Progress
359 Words
Selene’s POV
Amara’s defeat only motivates me more. I can’t let them down. I’ve always been the calm one, the mediator, the one who plans and thinks things through. I’ve trained before—well, kind of. The girls’ self-defense class I took in college helped me learn how to handle myself, but this… this is different.
I step up, fists clenched, and punch the mannequin square in the stomach. It swings back to hit me, but I’m ready. Grabbing its wrist, I twist, flipping the mannequin over and kicking it hard in the chest, sending it flying across the gym.
“Woah, girl!” Thalia says, eyes wide.
“I told you, those self-defense classes were no joke,” I grin.
Layton nods approvingly. “Impressive, Selene. Now let’s see if you can handle multiple targets.”
He gestures, and three more mannequins spring to life. I take a deep breath, remembering my training, and launch into action. Punch. Twist. Duck. Kick. It’s like muscle memory. By the time I’m done, all three mannequins are on the ground.
I turn to Layton, a triumphant smile on my face. “I think I’m ready.”
Layton’s POV
The girls are progressing faster than I expected, but there’s still so much to learn. Thalia is stubborn and powerful, but she relies too much on brute force. Amara, the youngest, struggles with self-confidence. Her magic will be the most volatile, and until she can control it, she’s at the most risk. Selene… she’s the most adaptable, but she’s the emotional anchor of the group. If she loses control of those emotions, it’ll be dangerous for all of us.
Watching them train fills me with both hope and fear. I know they can do this, but the dangers we’re facing… they’re not ready for the reality of it. And then there’s Thalia, the way my heart skips a beat when she brushes hair from her face, or the way I can’t help but notice her every move. I push those thoughts down. I can’t let myself get distracted.
They need me focused. They need me to be their guide, not some love-struck fool.
- Writer
