I wanted to argue, wanted to yell, Instead, I bit my lip and followed him to the center of the training ground. My hands shook slightly as I picked up the practice sword he handed me. It was heavier than I expected, and the weight made me tense.
"Relax," Kaelen said, circling me like a predator studying prey. "Or you'll hurt yourself."
"I'm fine," I muttered, lifting the staff and holding it in a defensive position.
He stopped in front of me, eyes flashing, reading me, testing me. "We'll see," he said softly.
"See what?" I demanded, chest heaving slightly.
"If you can survive me," he said, stepping back, spinning on his heel, and then suddenly rushing toward me with the speed that made my stomach lurch.
I barely had time to react. I raised the staff, gripping it tightly
