Page 72 of Rebirth Of Order
Someone behind me blurts, “The points! My buddy Trent lost a hand, choose the points, Ryan!” I’m not sure who he is referring to, but it’s not my concern. He takes the deal in agreement, nonetheless. Shame. His blood would have mixed well against the white and black marble.
“We’ll leave this little gift here until I’m inclined to remove it.” Releasing his arm, I re-approach the stage.
The sparring room is sizable, spacious enough for occupying two full Houses, equating around three thousand students, and maybe a little more. Not a weight is out of place. Mirrors and mats rest against the walls, with piles of equipment towards the back. Equal in space. We’re occupying the front open area, and everyone is trained on me, including Kyra, who is outright expressing a scowl.
Mesmerizing. It’s the only word to describe the way her bottom lip extrudes when she pouts. A perfect blend between pink and red, filled with…Clearing my throat, I submerge my unfinished, greedy thoughts.
“Once the timer strikes zero, everyone will begin. I suggest you find a partner quickly.” Sliding my now healed hands into the thinpockets of my sweatpants, I add without looking in her direction, “That goes for you too, Kyra.” She tsks.
Annoying. Everything about her infuriates me, from her perfectly fixed hair, braided in two plaits and draped over both shoulders, to the way her nose scrunches when she frowns, down to how the fitted blazer grips her curves, emphasizing the fullness of her breasts.
Even her black skirt, cinched at the waist and flaring over her thighs, angers me. She is built identical to her mother, which only fuels my desire to end her.Miscreant.
“I don’t have my workout clothes.” Her sass travels across the room, and everyone freezes.Infuriating.
I give her a glare of irritation. “That doesn’t seem to be my problem, now does it?”Nuisance.
My contract with Alex has since expired. She only draws breath because of a promise made to someone long ago.Encumbrance.
I’ve thought of every possible way to witness those sun kissed eyes lose their sparkle. Only one seems fitting enough. A sacrifice. I’ll have my blood that way.
Alise prances out of the line-up and approaches Kyra. “I’ll be your match partner for today,” she offers, gifting her a warm smile. Apparently, they know each other, and from the look of Kyra’s ecstatic expression, I’m correct.
“Alise, it’s been a while, and I’d love that.” Her demeanor shifts with ease, now dawning a smile and waving. “Just take it easy on me. First day and all.”
“No,” I interject. “Students cannot match with the same House. My rules are final. If there isn’t another fay from House Life, then you’ll spar with me.”
“Well, that breaks your own rules, doesn’t it? Same ‘House,’ remember.” She mimics air quotations before folding her arms once again. The buttons holding her vest and shirt closed press firmly into the fabric, revealing more skin than I care to endure, and my gums sting with irritation. My waking beast makes its presence known.
“I’m the exception to the rules.”
“Of course you are…asshole,” she purposely mumbles, then waves off Alise as she rejoins the group.
I summon a red number ten above my head and an hourglass that symbolizes forty-five minutes. “With Ryan and Kyra wasting everyone’s time, you’ll now have ten minutes after class to make it to your next one. Again, not my problem.” I don’t give them a chance to fuss or nag before starting the countdown. “Separate and begin.”
Kyra remains fixated on the hourglass as I approach. Unbeknownst to her, her aura expels in waves kindred to a river of flames, enticing the retreat of mine. “Are you ready?” I tug her eyes to mine.
She huffs, “It’s not like I have a choice in the matter. Even without workout clothes.” Scanning over my apparel, she hesitates on my sweatpants before casting aside her inspection. Speckled blemishes coat her cheeks red, and the thrum of her heart increases.
“If you’re going to pout, fine. Don’t let this be the reason you fail.”
“I’m not pouting, just stating facts. If you choose to fight me while I’m constricted, fine, take the victory however you can; I guess.” Her nose scrunches and lips curl, proving my point.By the Gods, she’s infuriating.Like I need an advantage.
Sliding my hands back into the pockets of my black sweatpants, I counter, “If you don’t like what you’re wearing, change it.”
“Our dorm is far, and I can’t use sigil magic, so walking or running won’t get me back in time.” Scowling, she flings her left plait behind her shoulder, leaving only the right one, and I tsk at her implication.
“The fay of creation whocan’tcreate? How promising,” I sigh. “Figure something out. I’m not waiting all day.” I nod my head towards the clock behind me as the ten second timer goes off.
“How the fu…” She pauses, catching the raise of my brow, then blows a breath. “How am I supposed to do that, Ethan?” She throws her hands up. This must be a mortal trait, them speaking with theirhands. It’s exasperating. “Let me guess, not your problem?” Her eyes roll, and I’ll admit, it makes me smirk. Now she is getting it.
With a tick of my wrist, I summon a barrier around us. A transparent box, aligned with my golden sigils for blocking out onlookers in case she botches this spell. “You’ll practice changing here.”
She scoffs, giving my summoning a once-over. “Not in front of you, I won’t. Others will speculate, and in case you didn’t know, there are already rumors spreading that we’re sleeping together,” Kyra whispers, her head swiveling for those listening.
“Does it look like I care about rumors?” Tracing her body, I force back a sneer. “It wouldn’t have spread had you not kicked me out that night.” I challenge her to object.
“Then stop showing up uninvited. Only Angie has that permission, not you.”
