Chapter 72 – Trouble

He grinned. “Fine. But since you didn’t succeed earlier, you already owe me one.”

Her lip twitched. He likes to keep count, doesn’t he?

“Alright. Come at me.” She wanted to go on defensive and assumed the proper stance.

Jared squinted as he formulated a plan. First, he gauged how good she was with that knife and how much strength she’s exerting. It could never be as good as his, so there is that.

To her credit, Polly did give it her best. She held that knife as tightly as she could.

He felt a little helpless. “It’s a weapon. You’re supposed to use it!”

She gritted her teeth at his reminder, somewhat embarrassed. “Fine!” She stopped treating it like a treasure to be stolen.

Jared nodded at the change and sparred with her for a few minutes. Her reflexes are good, being able to deflect his attacks.

“Now, try exerting more force.”

She grimaced. Just how much more? Her body was sure to ache tonight, what with her limbs being stretched to the limit. Still, she heeded him.

“Good, but you’re