Page 28 of Blood and Hexes

Diana was intrigued, wondering why a tiny girl had been in Oldcrest, of all places.

Before she could ask another question, Avani cleared her throat. "If I remember well, Diana, you were saying something about being older than all of us put together, right? I suppose you wouldn't want to back that up now?" She grinned, showing all of her pearly whites.

Diana removed her boots and walked on the mats. "Who am I fighting? You?" She tilted her chin to Greer, then turned to look at the rest of them. "All of you at once?" She held her hands out, palms up, an undisputed challenge.

"Cocky, isn't she?" Cat said, clicking her tongue.

A little, perhaps, but it wasn't just cockiness. She'd seen Greer's style. If she won against everyone else, Diana could smite them. So long as there was no magic involved, in any case.

"I want to fight her," Ruby said, practically trembling with excitement.

That woman wasn't all right in the head.

"I know," Cat said, rolling her eyes. "But we've been given an opportunity we shouldn't waste. This is a bona fide ancient princess. Exactly the kind that wants to skin Chloe alive. I think Chloe should have the first go."

Diana felt her heart slow for one beat, then resume its thumping at a faster rate.

Chloe was looking at her, her eyes bright blue under her long lashes. They turned back to their deep brown. "Sure. Let's do this."

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