Hellion's Reckoning
Chapter 8

As Inias and Keira engaged in an intense sparring match, the troop gathered around the cottage deck, egging them on with enthusiasm fit for a royal tournament. They cheered and applauded with each clash of her daggers against his diamond blade. Exchanges of coins followed whispers as the two pushed each other back. It was as if the cottage deck had transformed into a makeshift arena, complete with its own set of rowdy spectators and lively commentary.

Her movements were a whirlwind of purple and blue as she effortlessly danced around him. She executed every strike with precision, performing each step as if she had planned three moves ahead. Inias moved with a predator’s ferocity, every muscle in his body vibrating with primal power and determination. His eyes, blazing with intensity, never strayed from Keira as she danced around him with graceful agility. Unlike her smooth and calculated movements, Inias’ fighting style was rugged and untamed, akin to a beast unchained. His powerful and impactful strikes forced Keira to constantly adjust her stance and strategy.

Keira’s dazzling agility and fluid movements mesmerized the audience, her swift strikes painting streaks of purple and blue in the air. The observers couldn’t help but gasp and cheer in awe at her finesse and precision, their admiration growing by the second. Meanwhile, Inias’ primal ferocity and raw power were like a force of nature, each of his thunderous blows sending shockwaves through the deck. She would patiently endure his onslaught until she caught an opening to unleash her own flurry.

Whenever she broke through his attack, he would stumble on the defense. As Keira forced Inias back with a swift strike of her foot, she twirled her daggers playfully, a smirk playing across her lips. “Is that all you’ve got, Innie? I expected better from the hellion prince,” she taunted with a light wiggle of her brows. Inias, his chest heaving with exertion, flashed a sly grin. “Oh, I’ve got plenty more. I’d just like to keep you in one piece.”

Keira raised an eyebrow teasingly, her eyes sparkling with amusement. “Oh, so we’re holding back?” She raised her daggers, taking a step back as he lifted his sword again. “If you won’t take this seriously, then don’t bother.” Awaken the demon within and tame it. That’s what she wished to teach him. He couldn’t free it if he continued to hold back, even against her. That darkness was meant to be tempered, channeled, not hidden away.

Inias’ eyes narrowed, his gaze piercing through her like a sharpened blade. With a low growl rumbling in his chest, he lunged forward with a ferocity that shook the very foundation of the deck. She brought both her daggers up to catch his blow, grunting as her knees bent under his strength. “Is this serious enough for you?!” He challenged her through gritted teeth, pressing down with all his strength.

She met his eyes from beneath him and shoved against him, pushing him back a step. “No!” Keira shoved her foot against his stomach, sending him tumbling off the deck. As Inias splashed into the cool, rushing water below, Keira stood at the edge of the deck, her chest rising and falling with each breath. “Had enough, Innie?” She called out, her voice carrying a playful yet victorious tone as she watched the water carry him away, her expression daring him to come back for more.

Inias emerged from the water, his wet hair plastered against his face, his eyes ablaze with determination. his soaked clothes clung to his frame as he pulled himself up into a rock with his sword drawn. His eyes flared with fierce determination, the same as he had when they fought Sylvis and the crescent together. Keira chuckled as she watched Inias emerge from the water, a mischievous glint in her eyes. “Little cold water woke you up!” Her voice carried a teasing tone, filled with excitement.

Inias stood firm upon the rock, raising his sword, challenging her to meet him out there. The water rushed around the large stone and the others around him. Meeting the challenge in his eyes, Keira wasted no time in kicking her boots off and leaping gracefully off the deck and landing with a splash in the rushing waters below. She let the current carry her down, weaving gracefully between the large stones. Her feet landed softly on the rock across from him, grinning.

With a swift and graceful motion, Keira lunged forward, closing the distance between them with a twirl of her body. The water splashed around her as she moved, her daggers glinting in the sunlight as she closed in on Inias, who stood firm and ready for her approach. His sword gleamed in the light; his muscles tensed with anticipation as he prepared to meet her head-on. He caught her daggers as they crashed down on him. Her inky black eyes glowed a vibrant purple, like a burning amethyst.

Sparks flew as their blades continued to clash upon that small rock, each pushing for one more inch against the other. In such a small space, she couldn’t maneuver around him so smoothly. With each fierce blow, she felt her feet slipping. He had become relentless towards his one goal of breaking her. She could see the fire blazing in his eyes, admiring the way the sunlight sparkled in them. The moment her foot slipped from the rock, she grabbed him, forcing him to fall as the current carried her away. Sᴇaʀᴄh thᴇ Find ɴøᴠel.nᴇt website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

The swift current whisked them away. Unable to fight against its force, Keira and Inias found themselves laughing amidst the chaos. Their weapons fell onto the rock, safe from the current. The cool water splashed against their faces, invigorating their spirits as they surrendered to the ride. The warmth of the spring sun embraced them, casting a golden glow over their intertwined forms as they floated effortlessly downstream. Keira’s smile was infectious, her eyes sparkling with a daredevil thrill. Her spirit seemed to shine even brighter amidst the chaos, her laughter carrying a sense of freedom.

The gentle current carried Keira and Inias further downstream, the rush of the water calming into a tranquil flow as they drifted along. Their laughter echoed through the valley, blending with the soothing sounds of nature that surrounded them. The warmth of the sun kissed their skin, drying their hair as they relaxed in the moment’s embrace.

“The river wins,” Keira said, giggling as she climbed up onto the shore, reaching out to pull him up. “Sure, kicked our asses,” Inias spoke and began squeezing out his soaked hair. Their clothes were soggy and clung tightly to them under the growing heat of the sun. As they stood there, dripping wet and smiling at each other, Keira reached out and took his hand, “That’s enough sparring for today.”

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