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“Because we’re low-class scum.” I rub my stomach and lower my voice. “But don’t worry, I’ll save you for last.”

“You’re not funny,” he mutters.

“I’m a little funny,” I counter, catching the slightest twitch of his lips.

He notices me watching him and quickly schools his features. “Put your bag down.”

“Yes, sir.” I drop my bag and face him, placing my hands on my hips. “Where do you want me?”

The muscles of his jaw feather. Oh, this is going to be my favorite part of the day. Being the bane of someone’s existence happens to be my specialty.

“Get up!”

Groaning, I clutch my side. I hate this. If I had realized private tutoring meant Carver kicking my ass, I might’ve come better prepared. With what, I don’t know, but maybe I could have stopped by the apothecary in town to see if they had shielding potions, not that I have any money for them.

Carver stands beside my head, gazing down at me with narrowed eyes. So far he’s used simple magic to slow me down, to make me clumsy, to knock me on my ass. It’s all basic magic anyone can use. Well, anyone but me. The last one felt like a zap of electricity, though nothing like that stormcraft magic he stopped during the enrollment ceremony. Should I be offended he hasn’t even used his affinities on me?

“Get. Up.”

“I can’t.” Maybe I should play dead.

“Bullshit. Get up and start casting.”

I quite literally can’t on the last part, but I’m not about to tell him that. “Maybe we should call it a day?” I slowly climb to my feet, wincing as the remnants of his attack snap and sizzle in my bloodstream. I clamp my teeth together and breathe until the feeling subsides. There’s a brush of pressure in my head.

Shit. Maybe I’m at my limit.

Carver is watching me closely, probably waiting for me to fail. Straightening, I push the sensation away hard and force my muscles to hold myself steady. I’ve had worse than this. “You know what? I changed my mind. I don’t like you.”

He huffs and rolls his eyes, scanning the pit floor. Everyone has long since gone. Off to dinner or to relax. Wouldn’t that be nice?

“If you won’t cast, grab a sparring sword.”

Finally, something I’m good at. “Now you’re speaking my language, Coach.”

“Carver,” he corrects.

“Sure thing, Coach.” I head to the wall of weapons, eyeing the wooden training weapons. I haven’t used those since I was thirteen. The gleaming metal of a long sword pulls my attention. I reach for it, but a pointed throat clearing gives me pause.

“You’ll end up killing yourself.”

“I’d be doing you and the rest of the world a favor, then, wouldn’t I?” I try not to acknowledge how true that statement is. My fingers close around the leather hilt of the blade. I pick it up and step back from the weapons wall, testing the length and weight. It’s a little lighter than I’m used to. The one good thing about the circuit and Mr. Peters forcing me to fight? I actually know my way around weapons. I practice a few moves, getting a feel for the blade, and my body instantly relaxes. My breath comes a little easier. Blocking a phantom sword, I step counterclockwise, executing a spin attack with practiced ease, ending with a little thrust of my blade in Carver’s direction.

My surly instructor’s head is slightly tilted as he studies me with renewed focus, like I’m a spell he can’t quite figure out.

Clearing my throat, I keep my wrist strong, continuing to point the tip of my blade at him. “Now can we spar?”

“Who taught you that?”

“My brother,” I lie.

He nods. “That explains why your form is shit.”

My head rears back. “Yeah, well, not all of us are rich.” We can’t all afford fancy tutors.

“You seem to have me all figured out.” Carver strides toward the wall of weapons and grabs his own, side-eyeing me. “Let’s see how long you can keep the sword.”

We move back to our sparring circle. I get into position, shifting my weight to the balls of my feet. He nods and we begin to dance. I step to the left, and he steps to the right. I dip in, and he easily moves away. Adrenaline pours through my bloodstream and my grip tightens. I test Carver again, and he simply moves out of the way. Though, this time, when he falls into place, I realize he was allowing me to feel him out when he attacks and he’s done being kind. He closes the distance with two quick steps, his enhanced speed making him a blur of motion.