I had managed to avoid the mat for longer than I expected. Mostly by standing very still. And pretending I was invisible. Unfortunately, the universe eventually noticed.
“Eira Ashbourne. Winterveil.” Professor Bjorn’s voice rolled across the training field like distant thunder.
My stomach dropped.
Krystal slowly turned toward me.
“Well.”
I didn’t move.
“Eira.”
Still nothing.
Krystal nudged me hard with her elbow.
“You’re up.”
Right.
Of course I was.
I exhaled slowly and stepped forward, boots crunching against the frost-dusted ground as I walked toward the sparring circle. The cold air bit at my cheeks, but I barely noticed it. Every step felt heavier than the last. My opponent was already waiting inside the ring. And he was… Large. Not just taller than me. Everyone w
