"You're holding back."
Elena's voice cut through my concentration as I sparred against magical constructs she'd created. Shadow beasts that moved and attacked like real opponents.
"I'm not holding back. I'm being strategic."
"You're being cautious. There's a difference." She dismissed the constructs with a wave. "Against Daemon, caution will get you killed. You need to be willing to commit fully. To risk everything on decisive strikes."
"Risking everything is how you lose fights."
"No. Hesitating is how you lose fights. Daemon won't hesitate. The moment he sees an opening, he'll take it. You need to do the same."
I wanted to argue but she was right. I'd been holding back during training. Afraid of losing control. Afraid of what might happen if I let the curse out completely.
"What if I can't control it once I fully commit? What if the curse takes over?"
