POV: Luna
The next day, Cole's advanced combat class feels different.
More tense. More aggressive.
Cassandra's Circle is here. All five of them. Watching me with those calculating eyes.
Cole notices immediately.
"Today we're working on defensive magic under pressure," he announces. "You'll be partnered. One attacks. One defends. Then switch."
He starts pairing people up.
And of course, I get paired with Claire. Cassandra's second-in-command.
"Wonderful," I mutter.
"Problem, Miss Eclipse?" Cole asks.
"No, sir."
"Good. Remember, this is controlled combat. Defensive magic only. No lethal force. No intentional harm."
But the way Claire is looking at me suggests she has other plans.
We take our positions in the training circle.
Claire attacks first.
She's supposed to use basic of
