Influence is like a parasite. It’s a chaotic energy that compels humans to commit heinous and unspeakable acts or tearing the world apart with natural disasters. The plane crash in Switzerland is the most recent antic. Last week, it was another earthquake in Haiti, and before that, a bomb on a London train. All claimed hundreds of lives, all resulting in more souls tethered to the living world and more power for Influence. The longer it lives, the more unstable earth becomes. Some Valryn believe Influence is the beginning of the end, Armageddon.

“Regardless,” Jacobi continues. “If Vera sees Natalie picking fights, she’s in for it.”

Yeah, if Vera’s there to see it.

I keep that thought to myself, instead clearing my mind of the clutter that’s been distracting me and focusing on my blades. Their weight is a familiar comfort in my hands. We have been together since I started training at twelve. Unlike my suit, my blades cannot be bought. They are made from the essences of Spirit, from Charon’s forges, and have protected me far better than any armor or human weapon.

The air thickens between me and Jacobi, but I’m calm, my arms relaxed at my sides. My father’s rules echo in my head. I know them as well as I know the alphabet: one, never strike first. Two, never provide the enemy with a mirror. Three, smile.

My lips twitch.

Jacobi is familiar enough with me that he returns the smile, but either his impatience or his nerves get to him, because he lifts his blades. That’s what my father means by not providing a mirror—keeping my arms at my sides prevents my opponent from knowing when I will make my move.

My smile widens.

Jacobi strikes, jabbing with the weapon in his right hand. I deflect the blow and parry the follow-up attack from his left with my other blade. We pull away and then circle each other like prey. My wings feel like a cloak dragging the ground, and I stretch them, wishing I could take flight in this cramped room, but that’s not the point of this exercise.

“I know girls melt at your feet when you flash that smile, but it’s creepy as hell when you’re trying to kill me.”

My opponent moves swiftly, one blade swiping toward my chest and the other coming down upon my head. I jump away and cross my swords over my head to deflect the attack. Jacobi pulls his blades back and swings. I collapse to my knees as the weapons cut the air above me. The ground is not an ideal vantage point, so I use my swords as one and go for Jacobi’s legs. He jumps away, avoiding the assault, but it’s given me the space I need to get to my feet. We stand opposite each other again, our chests rising and falling. This time, Jacobi’s smiling.