Mira and Wallace were still catching their breath, bruised in both body and ego. Meanwhile, the rest of the class looked like they wanted to laugh but didn't dare to.
That was smart.
I wasn't done yet.
I turned to the rest of them with a slow, predatory smile. "So? Any of you want to try your luck?"
No one moved.
"Come on," I gestured, scanning their faces. "Surely, someone here thinks they can do better than those two."
Silence.
Even Julien, who usually had some cocky remark, was suddenly very interested in adjusting his sleeves.
"I see." I nodded, feigning disappointment. "All bark, no bite."
"Professor, we just fought for our lives," Felix grumbled. "Maybe we deserve a break?"
"A break?" I repeated, tilting my head. "Felix, what exactly do you think an enemy is going to do when you ask for a break? Are they going to say, 'Oh sure, take your time, I'll just sip some tea while you catch your breath?'"
Felix muttered something under his breath.
