The Spar
1000 Words
The training ground buzzed with restless energy, the clang of wooden blades echoing as pairs of students circled each other. Professor Eldric, grim as ever, barked instructions from the edge. “Today is about precision, not brute strength. Control your instincts. The wrong move can kill more than just your enemy.”
Lillian adjusted her grip on the practice staff, nerves tight in her chest. She’d been paired with clumsy novices before, always able to scrape by unnoticed. But today, fate—or maybe Eldric’s cruel sense of humor—had other plans.
“Lillian.” Eldric’s sharp tone snapped across the arena. “You’re with Jace.”
Her stomach dropped.
A low whistle sounded. “Oh, this is gonna be fun.” Jace stepped forward, twirling his staff like it weighed nothing. His golden-brown hair caught the sunlight, his grin sharp and infuriating. “Ready to lose, witch?”
“I’d rather hex myself into a frog,” she muttered, though her palms had already started sweating.
Beside her, Mia nudged her shoulder. “You’ve got this,” she whispered fiercely. “Just remember—he’s all talk. You’re smarter.”
Jace heard it. Of course he did. “Smarter? That’s adorable. Let’s see if brains can keep up with brawn.” He winked.
Ryker folded his arms from the sidelines, brows furrowed. “Jace, don’t push it too far.”
Aaron, leaning against a post in brooding silence, said nothing, but his jaw flexed as his gaze locked on Lillian.
Eldric clapped once. “Begin.”
---
Jace didn’t move at first. He just circled her lazily, staff resting on his shoulder, smirk firmly in place. “So, tell me, sweetheart—are you planning to actually swing that thing, or are you hoping I’ll surrender to your… charm?”
Lillian tightened her grip. “If you think I’m not hitting you because you’re pretty, you’re delusional.”
“Oh, so you do think I’m pretty.” His eyes glinted with mischief. “Good to know.”
She lunged, fast and sharp, but he sidestepped easily, spinning behind her with a chuckle. “Nice try. Ten points for effort, zero for execution.”
Heat flared in her cheeks. “Stand still and fight, coward.”
“Coward? I’m giving you a chance to show off. Thought you’d appreciate the spotlight.”
She swung again, frustrated, but every strike met only air. Jace danced around her blows like it was a game, leaning just close enough that she could feel the brush of his breath before he slipped away.
“Is this you being scary?” he teased. “Because I’ve fought kittens with more bite.”
Mia cupped her hands around her mouth. “Kick his ass, Lil! Don’t let that smug face win!”
Jace winked at Mia. “I am smug, aren’t I? Can’t help it when I’m this good.”
Lillian grit her teeth. He wasn’t even trying to hit her—just provoking, poking, making her angrier by the second. And it was working.
“Focus on his rhythm,” Ryker called, tone steady, almost calming. “He’s circling you clockwise every time. Anticipate it.”
Aaron’s voice cut through, sharp and low. “Or don’t bother. He’ll never let you touch him.”
That stung. Her chest tightened—but anger was sharper.
---
Jace ducked another of her swings, laughing outright now. “Come on, Lil. You’re making this too easy. At least pretend you’re a challenge.”
“You want a challenge?” she shot back, breathless, sweat prickling her brow. “Fine.”
She feigned another reckless lunge, the same kind he’d avoided all match. Predictably, he pivoted clockwise, smug smile already forming.
But this time, she let her momentum carry her past him, dropping low at the last second and sweeping her staff across his legs.
He stumbled—just for a second—but it was enough. She twisted, pressed the tip of her staff to his chest, and smirked. “Yield.”
The entire training ground went silent.
Jace blinked, his grin faltering into something softer, almost incredulous. Then he laughed—loud and unrestrained. “Well, damn. Looks like the witch has claws after all.”
Mia whooped from the sidelines, jumping up and down. “YES! That’s my girl!”
Ryker’s tense shoulders eased, pride flickering in his gaze. “Told you she could do it.”
But Aaron… Aaron’s eyes burned. Not pride. Not relief. Something darker—jealousy twisting sharp across his features as he pushed off the post and stalked away without a word.
---
Jace caught his breath, wiping a bead of sweat from his temple. He leaned closer, voice dropping so only she could hear. “You know… if you wanted me on my knees, you could’ve just asked.”
Her face heated instantly. “You’re insufferable.”
“Maybe. But you’re smiling.” He tapped her staff aside, stepping back with that infuriating grin firmly back in place.
And damn it—he was right. She was smiling.
---
Later, when Eldric dismissed them, Mia latched onto Lillian’s arm. “You were brilliant! Did you see his face when you tripped him? Priceless. Absolutely priceless.”
Lillian laughed, still breathless, still riding the thrill of victory. But her eyes flicked toward where Aaron had disappeared, unease curling in her stomach.
Ryker walked up quietly, resting a hand on her shoulder. “Don’t let Aaron bother you. He’ll… figure himself out.” His voice was gentle, but there was a weight behind it, something unspoken.
And Jace? He just sauntered ahead, tossing her a backward glance with that damnable smirk. “Next time, witch, don’t expect me to go easy.”
Her pulse quickened. Because part of her knew—he hadn’t gone easy at all.
And part of her wondered what would happen when he didn’t hold back.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
- Writer
