⚔︎⚔︎⚔︎⚔︎⚔︎⚔︎⚔︎⚔︎⚔︎⚔︎⚔︎⚔︎⚔︎⚔︎⚔︎⚔︎⚔︎⚔︎⚔︎⚔︎

I strode out on to the arena's sandy floor. The winter boys were already there, huddling next to the chest-high barricade, made of stone with built-in wards to absorb magic, that lined the perimeter. Sasha's gaze clashed with mine and narrowed. He turned his head towards Coop, still keeping his eyes on me, and said something. He could say what he wanted. I didn't care anymore. He'd already done his worst. A few meters from them stood the spring and autumn court boys, but I didn't see Henry. I stopped near the centre and stretched my shoulders.

Coop jogged over and I wish he'd just piss off. He'd basically started this whole thing. If he'd just leave me alone, maybe Henry would too.

"Hey, why aren't you wearing leathers?" he asked.

Why does everyone keep asking that? Coop wore a lightweight leather armour vest and vambraces. I glanced at the other students and realised they were all similarly attired. The Spring Court male, Charles's armour, looked more substantial than the Winter boys. Must be the norm for DA kids. Charles dipped his head toward me again, and I couldn't figure out why he was being so respectful. Then I remembered the Spring court had a bastard too, much older than me, and not a mongrel, but maybe the Spring court really was more forgiving, like Raven said. They did allow my uncle to marry their crown princess, and my first cousin, who I'd never met, was heir to the throne. In fact, he'd likely been in the same class as these students last year before they split them and sent half here.

I shrugged. "We don't gear up for just class."

"It's a duel, though."

"I'm aware."

"Henry's livid. He won't hold back."

I swung my sword in a loop to loosen my shoulder more. "And you think the little mongrel is not strong enough to defend herself?"

"I didn't say that."

"You don't have to. I'll be fine. Now, if you don't mind, I need to warm up."

I drifted away. Coop furrowed his brows before shrugging, then rejoined his posse. I could feel their eyes. His eyes, on my back as I stretched my legs. The warning bell chimed, which meant five minutes until the lesson started, and still no Henry. Maybe he chickened out. I snorted, not likely. He was probably delaying to make a grand entrance.

Personal duels during combat class hadn't been allowed before the DA students had joined. After hearing the rules for class one, it sounded like they were encouraged. Which meant I'd probably get a lot of dueling practice this year.

Angie strode out, followed by the two spring girls, and they separated. She flashed me a smile before joining the winters, and the spring duo headed towards Charles. Finally, Henry stomped out. Behind him was another summer cousin, Will. And through another entrance, my Blood's Combat Trainer, Professor Stormfall, and a new male teacher marched straight toward a table at the side.

I suppressed a laugh. Henry was geared up in full leathers. Seriously? Talk about overdoing it. He swung his Falchion sword around like it was a fencing foil. Professor Stormfall always looked every bit the warrior with her hardened leather armour and inky blue hair pulled back in a single dutch braid. She was tall too, probably five feet ten. The male teacher was a head taller with bulging muscles, almost too much for my liking, and wore similar armour to Stormfall's.

Professor Stormfall glanced at me and nodded. She turned to say something to the other professor and then headed towards me.

"Briana, what an interesting first lesson you've created. Almost feels like your first year all over again." She grinned, flashing her sharpened incisors.

"Good morning, Professor. And the honor for all this drama goes to Henry." I pointed my sword at my ridiculous cousin.

She directed her silver eyes at Henry, who was joined by the other professor. "Cousin?" she asked.

"Don't hold it against me. Who's the new teacher?" I asked.

"Professor Windstorm is a retired black guard and has joined us from the Dragon Academy."

Interesting that the DA had a non seasons professor working for them. Although I guess, as a retired black guard, they would've overlooked his name. Even the novice black guard were nothing to squeeze at. "What was his rank?"

"He was a captain."

My mouth popped open. "To whom?"

"The Autumn Prince."

"Wow." Well, colour me impressed.

"You should be wearing armour. Do you have any?"

I shot her a dark look. Of course, I didn't have any armour.

She pressed her lips together and sighed. "I will talk to the Headmaster. Because moving forward in this class it will be essential."

"I might not be in class one for long. I'm going to talk to the headmaster after school."

She stepped forward, dipping her head to my level. "Why? Class one is where you belong, Briana. Your powers and abilities are too great for class two."

I sighed. I had heard that there had always been an enormous gap between class one and two, because the nobility were just that much stronger. And the ruling families were even more so, therefore even as only a half royal that put my powers on par with most of the nobility.

"I'll check the armoury after class. There should be something that'll fit me."

Professor Stormfall straightened and crossed her arms. "No, you need custom leathers. Leave it to me."

On the other side of the arena, Professor Windstorm patted Henry's back.

"Do you think the professor is telling Henry to make it quick and put me out of my misery?" I asked.

Stormfall snorted. "The boy can try, but I've seen your moves. You can stand with the seasons, Briana, think nothing less of your skill. You are a seasons warrior through and through."

Warmth filled my chest and my eyes threatened to tear up. Stormfall hardly ever handed out compliments, and she was from the autumn court, so she didn't own me any allegiance. Or maybe that had worked in my favour because my own court never treated me well.

"I'll remind you, you said that when you are drilling me next time."

Henry began his approach with Windstorm at his side.

She snickered. "Go get him. Show him what the halfbreed students have to offer. And don't put my training to shame."

I stepped forward, alone, and met them in the middle. The rest of the students moved behind the barricades.

"Miss Summerfall." Professor Windstorm dipped his head. "Mr Summerflare has issued a challenge. Do you accept in front of your peers and teachers?"

"Yes, Professor."

"Very well. Then, the winner will be called upon spillage of first blood."

"No." Henry sneered. "Until surrender."

Windstorm's jaw muscles flexed. "Miss Summerfall, do you accept?"

"No magic then. Only sword skill and physical talents."

Henry scoffed. "Scared that you'll be too weak, mongrel?"

"Everyone knows half-breed's magics are weaker, but if you don't think you aren't warrior enough to take me on without your magic, then..." I shrugged.

Henry's upper lip twitched. "Fine. No magic."

"I accept." I caught Windstorm's silver eyes studying me. There was a hint of interest behind them.

Windstorm held up both his arms, directing us to the sides. "Take your positions."

"Come on, Henry! Put the bastard in her place," Will hollered.

It would've been nice if I had some backup too. It was only the third period, and I was already missing my friends dearly. I furrowed my brows. We hadn't seen Sana at recess either. I'd have to track her down at lunch. If I lived that long.

I dipped my head, as protocol mandated, but Henry tossed his chin back. We stepped back, five paces each.

Windstorm backed away. "Until the other surrenders. Any use of magic will be an automatic forfeit. Warriors, ready yourselves."

I lowered my stance, tightening my grip around the leather wrapped hilt, and rolled to the balls of my feet. Henry twirled his sword around, glancing over at Will. By not bothering to sink into a ready position, he was showing everyone he didn't consider me a worthy opponent.

I was determined to win. If I didn't, he might go after Gin. I'd never not held back. It had been something Mother had insisted upon for as long as I could remember. My mother's parting words flitted into my mind. Never let anyone know Briana. No one can ever find out how powerful you really are. I'd never understood what she'd meant. I was a summer half-breed. More powerful than all the mongrels on this campus because I was half royal, but I was sure I would never measure up to a full-blooded royal, or a Duke's son like Henry.

"Fight."

I sprung forward, closing the distance in a flash. Henry balked, stumbling back. In a sharp arc, I slashed at his arm. It slipped through the gap of hardened leather, slicing into his flesh just above his inner elbow.

Henry growled, fire flashed in his golden eyes.

"No magic!" someone yelled.

Henry shook his head. I couldn't let him catch his breath. I advanced, striking high and low, driving him backwards. All he could do was block. I increased strength with every hit and he met each one. Exhilaration filled me. I hadn't fought like this since the headmaster had banned Roan and me from sparring three years ago, and I could feel it. I could go faster.

Henry bared his teeth. I sliced into his armour, leaving marks across his stomach, his ribs, his forearms, and thighs. A burst of power rose and a blast of heat slammed into my side, knocking me sideways a few steps, but the summer fire didn't burn me. It just sunk into my skin and warmed my blood.

"Summerlight!" Professor Firestorm bellowed, but the professors wouldn't stop the fight, because as Stormfall had always told me. Seasons duals only end when someone yielded or died.

My other fucking cousin's interference had done the trick. It had given Henry a full second to reposition himself and counterattack. His blade blurred with a fervour that burned in his eyes. I parried strike after strike. Stepping back from his advance. Deflecting his powerful blows as best I could. Male dragons were inherently stronger, but females were faster. I wouldn't be able to maintain this, so I changed tactics. I spun my sword into a reverse grip and let a strike through. He sliced into my left arm as I closed the gap between us, ramming my fist into his jaw, following with a punch to his gut.

He dropped his sword, and bear hugged me. I slammed my forehead into his nose and stamped on his foot. He grunted, his grip loosening. I ducked, slipping through. Blood poured from his nose, but it wouldn't bleed for long with our accelerated healing.

I spun low, kicking out at his leg, knocking him off balance. He stumbled, and I shot behind him. Whipping my sword around and up under his chin. He froze as my blade kissed his neck.

"Yield, cousin?"

A growl rumbled through his chest.

I pressed my cheek into the back of his ear. "By the laws of duelling, if you don't, I can slit your throat. And don't think I wouldn't enjoy it. So, what say you, Henrietta?" 

⚔︎⚔︎⚔︎⚔︎⚔︎⚔︎⚔︎⚔︎⚔︎⚔︎⚔︎⚔︎⚔︎⚔︎⚔︎⚔︎⚔︎⚔︎⚔︎⚔︎

Hope you are enjoying the story so far, please remember to hit that ★ if you are. 

And I would love to hear your thoughts, do you like Briana?