The Queen of Hell

Chapter 25

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*1 week later - Raina's POV*

Turned out that 1 week inside my room was exactly what I needed. With nothing to distract me, I spent most of the time trying to figure out who I was and what I wanted.

Slowly, I pieced myself back together. I wouldn't say that after a week I was fully recovered, but the trauma would likely fade over time. In my mind, at that moment, close enough was good enough. Besides, I was pretty sure I had a few pieces missing before and a little crazy never hurt nobody.

I also decided to accept and become what I was made into; a killer with a pretty face. My past wasn't my fault so everyone else would have to deal with the results. My stone cold, sarcastic front was back and it would take a lot to break it this time.

The tattered punching bag hanging by a hook in the roof was the third to be hung there since the start of my break. After using it multiple times a day to get my strength back up, the first one broke on the 4th day and the replacement was soon to follow.

I grabbed some lunch and a handful of grapes on my way to Joseph's office. I went straight in and made myself comfortable in my favourite chair. I sat watching Joseph, crunching grapes in my mouth one by one.

He still hadn't acknowledged my presence but the only noise that could be heard was the crunching of the grapes and I could tell it was annoying him. "Sup Sir" He finally looked up at me, agitation flashing through his eyes for a split second.

"Raina" His voice was tight and I knew right then that he was stressed about something. Side note to investigate later. "I see you've decided that you've had a long enough break" I took a few seconds to swallow a grape before replying "Thank you Joseph. I really do appreciate it" I took a deep breath "I'm ready to work again" He eyed me suspiciously. "Not yet actually. I'm running your yearly tests today. That way I'll know for sure if you back to standard"

Inwardly I groaned but I knew there was no way I could complain after saying I was grateful.

We went to the training room and Joseph kicked everyone out. He instructed me to get some training weapons while he set up the room. I grabbed a variety of sharp and blunt weapons; swords, knives, daggers, twin swords, a double blade axe, a few ring blades, a katana, and even a mace.

By the time I'd piled all the objects into my arms and carefully manoeuvred out of the small room, Joseph had the room set up. I dumped the pile of weapons on the floor near a sparring circle and looked around, noticing things that I was sure to hate.

Not only were there timers set up around but there were a few small torture stations and prepped sparring circles. I grimaced as I saw a station with poisons, knowing exactly what would be happening there.

I glanced at Joseph and he made a gesture for me to pick where we were starting. I decided on a sparring circle, not choosing the hardest to start on but still leaving a few easy ones for the end when I was sure to be drained.

I looked over at Joseph waiting for instructions and he was at the pile of weapons, taking his time to choose one. Eventually, he decided on the axe and told me to get my daggers out. I knew it was going to be an extremely unfair fight but no one followed rules in real fights so I guess it was good practice.

Joseph began to move, swinging the axe in an infinity loop to protect both sides. He started circling around me and instead of circling with him, I just pivoted on the spot. Knowing Joseph's fighting technique, and that I was going to get injured either way, I made the first move and advanced at him, strategically swinging my daggers. I nicked him on the elbow before his axe was swinging toward me. With only my small daggers to dodge and fend the blades off, I had to use my arms to block his as much as possible.