The Eyes of the Dark

Six.

The next morning, I find myself having trouble staying awake. Last night I kept tossing and turning and having strange dreams about my shadows. Max was in them and I don't know why. Maybe because he was the last person I saw before falling on my bed and falling asleep. Whatever the reason was it's weird. Maybe I'm just stressed out. I force myself into my training clothes and quickly braid my hair behind my head. I practically run to the dining room because I need to eat before training starts. Kim is seated with Ava and Jeremy and it looks like she is annoyed. I get my food and sit down beside her and start eating.

"Hey," Kim chirps. I'm to busy shovelling my mouth full of food to answer her.

"Someone sleep in late?" Ava asks with an edge to her voice. I look up from my food and glare at her. "Did you have a late night?" My eyes widen and suddenly my anger explodes, and I drop my fork to reach across the table at her neck. Kim and Jeremy grab my arms and push me back down in my chair.

"Someone is feisty today," Ava laughs. I huff in anger and continue eating. Kim and Jeremy exchange looks of concern.

"Leave her alone, Ava," Kim tell her. Ava grins and then walks away from the table. Jeremy however doesn't follow her. Kim and I look at him, expecting for him to say something rude.

"Give her a break," he says lightly. I don't take it lightly.

"More like she needs to give me one!" I exclaim. Kim nods at Jeremy. He gives me an apologetic look.

"She's jealous, so she takes it out on you," he says.

"Yeah, well she needs to take it out on someone other than Octavia," Kim says defending me. I watch Jeremy carefully.

"Why are you friends with her?" He gives me a half smile.

"Because someone has to be." I clamp my mouth shut as he gives us one last look before getting up to go find Ava.

When breakfast is over, we head to the training room where both Max and Cedric wait. When I walk in, I feel Max's eyes on me. I swiftly glance up and meet his eyes. His eyes are soft and almost bright in a way. I smile to myself and then gather around with the others. Cedric steps forward with his hands behind his back.

"You all have learned to fight, to use your powers, and to defend yourselves. Today we will be started duelling." A murmur goes through the crowd. My mind goes to the arena and the trials. "Now, before you get riled up. We will be using offensive powers. No defensive powers. Those around you are your teammates, your friends, and you don't hurt your friends." I give Ava a sideways glance. "I will partner you up and every pair will have a chance to fight on the matt. Max will be calling out the pairs." Kim turns to me.

"I swear if one of us gets Ava..." her voice drowns out as she mutters something under her breath that I can't hear. I'm too busy praying I don't get Ava as my partner.

"Ava and Octavia," Max's voice rings out. Crap. He casts me an apologetic look. I look at Ava who is casting daggers into my face.

"Kim and Margot."

"Sorry, O," Kim says. I nod.

"It's okay. I you take her." Kim smiles.

"I'll beat her ass." I smirk and then go line up with Ava. She crosses her arms when I approach her.

"I want you to know I will not be going easy on you," she says. I grin.

"Neither will I."

The first pair goes, and we all watch intensively. I silently pray I can control myself and win. Once the first few pairs go, I get less nervous. They are only like five-minute fights. When it comes to Ava and I's turn, I feel ready. I know what I've been taught. I just have to apply it. We both get on either side of the matt and start to circle each other. Ava makes the first move and released a fire ball toward me. I quickly rebound it towards her, and she casts it aside. She gives me a devious smile like she's planning something. Suddenly her hand moves quickly and form quick small balls and they hurtle towards me. I make my shield and block all of them in time, except the last one. I quickly duck and look to see where it landed. I realize my mistake. It was a distraction. I turn back to Ava who is running towards me and swinging her fist towards me. She yells in fury as I duck at the first swing. I bring out my shield again and her arm hits it. Our eyes lock and she pound her other fist on it. I take this chance to swipe my foot from under her and she lands on the ground with a thud. I am about to win but I can't pin her down fast enough. She grabs my arm and I realize its scorching hot. I scream as she flips me over. She just burned my wrist. I start to feel my shadows under my skin. Stop Octavia. No more. You'll get caught. Ava's fist smacks on my head and I start to feel dizzy. Her second punch almost hits me, but Cedric and Max pull her off me before she can do any more damage. It isn't until a few seconds later when I realize they are yelling at her to stop. I feel numb. My head is pounding, and my arm feels hot. Max's face looms over me.