The Broken Angel & Her Overprotective Brothers-Chapter 361: The Dance of Steel & Magic

A week later

~

The training ground was bathed in the soft glow of twilight as Emily faced the Fae King, Aleron. His eyes, like pools of moonlight, held a hint of amusement. "I still can’t believe that you took an entire week to learn how to keep your powers balanced."

Emily folded her hands across her chest as she tried to not say something really inappropriate to her teacher who had teased her for the same reason for the dozenth time already. Either he was really baffled by the fact that she took a week to learn how to keep her powers balanced, or he was just trying to tease her.

"Can you just stop? At least I didn’t waste the week doing nothing." Emily wanted to imply that she was more productive through the week compared to the Fae King who had been following Damien everywhere. However, Aleron didn’t give her that satisfaction.

"Of course! After all, you were busy with your mate the entire week..." Aleron stopped speaking when Emily glared at him fiercely, causing him to chuckle.

On the other hand, Emily didn’t share feeling of amusement of the Fae King. The fact that he knew exactly what she had done to learn balancing her powers - didn’t sit right from the very beginning. But there was nothing she could do about it.

"Listen, if you called me here this late just to talk nonsense, then I’m leaving." Emily threatened and watched as the Fae King raised his hands in the surrender position.

"Alright, kid. Enough talking. We will get to business now." All the humor disappeared and the Fae King became serious. "All this time, you have been using sunlight to enhance your powers. Today, you will use the moonlight for the same."

Emily nodded her head in understanding, waiting to know exactly what she would be doing.

"This time, we are going to duel with blades and mzgic." Aleron said, his voice carrying a musical quality.

Emily nodded, her heart pounding with a mix of excitement and apprehension. Aleron drew a slender blade that seemed to shimmer with magic, and offered a similar one to Emily.

"Ready?" Aleron asked as the two of them took their positions to begin the duel.

"Thinks so." Emily answered as she tested the sword, feeling its weight and how easily it followed the movement of her hand and body. Satisfied, she turned to look at the Fae King and gave a curt nod.

The very next second, their blades clashed, steel ringing in the cool evening air. Aleron moved with grace, his movements a blend of elegance and lethal precision. Emily parried his strikes, her training showing as she matched his fluidity.

"You move well, kid," Aleron remarked, circling her.

"Thank you, Your Majesty. Your teachings have been invaluable," Emily replied, focusing on her stance. She actually meant to praise him, but even she felt that her words sounded as if she was teasing him.

Aleron raised his hand, and a soft breeze enveloped Emily. Leaves swirled around her as he whispered an incantation. "You forgot that this duel includes both blades and magic. Since you didn’t use any spell, I will."

The Fae King lunged forward, and Emily reacted instinctively. With a swift motion, she cast a simple spell, sending a burst of arcane energy toward Aleron. He deftly countered, creating a barrier of shimmering light.

Still, the momentarily distraction gave her enough time to dismiss the leaves and get ready to continue the duel.

"Good. But remember, magic is an extension of oneself. Feel the energy flow through you," Aleron instructed. He was barely focusing on the fight as most of his focus was on studying Emily and the way she was performing. He noted all the areas where she seemed perfect or performed better, and also those where she was lacking.

Their blades continued to clash, each movement accompanied by bursts of magical energy. Aleron effortlessly wove spells into his attacks, creating illusions and distractions. Emily struggled to keep up, her focus divided between physical and magical prowess.

"You are hesitating, kid. Trust your instincts," Aleron encouraged.

Emily took a deep breath, clearing her mind. As their blades met again, she channeled her magic into a dazzling burst of light, momentarily blinding Aleron. Seizing the opportunity, she followed with a swift strike, leaving him off balance for a moment or two.

Aleron chuckled, again a melodic sound. "Well done. You are learning quickly."

Their training continued, a rhythmic exchange of steel and magic. Aleron’s guidance was patient, his words a gentle nudge toward improvement. As the moon rose higher in the night sky, Emily’s confidence grew.

"Your journey has just begun, kid. The dance of steel and magic is a lifelong pursuit," Aleron said, pausing the sparring.

"I understand, Your Majesty. I am grateful for your guidance," Emily replied, wiping sweat from her brow.

Aleron smiled, his eyes reflecting pride. "You have the heart of a warrior and the spirit of a mage. A rare combination."

As they sheathed their blades, a sense of accomplishment washed over Emily. Aleron’s presence, both regal and comforting, filled the training ground.

"Rest now, Emily. Tomorrow, we delve deeper into the mysteries of magic," Aleron said, his voice carrying a promise of more challenges.

With a respectful nod, Emily left the training ground, the lessons of the day etched into her memory. The Fae King watched her depart, his gaze a mix of wisdom and anticipation.

The moon cast its silvery light upon the enchanted realm as Emily walked back to where Shadow was waiting for her.

"You are improving, Princess." He praised the moment she got closer. A bright smile bloomed on Emily’s lips as she replied, "Thank you." She wrapped her fingers around his arm right before he teleported them away from the Fae Realm and back into Emily’s apartment.

After getting freshen up, the two of them had dinner before Emily started working on some important office files and Shadow sat near her while reading a book.