I should've known better than to accept a sparring match with Zephira.
The training grounds had barely opened when she shoved a steel practice blade into my hand. "If you want to wield power, Architect, learn to keep your footing first."
Yuria and Seraphina sat on the sidelines, exchanging bets. Lilith just looked amused.
"Ready?" Zephira asked.
I didn't answer in time.
She lunged.
Steel met steel with a crack. My arms shook. She was fast—faster than any demon I'd sparred with before. Her strikes were relentless, fluid, as if she didn't breathe between swings.
"Your stance is garbage," she barked, sweeping my leg.
I hit the ground hard, stars bursting behind my eyes.
"You're thinking too much," she continued, circling. "Stop waiting for power to save you. Fight like your life's already lost."
I got up. Again. And again. Every time, she knocked me flat.
