His Amity | Eric Coulter x Original FMC |

Chapter Four

Lia woke up startled from a nightmare, only to realize the rest of the initiates were still sleeping and the sun barely rising. She knew she would not be able to go back to sleep, so she got dressed and headed down to the dining hall to grab a muffin before getting an early workout in. Although the fights and training had been hard here, Archer had continuously conditioned her to the point she barely sat still with him. Whether it be running through the fields, sparring in their shack, or other strenuous activities she blushed at the thought of. It wasn't like there was romantic feelings between them, more a deep platonic love and understanding that drew them together.

In the dimly lit training room, Lia's knuckles connected with the punching bag in rhythmic thuds. Lost in the intensity of her workout, she didn't notice Four's silent entrance, his presence felt rather than seen.

With a commanding yet comforting aura, Four observed Lia's movements from the shadows, his gaze calculating and thoughtful. Eventually, he stepped forward, his voice cutting through the air with smooth authority.

"You're up early" he spoke across the room.

"Couldn't sleep, figured I would start training and not waste time" Lia responded, out of breath.

"Need some help with that?" he offered, his tone firm.

Lia paused, her muscles tensing at the unexpected interruption. She turned to face him, a mixture of surprise and curiosity in her eyes. "I'm doing fine on my own, thanks," she replied, her voice steady but guarded.

Four's lips curved into a faint smile, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "Of course you are," he acknowledged, his gaze lingering on her with a mixture of admiration and challenge. "But there's always room for improvement."

Lia arched an eyebrow, intrigued by his offer. "And you think you're the one to help?"

He grasped her hips in response and twisted her towards the bag, his hands firm but comforting.

"Make sure you turn your body towards the bag, you can use your momentum better this way" Four instructed.

He continued, "you need to work on your sparring, you did great with Molly but your takedowns need work."

Without a word, Four gestured toward the sparring mat, a silent invitation for Lia to join him. After a moment's hesitation, she nodded, following him across the room with a mixture of anticipation and apprehension.

As they stepped onto the mat, the tension between them crackled in the air, their movements mirroring each other with a fluid grace. Lia matched Four's defensive stance, her senses heightened as they circled each other, each waiting for the other to make the first move.

Suddenly, Four lunged forward, his movements swift and precise as he launched into a series of strikes and blocks. Lia reacted instinctively, her body moving with speed and agility as she countered each of his moves with determination.

Their sparring intensified, the sound of their breath mingling with the rhythmic thud of their blows. Lia felt herself being pushed to her limits, her muscles straining with effort as she fought to keep up with Four's relentless pace.

But then, in a swift and unexpected move, Four seized the opportunity to sweep Lia's legs out from under her, sending her crashing to the mat with a gasp of surprise. Before she could react, he was on top of her, pinning her down with a firm but gentle hold. He held both her wrists above her head in one hand, and a firm hand on her hip pinning her down with the other.

Their eyes met, the air between them thick with unspoken desire and tension. Lia could feel the heat of Four's body against hers, his gaze burning into her with a raw intensity that sent a shiver down her spine.