The Death Kingdom

Chapter Three

Fynn flips me over and I tumble onto my back with a groan.

        "You're not focusing," he says as he circles around my body, staring down at me.

        "I didn't get much sleep last night," I mumble, briefly closing my eyes.

        He reaches out a hand and I clasp it, letting him pull me back onto my feet.

        "Have you thought about our conversation?" he inquires with a slight frown on his face.

        "It's all I've been thinking about."

        "And?" he prompts.

        "And I've gotten nowhere." I place my hands on my lower back and arch backward, trying to give my straining muscles some relief. I have not been on my game this morning and I'm paying for it dearly.

        "You still have time. Now focus. I've never been able to best you like this," he scolds, waving a hand vaguely in my direction.

        It's true. Out of the three of us in our squad, I'm the best in combat. It's something that comes naturally to me. Ever since I was young I've always been stronger and faster than the other kids. I continuously astounded my parents with my quick reflexes and agility. They used to constantly say I was gifted, but it's never felt like there's anything special inside of me. I've just always been like this, at least for as long as I can remember. 

        "I've just been going easy on you." I give him a playful grin, waiting for him to take the bait.

        We've been sparring for an hour now. It's our daily routine and normally Akita is with us but Atwood has her doing a check-in with the watch right now.

        Fynn folds forward in a mock bow and in the blink of an eye strikes out at me. I dodge his blow that would've connected with my nose.

        "Going for my nose?" I question as I block another blow with my forearm. "How rude, it's one of my best features."

        Fynn chuckles and then sucks in a sharp breath as I manage to land a punch to his stomach.

        "I always thought your eyes were your best feature," he comments. He's forced to jump back as I sweep a kick out to his legs.

        "That's also true, but clearly you weren't listening. I said one of my best features." I smirk at him as we match blow for blow, letting him think it's an even fight. I'm back in my groove now and there's nothing he can do to stop me.

        "You're not going to tell me my best feature?" His breath comes out heavier, nearly panting as I drag out this round. 

        I duck a wild blow and jab him right in the ribs. He immediately recoils but I jump up and slam my knee into his side. He falls backward and I hop on top of him pinning his hands down with my own. 

        He grunts. "I give."

        I smirk down at him and climb off, offering a hand as I do so. He grabs it and I haul his ass up.

        "Your best feature is also your eyes," I tell him, a teasing glint in my eyes. "Want to go again?"

        "I don't think my ego or my ribs can take it." He places one hand over his stomach and gives me a half-smirk. "Call it a day? The spymaster should be with you soon anyway."

        I let out a sigh. "Can't take the heat. I get it, it's tough to lose day after day."

        "Your arrogance is insufferable."