But the cackling laughter that exploded out of her armor-clad chest had Vera’s hopes crumbling to dust. Taeral tipped her head to the side, eyes bright with unrestrained glee as she scrutinized Vera’s body.

“Something tells me a fighter of Aleron is not the same as a fighter here. But by all means, human,” she said, spreading her arms out. “Take your pick of a partner. It will not matter.”

Human? Vera’s hackles rose, anger sparking to life at the intended insult. The bitch knew she was no human. Even if they hadn’t just met that morning, the lack of a point to her ears didn’t overshadow all her other obvious Magyki features.

A low murmuring traveled around her as their surrounding audience circled around them, whispering among themselves. She’d known it was risky to come out here, but she’d hoped to be accepted and blend in. Now she’d be lucky to make it back to the palace before everyone was gossiping about the daż of the queen.

Smirking at the red hue Vera already knew was crawling up her neck, Taeral took her time sheathing her blade. Then, unarmed, she turned, giving Vera her back and walking away like she was no threat at all. The blatant insult had her seeing red.

More skilled or not, if Vera had ever pulled a disrespectful stunt like that to an opponent, Elric would’ve smacked the shit out of her.

Lady Bitch Face was beginning to seem like a far more appropriate name for her. She hadn’t even given Vera a chance before deciding to hate her. But sadly for her, Vera just didn’t give a shit.

She’d come all this way, crossed a horrid, rocky sea, and puked way more than any body should ever have to do, with the belief that she’d finally be allowed to train without fear of consequences. She certainly wasn’t going to let some stuck-up female ruin it for her.

Holding her head high, Vera crossed her arms, letting a slow smile stretch across her face and flashing her canines. “What? You aren’t up to the task?”

The entire yard went silent, the tension so thick she thought she’d choke on it. She swallowed, and pushed her anger down, hiding it along with what she could feel of Jaren. Him being near her wasn’t helping.

Taeral stiffened, danger seeping from her pores as she slowly twisted back around. Her face contorted in pure hate, but before she could utter whatever reply was biting at her tongue, another voice spoke first.

“I’d love to play.”

Vera whipped around to see that another female had stepped forward behind her, a predatory glint in her dark brown eyes. From where she stood, she appeared to be a few inches taller than Vera, but with twice the muscles and curves. Wearing tight leggings and a sleeveless tunic, each ripple of muscle was on full display.

Unlike Taeral, whose hair was more shaved than not, the newcomer’s hair was shaved on only one side, her black hair hanging in chin-length braids on the other. Her eyes were framed by long lashes, and she had dark brown skin, marked only by a single, long scar down her left cheek.