Chapter XIII • Maia

The sweat on my brows.

The tension in my shoulders.

The daggers in my hands.

The mental distress I am currently experiencing.

“Severin,” I yell, my voice shaking. “Are you sure we are going to do this? Is this really safe?!”

“You were the one who wanted to train with your daggers a while back, and I think you are more than capable!”

“You think?!”

It has only been a sennight since Severin had first trained me, after practically begging him to, and only then has this cabbage-head decided to spar with me…

…with my daggers!

I've only learned enough from him to be able to spar with him weaponless! He may be a sly, ill-mannered saddle-goose but I do not want to cause him any harm!

“I’m reconsidering everything hither!”

“Stop letting your hesitance impede you!”

“B-but what if I actually hurt you?!”

“Cease all your whats and ifs— just come at me, Maia!”

Despite my hesitance and my instructor’s exasperation, I grip the daggers’ hilts in a forward grip. My eyes land on the green-ha