Bloody Curse | Book Two of Blood Trilogy

Chapter 56

Asher 

"Are you up for a fight?" Caleb nudged my shoulder while holding onto his sword in his hand. I sent him a side glance then smirked. 

"I don't understand why you still bother asking. You already know my answer." I replied cunningly. "Just give me a minute while I find Aidan so he could practice as well." I trailed off from the group of men then walked down the hallway outside the training room to find my little brother walking with both my children. 

"Aidan, do you have a minute to battle with Caleb and I? I think Alexandria can spend some time with Hazel and grandma. Make sure Zayden comes with you as well." I announced down the length of the corridor. He sent a thumbs up as a signal that he got my message. 

I jogged back to where Caleb and I had spoken just a minute before. He stood awaiting with my sword in his other hand then handed it to me. The captain stated that all his guards go outside and wait for Asher and I. They were instructed to warm-up but not start the training without the two of us. 

The guards filed out the door one-by-one to the empty grass field where our training would always take place. 

Aidan and Zayden appeared through the door not too much longer and they both strolled over to the stand where their equipment was resting. I walked behind Zayden and grabbed his sword for him. He smiled when I gave it to him. 

"Thank you, daddy." He whispered while looking up at me with a grin. I ruffled his hair with a smile. 

"Of course, baby." After stating that, I turned to Caleb and jerked my eyebrows up for him to catch the signal to start walking out the door and onto the field. 

We set into our usual formation where the most elite fighters were surrounded in the inner circle. They awaited for Caleb's next instructions with all eyes on the four of us. I guided Zayden with my free hand placed on the back of his head. 

"Zayden, you're going to be fighting him, okay? Make sure you remember everything that I've told you. I want you to work hard so that you can join me in the middle, alright?" I said with my eyes searching his facial features. This was my first time leaving him in a battle, but I figured that he was old enough to fight for his own and make his way through the circle in fairness. He nodded with an understanding smile. 

"Yes, daddy. I want to make you proud." He stated with a giggle following after. I ruffled his hair some more then kissed him on the forehead. 

"You always make me proud." I stood up straight from my squatting position then faced the young guard that my son was set to train with. "I don't want you to hurt him, but make sure that you challenge him and give him the full treatment. Don't treat him like a baby, because my son is strong and he will kick your ass. So give it your best shot, alright?" He gave a firm nod so I patted his shoulder once then walked away to where Caleb and Aidan were standing. 

Aidan was standing beside a guard who was eager for some bloodshed. I smirked since I knew his hunger. My fingers were itching to pull back my sword and swing right at Caleb. I faced my training partner to see that his fangs were close to drawing down. 

"Ready yourselves! Fight!" Caleb's shout echoed from the tree trunks and back. I lunged at him first; my fangs have come completely down. 

My left hand- where I gripped onto the hilt of my sword tightly- was shaking. It was trembling for the tip of the blade to graze Caleb's skin. 

I swung left and right, but each time, our blades came together and reverberated into the sea of swords clashing. I retreated back a step when he swung his sword close to my neck. My blade slammed against his and our faces were less than a feet away. We were breathing hard with our chests falling up and down.