we smile at the moon

SIX | THE DUELLERS' CLUB

TUESDAYS MEANT ADVANCED Combat Lessons, which I undertook with many familiar faces: Adelina, Theo, Seb, Audrey, Nicole, Derek and Louisa were all in my class. That was around half of us. Thus, it was one of my more well-liked classes.

Our coach was a gruff, tall man by the name of Coach Penderson, who also happened to be one of Adelina's family friends. I wasn't surprised. I really wasn't that surprised.

Which was why I wasn't all that surprised when, midway through our spars, Coach called out Adelina to the side for a quick chat. I continued on with my spar with Louisa, exchanging spell after spell, attempting to deflect and block all the things she threw my way.

Adelina came over a moment later. "Hon? Come over with me for a second?"

I paused, and Louisa sucked in a deep breath, wiping the sweat off her brow. I casted her a glance. "I'll be right back?"

She nodded. "Take your time. I need a bloody break."

So I scampered over to Adelina. "What's up?" I whispered to her, glancing at where Coach Penderson was still standing.

"Coach just told me about something, thought you'd be interested as well."

"What?" but we were already practically next to the Coach. I glanced up and gave a polite nod. "Sir."

"Good, good. So, have you heard of the school's Duellers' Club, Honoria?"

Who hadn't? Everyone knew of the Duellers' Club. It was one of the school's most successful school teams. Only the best of the best were allowed in. I knew why Adelina would be informed about it, but why me?

"Of course, sir."

Coach nodded. "Well, we want to recruit a few more kids from your year. Right now, the only people from your year they have are Theodore Yu over there, Christian Morgan in the other class and Caitlyn Morson." Caitlyn was a day student. "We need more students. Adelina's a clear choice, especially considering her family, and she's the best in the class, but you're not that far behind."

I blinked. "I'm not really that good. Sebastian and Audrey can both beat me."

"We've asked Sebastian before," he explained, "he's not interested, and he rightfully pointed out that his technique is too poor. Sebastian depends on his ferocity and unpredictableness to win fights. It's why he keeps beating you, because you don't see his blows coming. But against someone with more training? It's useless. And technique is difficult to teach when he's at this kind of stage. As for Audrey, I'm putting whether or not to bring her in on hold right now. She's good, but she's unstable. Somedays she does great, other days she's one of the worst in the class. You might not be able to beat her on her good days, but at least you're consistent."

That, and the fact that I was Adelina's friend, probably. That had to play a part in this somehow. Wouldn't be surprised if Adelina had recommended me just now and Coach was making this shit up on the spot.

But I didn't say that. The Duellers' Club was prestigious, important, and an opportunity I simply couldn't give up. So I said, "I'd love to join if you believe I'm up to task for it." My parents would be so happy. The Duellers' Club would go into my university application, and it was something people seriously considered.

Besides me, Adelina beamed. "Told you, Coach. And Honoria works really hard too."

"I can tell," Coach said with a nod. "The way you fight, Honoria, it shows the hours you've put into it. It's not a fight for you, it's an art."

I blushed. "I try, sir, I try." I'd learnt years of dancing when I was younger. I'd stopped because of my schedule, but part of it still remained in my bones. It wasn't something that I could just stop doing, ever.