𝐂𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐞 ⎈ 𝘗𝘦𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘗𝘢𝘯

Chapter 12: Cursed with Grace

Rowan POV:

𝐅𝐄𝐋𝐈𝐗, 𝐀𝐒 𝐈 correctly assumed, threw me around like a ragdoll.

In my defense, the boy was twice my size in all capacities. He was at least 6'4, with biceps that were twice as thick as my own. It didn't help that I relied on my staff to support my weight while he had two, irritatingly healthy legs that he could utilize just fine.

We were fighting over who cooked dinner tonight. Peter called it "motivation". I called it annoying.

The lost boys cheered as I landed on my arse again. We were practicing with spears, seeing as I was only truly good with a sword and a set of daggers. Peter made it so the top of my staff, the butt of my sword, could twist off into a sharp point of a spear. It was rather convenient, this whole magic thing.

Felix waltzed over to me and pointed the tip of his spear at me. "I'd say 'best two out of three', but we're way past that point now." He grinned.

I growled at him and batted his spear aside. "Piss off, scar face."

I never really liked Felix. After our first interaction, he didn't leave much room in our relationship for friendly bonding. He made it clear that he saw me as merely an item of his amusement. And I made it clear that I saw him as merely the biggest pain in my ass on this whole, bloody island.

I grabbed my staff and stood up. I was about to walk over to him, when I felt someone grab my shoulder. It was rather difficult to see them, seeing as the sun was setting and we were surrounded by trees. But, after a moment of squinting, I realized it was Peter.

He took a step towards me so he could say something to me and only I could hear. I was painfully aware of how close he was. My sudden hyper-awareness of him mixed with the blush that flooded my face made me confused. My confusion fueled my anger even more.

"Remember, love. The legs are his weakest point just as much as they are yours. Aim for his legs more and focus on protecting your own."

I nodded at him before re-entering the ring. I got in an attack stance and applied most of my weight to my good leg. I lifted my staff and stood waiting, allowing him to make the first move.

Which he did. I managed to roll and doge his attack, delivering a kick to the back of his knee. His knee buckled, but he was infuriatingly well trained, so he simply spun and jabbed at me in one, gracefully fluid motion. His jab made a cut on my left cheek. I growled in anger.

He chuckled, "Oh, did princess get a little owie?"

"Go to hell."

In a fit of pure anger, I lunged for him. I knew that's what he was expecting, but I suppose the velocity of my lunge caught him off guard and I managed to tackle him. We landed on the ground and rolled for a moment.

In the process of our grappling, I managed to knee his spear out of his hand. With one final roll, I straddled him and held both my and his speartip pointed at his neck.

We were both breathing heavily as the lost boys erupted in cheers.

I looked around, surprised at the positive feedback I was receiving. They've never been in support of anything I've ever done. I guess now has changed things?

I felt Felix chuckle from beneath me, causing my attention to return to him. "Guess I better get cookin."

I beamed.

"Well done." The applause stopped as I spun to see Pan standing behind me with his head tilted backwards, wearing his signature smirk.

I grinned wider and stood. I hobbled over to him and he held out the top part of my staff. I took it and screwed it on.