Orryx Enchanted

Combat 2

Thalia’s POV

I square up, shoulders back, feet spread a little wider than my hips, fists clenched. “This should be easy,” I think. I’m the oldest, the one who’s always been in control. But as soon as I lunge at the mannequin, it springs to life, ducking my punch and slamming me into the wall before I can react.

“What the—” I gasp, dazed and embarrassed.

“Language,” Layton scolds, but I can see the glint of amusement in his eyes.

The mannequin doesn’t care about my embarrassment. It advances on me again, and I brace myself for another hit, but it’s over before I can recover.

From the sidelines, Amara is laughing so hard she’s doubled over. “Not so tough now, are you?” she teases, wiping tears from her eyes.

“Oh, I’d love to see you do better,” I snap back.

Layton grins. “Your turn, Amara.”

Amara’s POV

I step up, feeling the pressure. I’m not as athletic as Thalia or as disciplined as Selene. I’ve always been the baby, the one who isn’t quite sure where she fits in. But today, I’m determined to show them that I’m not just a tag-along.

Feet together, fists up. I throw my first punch, but before I can land it, the mannequin ducks. Then, wham—it headbutts me hard enough to knock me back. I stagger, trying to regain my balance, but the mannequin is relentless. It kicks me in the stomach, and I hit the floor, winded.

“Not so easy, huh?” Layton says with a smirk.

I groan, lying on the mat, my ego bruised as much as my ribs. This is impossible. I’ll never be as good as Thalia or Selene. Maybe I’m not cut out for this, for any of it. My powers barely listen to me, and now I can’t even fight.

“You’ve got this, Selene,” I mutter, standing up and dusting myself off.