A Court Of Nightmares

Chapter Twelve One Step forward and three steps back

I've survived many things that my eyes couldn't even believe. Never in my life would I think I had to train to become my own weapon. It's been two months now, and my days seem to get shorter here every day. There was still no sign of my brother. It's like he was hidden away somewhere. I wanted so badly to be optimistic, but I wasn't sure with this world being so large.

"Focus," Devlon hissed.

We circled each other waiting to see who would dare strike first. After many weeks we both knew each other's tells and weaknesses. But it didn't mean that he would take it easy on me by any means. Devlon has been training me vigorously, pushing me far over the limit. The only good part was that he didn't try to kill me again after the first day. Though he has gotten harder on me every session. Sometimes to the point where I collapse due to exhaustion once he leaves.

Devlon's hazel eyes turned hard. Laced with its usual annoyance. Without thinking his leg moved to try to manage a sweep to knock me down. I jumped back from it, throwing a punch straight to his face. His hand wrapped around my wrist. Catching my fist that was inches away from his jaw. I ducked under his arm quickly before he could crush my hand. Which made me twist his arm back towards his wings.

It almost reminded me of a dance.

Devlon grunted under his breath. Hooking his boot around my right ankle. Making my balance be completely thrown off. He took the chance, lifting his right arm high to hit me in the face with his elbow. I panicked, dropping to the ground immediately as he threw it back. Devlon's wings flared wide, irritated. His speed began picking up. This time I was able to somewhat keep up. Even though some of the blows he made landed their mark.

Twisting and turning away from him at any chance I could get. My breathing went deep, causing my lungs to shutter every time I inhaled. But Devlon didn't break a sweat. With his millennia or more of training experience, I doubt he would.

"Stop," Devlon growled, standing straight, stepping away from me. I tried to steady my breathing, keeping myself in position. Just in case he wanted to pull a cheap move on me when I wasn't prepared. His eyes assessed me again noting my stance and I swore his lips twitched for a brief second.

"You're holding yourself back. You only block my attacks instead of making your own." Devlon stated, crossing his arms.

I raised my brows. "You never give me a chance to attack you."

"Should I allow you to hit me?"

I smirked, clearly showing my answer to his question. He rolled his eyes hard, which made him appear human for a slight moment. It was the most natural gesture I've seen him make other than annoyance or anger.

"Pathe-" Devlon started, but I lunged at him.

Kicking my leg up on one of the biggest weak spots a male can have. His face turned to stone, barely surprised by my sudden attack. His hands latched onto my leg instantly, yanking it back towards him.

I yelped, hitting my back against the dirt with a loud bang. Devlon continued to drag me through the ground as if he was throwing a trash bag. Swinging me a few feet away from him as a large growl came out of his mouth.

Groaning, I lifted my head trying to peel myself off the ground. Not far away I heard Ignes gasp from the back door.

"I probably deserved that," I breathed. My legs shaking still from the impact.

Devlon stalked his way toward me, his wings tight at his back. With his face promising sudden death. I swore, shooting to my feet to get into position. My survival instincts were in overdrive, partly scared that I provoked him.