Claire's POV
"Focus, Claire! You can't daydream on the training mat!" Joey swung her fist toward my face.
I ducked effortlessly, sidestepping with surprising speed. My mind had wandered again to Lucius. Nearly two months of his absence felt like two years. Why couldn't I stop thinking about him?
Joey came at me with another combination. Left jab, right hook. Without consciously planning it, my body moved on instinct. I caught her arm, twisted, and in one fluid motion flipped her onto her back. My forearm pressed against her throat.
"Whoa, girl! Ease up! We're training, not fighting to the death," Joey gasped, tapping my arm frantically.
I immediately released her, horrified. "Oh my god, Joey! I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to—"
"It's fine." Joey sat up, rubbing her neck wi
