Eliana POV
Rays of the afternoon sun fell in through the great open windows of the drill-hall and caught the dust-particles in the same atop of pizness or golden fire which danced along with each step. My body hurt, the hurt that made you glad to be alive,--the hurt of bruised knees and elbows worn, well-pursued blood-stained proof of trying and living and perhaps becoming stronger.
Astrid was smiling and circling me on the sparring mat, errant pieces of her blonde hair hanging on her sweaty brow. “Alright, Blood Moon. Show me what you’ve got today.”
I narrowed my eyes and cracked my knuckles. “You’re asking for it.”
She lunged first—fast, precise, always ten steps ahead of me. I dropped low, sweeping for her legs, but she jumped and landed gracefully on her toes.
“You’re getting pre
