GAISCE (At Our Best, Book 3, Part 2 in Baile Series)

Chapter 13 We All Have a Hunger

Isla

I expelled the air in my lungs, relishing in the cold water falling upon my skin. I opened my eyes, swinging my wooden pole upward to block the strike by April. I spun around to block Devon's kick, jabbing my pole at his ribs. He was quick to deflect my blow and I turned to the side to block Alick's pole, jumping up as I did so I avoid April's. Callum threw his pole like a spear from behind me and I snatched it out of the air, spinning a pole in each hand expertly against my friends. For a full ten minutes nobody could land a hit, each attacking and deflecting with practiced ease and finesse. It was clear our training was paying off.

I decided to involve my enhanced powers. My hair and eyes shifted, blue and gold magic twined around my fingers and the poles I spun. April and Alick's eyes shifted at my response, while Callum's pole ignited with flames.

The training intensified, our bodies and weapons moving as a blur. I struck hard and fast, channeling my powers to duplicate my form and create copies of myself. To everyone's credit they continued to fight, making a point not to act stunned as each copy shifted in accordance to the person they fought. Each friend fought a version of him or herself, allowing myself to strike each person more easily. I picked them off one by one, disarming and knocking them to their feet. They were truly worthy adversaries, and training against me improved both my own abilities and theirs.

"Good job everyone." I congratulated.

"I demand a rematch." Devon jumped to his feet.

"No you don't." April shot him an annoyed look.

"Maybe I just need some one on one training with the master." Callum approached me.

April made a retching noise in the back of her throat. "Give it a rest."

"Maybe later. I have something to take care of first." I left the courtyard behind, making my way to my bedroom. "Callum." I sensed his presence behind me.

"Hey blueberry." His lips stretched into a sauntering grin.

"A really must leave." I shifted my clothing from a kimono to black combat boots, fitted pants, top and leather jacket. I also braided my long hair without using my fingers.

"I'd like to see that in reverse." He gestured to my body. "Preferably ending with you naked."

"I don't have time for this." I went to move past him, stopping when he grabbed a hold of my arm.

"I know you're hiding things from me." He breathed in my ear, his voice low and guttural. "I don't want to be kept in the dark."

I contemplated telling him what I knew. "The truth can be hard to swallow." I stated.

"That's okay, you don't have to swallow."

My eyes felt as if they were going to pop from their sockets at his innuendo. I swung my foot around his and tripped him up, punching him in the chest so he would hit the floor hard on his back.

"Do not ask to carry the burden of the future!" I shouted. "Such knowledge will only cause you misery. Your mind is not strong enough to comprehend who you will become." I started walking away before turning back to speak again. "And stop coming on to me. I know you will never have those kind of feelings for me."

He had the dignity to look regretful, his hazel eyes softening.

I left my room, heading outside and into the forest. I channeled my magic to my fingers and feet, drawing a circle around myself with my foot before letting the portal transport me far away from the human world.

April

"Take a picture, it'll last longer." I casted Alick an annoyed look as I approached.