“A test,” Tristan said, his tone speculative. He looked at Rhea. “What do you have in mind?”
Rhea nodded. “Whatever it takes for you to believe Sabina is the Chosen.”
Part of me—the proud part—was insulted by the very idea. But the perverse part loved the chance to surprise him. Tristan Graecus needed to see I was a force to be reckoned with. The more I thought about it, the more I loved the idea of seeing the look on his face when I forced him to admit he was wrong.
Tristan crossed his arms and pinched his bottom lip methodically as he considered her suggestion. “It won’t be easy.”
I flashed my fangs. “I’d be insulted if it was.”
Chapter 23
An hour later, we all gathered in the courtyard for Tristan’s first test. When the idea had been proposed, I’d assumed there’d just be a single test. However, after disappearing into his office with Valva and his team for half an hour, they’d emerged to announce that I would have to undergo two tests. I had to pass both for Tristan to agree to move forward with the mission.
“Your first task will be to defeat Horus in hand-to-hand combat.”
I laughed. “You’re not serious.”
Tristan crossed his arms. “I assure you I am.”
“But you already said you were aware of my fighting skills. Why waste time making me embarrass Horus?”
The massive male vampire laughed and crossed his arms.
Tristan sighed. “I am well aware of your exploits, Sabina. This first test is just to get a baseline of your combat skills.”
“Whatever. Just don’t blame me if Horus gets hurt.”
“In your dreams, little girl.”
I gritted my teeth at the insult. The truth was, Horus was not going to be an easy opponent. First, he was older than me by at least a couple of centuries. Age meant strength and experience. He also had the weight advantage with his height and all those muscles. Normally I would have used his weight against him, but he had a warrior’s posture and surprising grace that hinted at agility. But his attitude pissed me off, which would definitely work against him.
“You may proceed,” Tristan said.
I went back across the clearing to where Rhea, Adam, and Giguhl waited. Everyone else stood on Horus’s side, including Valva, who kept casting forlorn glances at Giguhl. The way everyone circled the fight area gave me a sense of déjà vu. Then it hit me. This was starting to feel more and more like one of Giguhl’s Demon Fight Club setups. I shook off the feeling. Surely my father intended for this to be a friendly little sparring match. A demonstration more than a brawl.
“Okay, Red,” Giguhl said, putting his hands on my shoulders. “I want you to go for his ’nads.”
I shrugged his hands off my shoulders. “Relax. I’ve got this.”
“I’m just sayin’.”
Adam glanced uneasily toward Horus. “He looks like he’s ready to get serious, Red.”
I looked over my shoulder. Tristan was coaching Horus, but the vampire’s eyes were locked on me. I frowned at him and turned back around. “Whatever. I can take him.”
“Just don’t get overconfident,” Rhea warned.
“Stay light on your feet and don’t let him corner you,” Adam coached. “With his size, you might be able to wear him down before he can use his superior weight against you.” He kissed my lips quickly for luck. “Now go kick his ass.”
Behind me, Tristan clapped his hands and walked to the center of the courtyard. Horus came up behind him and I joined them there. My father stood between us like a ref.
“All right, you two. No weapons.” He shot me a glare. “No magic. Fangs are allowed, of course. First to tap a vein wins.”
My eyes jerked from Horus to Tristan. “Seriously?”
“What’s wrong, Mixed-Blood? Scared?”
“Dude, what’s your problem?” I snapped.
“Easy now, save it for the fight,” Tristan said.
“I hope you fed tonight,” Horus said, ignoring Tristan. “I’d hate to injure the Chosen.” His mocking emphasis on the word indicated his opinion on my suitability for the role.
I cocked a brow and laughed. “You’re funny. Did anyone happen to mention I used to be an Enforcer for the Dominae?”
“Did anyone mention I was, too?”
I stilled. “Seriously?”
“Back before you were born, girl.”
“Well, then. I hope you fed well, too, old man.”
He tossed back his head and laughed. “This is gonna be fun.”
“If you two are quite finished, we’ll begin.” Tristan held his hand between us. Paused, building the tension. Horus’s gaze bore into mine, promising pain. I smirked back. “Aaaand… fight!”
Tristan backed quickly out of the way and went to join Nyx at the sideline. Horus and I each fell back into fighting stances. I balanced on the balls of my feet, ready to pivot for his attack.
Behind me, Giguhl and Adam clapped and called out encouragement. Behind Horus, Nyx and Calyx did the same.
Horus was absolutely still, but his shrewd eyes were assessing me for vulnerabilities. I was patient, waiting for the attack I knew was coming. He was too eager for this to let me get in the first hit. I decided to hang back, let him take the lead, get cocky.
Calyx grew bored as Horus and I took each other’s measure. “Are you guys just going to stand there or—”
The fist exploded against my jaw like a sledgehammer. My teeth slammed together, sending vibrations of pain through my head as it snapped backward. Stars danced in my vision. I shook it, pivoted, and delivered a roundhouse to his midsection.
Horus stumbled back two steps. Only two. I’d kicked him hard enough that his ass should have hit the dirt. But he didn’t grunt or even twitch an eye.
I raised my brows. Damn, this dude was tough.
As if to prove that point, he ran at me with his head down like a stampeding bull. His shoulder crashed into my diaphragm like a battering ram. The air whooshed out of me and my body slammed to the gravel. I brought my knees up and flipped him back over my head before he could settle his weight on top of me. I kicked my legs up and gained my feet just in time to receive a backhand.
Blood flew from my mouth and pain streaked through my jaw. I wiped the trickle of blood from my chin and licked it off while he watched. His eyes widened. I smiled.
He came at me with a flurry of fists. I ducked and weaved, delivering jabs to his stomach as I avoided his punches.