Chapter 23: Get UP

Eden’s POV

“You can cancel the duel,” Zane said softly. We were back at the palace in his library. This was the fifth time he had said that. Did he really think I would cancel? This was my chance, my chance to learn how to fight so I could defend myself.

“Thank you,” I told him. “But you said yourself, you would trust Astrid with your life. So you must trust her with mine.”

He nodded, clearly amused. “If this is what you want, Eden, then I won’t stand in your way,” he told me. “But be warned. Warrior Seth is one of our best. He’s strong and smart, a lethal combination.”

I swallowed hard. Maybe I should have picked a weaker warrior. Oh well, no point in stewing over ‘what ifs’. The wheels were in motion.

Just then, Astrid came in.

“Let’s go,” she said, her face expressionless.

“What? Now?” I asked.

“No time like the present,” she quipped. “I sent training clothes up to your room. Get changed and meet me outside. We’re going somewhere private for our first lesson.”

I looked to Zane. He