Chapter 157: Practice

"I don't want to hurt you." I said as I evaded Nija's attack.

"You're not going to hurt me." She replied swiftly, striking out with her leg again.

My eyes automatically flicked over to Sam, who stood at the edge of the battlefield, his arms crossed. His tightly fitted shirt did nothing to hide his muscles, and his expression did nothing to hide his frustration and impatience.

But it wasn't his body I noticed first.

His cheek, which still bore a burn mark, stood out against his skin. It hadn't healed like all of his other injuries. The kingdom had been in shock when they saw the wound, but Sam had silenced every question and remark with a single look.

"You're not going to hurt her, flower." Sam remarked from the side. "Nija is from Wrath, so she can handle it, anyway." Sam's arms tightened. "Aren't you, Nija?"

I winced and missed my step, colliding with Nija's fist aimed at my head. She hit my shoulder with more impact than I expected, and I stumbled back.

"Exactly." Nija