Kael let Elysia win.
Or at least, that's what he told himself.
She was stronger than he could have imagined and was already a worthy foe.
Not only did she move as fast as Magnus Vaelor, but she had also adopted some new techniques that he'd never expected.
Before long, she had him pinned to the ground, her shardblade touching his throat.
"I yield," he said with a smile, and she stepped away from him.
"You're going easy on me," she growled. "You think I'm weak? Or that you don't want to hurt me? That's not what this training is about. I want you to fight me like I'm the enemy. Don't hold back. Or else how will I ever be prepared for what we're going to fight?"
She was right, of course. But had he been holding back?
The entire fight, she'd had Kael on the defense. He'd been looking for openings, but she hadn't given him one.
"I'm sorry. Let's go again," he said, stumbling back to his feet. "This time, no holding back."
