Seraphine's POV
"Stop hesitating before each strike," Davis barked, his voice cutting through the training arena like a whip. "Your opponents won't wait for you to gather courage."
My hands balled into tight fists, anger rising in my throat. "I'm doing my best!"
"Your best will get you killed," he shot back without mercy.
Davis raised his arms, positioning himself in a fighting stance. "Show me what you've got."
I threw myself forward, putting all my weight behind the strike that connected with his ribs. He let out a sharp grunt but immediately countered with a brutal punch. I twisted away just in time, his knuckles grazing my upper arm instead of landing squarely. Pain shot through my shoulder as I staggered backward, already feeling the deep ache that would plague me for hours.
"Exactly what I expected," Davis said with satisfaction. "Still too slow."
A rich, commanding voice suddenly filled the space around us.
"Her progress is obvious."
