𝐅𝐔𝐄𝐋 𝐓𝐎 𝐅𝐈𝐑𝐄, Cassian

Chapter Nine

CHAPTER NINE

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          SWEAT WAS DRIPPING DOWN HER FOREHEAD AND SHE GRABBED AT HER SIDE WITH LONG HEAVING BREATHS. Willow stood in the large training ring that was positioned on the top of the roof of the House of Wind, completely exposed to the elements. Nearby, a rack of weapons stood ready, swords, staffs and other sorts of weapons but she was yet to use any of them. 

Cassian had been pushing her through a series of relentless exercises and despite the fact she was all healed up from her injuries she had zero stamina for any of this. It seemed like he wasn't focusing on self-defense techniques as she had expected, but rather on exhausting her with physical drills and she was utterly done. 

She had run sprints, performed countless squats and practiced multiple endurance exercises, all under his watchful eye.

Willow wiped the sweat from her brow, her frustration growing as she shot the Illyrian warrior a glare over her shoulder. Her muscles ached, her breath was ragged and every part of her body was begging for a break. "I thought you were going to teach me self defense? I'm not sure how running myself into the ground is going to help me defend myself."

Cassian looked every bit the warrior he was as he looked at her with his arms crossed over his chest. "The exercises are meant to build your strength and endurance, which are just as important for self defense. You can't defend yourself if you can't build stamina."

Willow's frustration didn't waver, but she took a deep breath. "I get that strength and endurance are important, but we've been doing this for hours. I thought we'd at least get to some practical techniques today."

His expression softened and he uncrossed his arms as he leaned against one of the benches. "You're right. We've been focusing on conditioning, but self defense is about more than just physical strength. It's also about being prepared and reacting quickly when it counts."

"I can do that." she placed her hands against her hips.

"Can you?" he chimed, lips quirking up into a grin. 

"Yes, I can—" Willow started but before she could finish Cassian had lunged at her, his movement swift and fluid. 

Her eyes widened in shock as she barely registered what was happening. One moment she stood and the next she was on her back, pinned against the training mat with Cassian looming above her. His hands held hers firmly above her head, his body hovering just close enough to remind her of the immense power he held but not enough to hurt her. Willow's breath hitched, her heart pounding as she stared up at him momentarily stunned.

"You weren't ready," Cassian said, his voice low and serious though there was a glint of amusement in his eyes. "You've got to stay alert. Anyone can catch you off guard, even when you think you're prepared."

Willow's chest heaved, her pulse racing from the sudden move and the closeness of their bodies. "You could've warned me."

He smiled, still holding her firmly. "The whole point of self defense is to expect the unexpected. Now, let's see how you handle this."

Willow blinked up at the warrior and squirmed beneath him, testing his hold but he would not budge. 

"You're not exactly giving me a chance." she said, a hint of irritation lacing her words.

Cassian's grin widened slightly, though there was no mistaking the seriousness in his eyes. "The world won't give you a chance either. You need to fight for it."