Beyond His Evil

Thirteen

👊👊
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"Where are we going, please?" I asked, a little out of breath because we had been walking for what seemed like hours.

Devon responded, "We're almost there. Take this as your first lesson."

I groaned.

Devon was officially starting to train me today, and I was so excited but mostly scared I would embarrass myself.

He stopped, and I did too.

In front of us was a large clearing surrounded by the tall trees we had just maneuvered to get here. I sighed in relief and breathed in the crisp morning air as Devon and I stepped into the clearing.

"Are you ready?" he asked.

I balled my hands into fists and swayed my hips. "I am."

He looked amused at the action, and before I knew it, my legs were swept from underneath me, making me land painfully on my bottom.

I rubbed the now hurting area. "Ouch! What was that?"

"Lesson number two, be attentive to your surroundings."

I glared at him. "And making me land on my behind emphasized that point in what way?"

He shrugged. "It was entertaining."

Son of a...

"I think I know the answer to this, but just to be sure," he folded his arms, his expression turning serious. "Did your mother ever teach you any form of combat?"

I got myself up as I delivered my answer. "No."

"Why?"

A pause breezed.

Now I thought about it, why didn't my mother teach me how to at least defend myself? All she ever did was defend me.

Devon arched a brow at my silence.

"I don't know. Maybe because I don't have powers?" I supplied pathetically.

He appeared to be thinking, and then he said, "Tell me what you can remember from when you were younger."

I didn't understand the relevance of the question, and I told him that.

"If this," he gestured between us, "is to be efficient, there are things I need to know."

I thought of an answer. "When I was ten..."

"Not ten. Younger."

I thought for a while and realized with numbing shock that I didn't remember a thing. Had my lack of powers affected my memory as well? I should... I should remember something.

There was also a way Devon was staring at me that made me frown.

"I know everything about you, Kira..." his words came back to me.

I held his gaze. I was starting to get that feeling again. The same feeling I got when I first saw him. That warned me not to trust him. But the more I stared into his orbs, the more I realized how stupid I was being.

He was only questioning me, which was completely normal if he was to train me. I reminded myself that I promised to be better to him.

Stop overthinking, Kira.

My shoulders sagged, and I voiced, "Do you know something I don't, Devon?"

"I know a lot of things you don't know, Kira." His eyes, why were they darker? "So you've got to be more specific."

There was silence as I tried to build my words.

"That day..."

He suddenly appeared in front of me, startling me, and making me choke on my saliva.

He inquired as I coughed, "Which day?"

I shot him a stone cold glare after I got back my composure. I noticed he was too close.

Warmth crept into his eyes as they bore into mine, and I noted he was amused. He stepped back.

"Lesson number three, everyone is not planning your demise," his shoulders shook as he laughed. "Your expression was the best part."

I scowled. "What sort of trainer are you?"

He grinned. "The best."

"What were the questions for then?" I asked, confused by his change in demeanor.

His smile turned less genuine. "I was confirming something."

Something cracked in the air. I could feel it.

"Which is?"

"You don't remember anything from when you were younger than ten, and your fighting skill needs a lot more work than I hoped," he answered. "Which means we have talked enough for the day, and we need to get started."

"Why can't I remember?" I pressed, my voice becoming much lower as I added, "Is it because I lack powers?"

He nodded, affirming my words, and there was a gleam in his eyes that made me suspect he knew more.

"We must begin."

I nodded feebly in agreement. Not like I could shove him down and demand answers to questions I wasn't even sure I knew.

***

My bones ached. I felt so weak from head to toe. Even my hair was tired.

I thought Devon would go easy on me, considering this was my first lesson with him, but he didn't.

He completely drained my energy.

The only break he gave me was when I needed water or food, which he provided. I was grateful for this because I had been avoiding going to the cafeteria.

Now the sun was setting, and I was beyond glad to call it a day.

"Why do you look like you're about to die, Kira?"

I whipped my head in his direction.

"Because I am about to die."

He laughed.

"But seriously, you went too hard on me."

He arched a brow as he drew closer. "Really?"

"Yes."

"I have a gift for you," he said. "For not dying today."

I asked, "What is it?"

He pointed at my neck. "It's there."

I stared down at my neck and found a beautiful chain necklace. It was silver and very lightweight with a flower-shaped pendant. It was simple yet elegant.

"Do you like it?"

I couldn't remember the last time I had received a gift, and words couldn't express how much I appreciated this one.

I closed the distance between us and wrapped my arms around him. When he went stiff as wood, I smiled. He probably hadn't been hugged before. I felt for him.

It took some time before his arms wrapped around me, and I knew we were teleporting.

When he pulled away, I discovered we were in my room.

He had a weird expression on his face, and his eyes darted around my room, avoiding looking at me.

"Thanks for the gift, Devon."

He nodded.

I frowned. I didn't mean to make him feel awkward.

"Good night, Kira," he mumbled and disappeared.

I touched the pendant of my new silver necklace.

***
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