”

“Why were you assigned to her? Aren’t battle angels usually reserved for…extreme cases?”

“Yes. We’re assigned to those at risk of falling into darkness but who still have a purity worth saving.”

“And Lia?” I pressed. “Was she an extreme case?”

Zade’s jaw tightened, but he replied, “Yes. She was surrounded by darkness—her mother’s manipulations, black magic, Eris. I was only assigned to her for a week before she was taken from me.”

“But how could that happen?” I asked, frustration creeping into my voice. “You’re the best guardian angel there is.”

Zade’s gaze darkened. “Dark magic—and Eris. They blocked me out.” His voice dropped. “You have no idea what she went through.”

A wave of terror washed over me. What had they done to her?

“Lia was my first failure,” he mumbled.

I could see the guilt etched into Zade’s features, hear it in his voice.

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