Chapter 4: Combat

“While combat is different for every creature, this will be a class to teach you hand-to-hand fighting. Witches, there will be no magic use in this class. Save your defensive spells for incantations class,” the instructor said. “I will leave you all with this tip: you must always find your strengths and work them to your advantage.”

Sage stood in the castle courtyard, shivering in the dewy morning air. Her moonstone pressed coldly into her chest beneath her bodice, and her thin pants did nothing to help keep her warm. Luckily, she wasn’t the only witch in combat class. While combat was an important skill to have, witches relied more on magic for self-defense. Although, it seemed this instructor was determined to have them learn without magic’s aid.

Sage had woken that morning from a refreshing sleep. In addition to the rosemary tea, she had kept her favorite candle lit and left her crystals to charge on the windowsill in the moonlight. While she had struggled to fall asleep at first, she eventually fell into a dreamless state. She woke feeling better than she had the morning before and eager to begin her day.

Beginning first thing with combat class? She probably could’ve used some more rosemary tea.

“You following me, witch?”

Sage jumped at the voice behind her before spinning and staring straight up at the future Alpha.

Scratch that, she definitely could have used more rosemary tea.

Caspian was wearing all black today with his hair half-tied back. His sleeves were rolled up, revealing his muscular arms. On his left arm, was a tattooed silver rose and thorns, the vines twisting around his bicep.

She stared up at him as he towered over her, thinking somehow he looked even more handsome today. Perhaps rejuvenated by his midnight run last night?

He smirked at her surprise with his eyebrow raised.

“I could ask you the same thing,” Sage scoffed. “Why is it that a future Alpha needs to be in combat class anyways? Shouldn’t you know everything by now?”

She didn’t have time to hear his response as the instructor started pairing them off.

“Good luck,” Caspian winked at her.

What was it with shifters and winking?

Sage was paired with another witch named Samantha with short, bobbed hair who looked her up and down like she was a dirty sock. She noticed Caspian being paired with another shifter. The instructor had them practice stance first before having them run drills.

Sage practiced her stances as Samantha half-a**ed her own, picking at her nails and messing with her dress. Any time Sage asked her to practice something, Samantha turned up her nose.

“We have magic, why do we need hand-to-hand combat lessons?” Samantha said, rolling her eyes.

Sage agreed but she wasn’t going to fail a class just for differing opinions. Plus, the thought of being capable of throat-punching someone allured her. Especially if she got to practice on Samantha.

“Remember to use your strengths!” the instructor yelled for what had to be the fifth time.

Samantha began their drill again, whispering a spell that spit an unthreatening stream of fire from her fingertips.

The b*tch was determined to use magic despite the rule against it. Sage dodged the attack before muttering, “Circuitio” under her breath. Her spell sent Samantha flying backward with a twirl before landing on her back.

“Moon and stars, Sage!” she yelled. She struggled to get up and several students ran over to her.

“Great job, Sage!” the instructor said. “There must have been some power in that kick!”

Sage smiled politely, relieved he hadn’t seen the spell.

Samantha moaned and groaned until the instructor finally sent her to the infirmary. She glanced at Sage as she was being carried away with a sly grin on her face.

“Great,” Sage muttered.

The instructor came over to her with an apologetic look. “She’ll be fine but maybe you need a better challenge. Why don’t you join the shifters over there?”

Dread filled her as she glanced over at Caspian. He was watching her, his face unreadable.

“Um...aren’t shifters above my skill level?” She asked, trying to argue. “Another witch would be fine, I promise I won’t hurt someone else.”

“Caspian is a fine fighter, I’m sure he could teach you a thing or two. And you have less chance of hurting him with a kick,” he patted her shoulder before pushing her toward the two shifters.

Sage groaned internally as she begrudgingly walked over to Caspian.

“Your trick won’t work on me. You will have to work a little harder, witch,” Caspian said.

“My name is Sage,” she retorted.

He stepped closer to her and leaned in. There was that sandalwood again, making it almost unbearable to breathe. He leaned closer, his mouth by her ear as he quietly said with a smile, “I was wondering when you would tell me your name. Sage.”

The shiver that ran down her spine was involuntary and her chest felt uncomfortably tight.

“I’m not sure why you would need to know it,” she said, attempting to keep any tone from her voice.

“Oh, you never know...”

Was he toying with her?

Sage reached up, placed a hand against his chiseled chest, and pushed him away from her. Her chest was still tight but she ignored it.

“I’m here to learn, not play games,” she said. The other shifter that had been practicing with Caspian had moved to a different group, bored with their conversation. Or Caspian had sent him away. Sage couldn’t tell.

“Show me your stance,” Caspian told her. His face slipped into that unreadable mask again as he crossed his arms over his chest and looked at her.

Sage felt awkward as she adjusted her form to stand with her feet shoulder-width apart. His gaze made her heat from the inside out. She felt like she was standing naked, under his gaze, waiting for his commentary.

She hated that she couldn’t read him.

He walked over slowly and circled her. Without warning, he reached over and gently shoved her. Sage lost her balance and fell.

“Horrible stance. Try again,” Caspian said. “Remain on the balls of your feet, strengthen your core. I shouldn’t be able to push you over.”

Sage glared up at him before standing to her feet again.

She took her stance. This time, he circled with a devious gleam in his eye. There was no warning when he shoved her, but she was ready. She swayed but didn’t fall.

He did this a few more times, correcting her form until finally, he shoved and she barely moved from the touch.

“Good,” he told her.

“I’m not sure how this helps me defend myself. Especially since I will be using magic if I ever find myself in trouble,” she said.

“Fine, witch. Use your magic. On me, now.” He looked at her. “Go ahead,” he said.

He moved a few feet back while waiting for her to cast her spell. She cocked an eyebrow, trying to see the trick. He stared at her without another word.

Without warning, she sent a small fireball at him.

Before it could hit him, Caspian rolled out of the way, lunged toward her, and shoved her.

Sage stared up at the sky, her face turning red. He walked over and looked down at her.

“That’s why it matters.” She could tell he was holding back laughter as he held out his hand to her.

Sage took it begrudgingly and he pulled her up from the ground. She landed on her feet alarmingly close to him. Her hand was still in his as she looked up at him. He smiled at her and she found it suddenly hard to stay on her feet.

Luckily she didn’t have to fall again as the instructor dismissed them.

“Until next time,” Caspian said, taking a step back from her and turning to join the other shifters to walk back into the castle.

Sage watched in stunned silence for a moment before collecting her own bag and following them inside.