Lia
I barely had time to react before the wave of magic slammed into me, knocking me off my feet. Air whooshed from my lungs as I hit the ground hard, my vision swimming.
"Again," my teacher snapped, her voice cold.
I groaned, pushing myself onto my elbows. "You could at least warn me before blasting me across the room."
"If you need a warning, you're not ready."
I exhaled sharply, rubbing my ribs. "Maybe I’d be ready if you didn’t knock me down every five seconds."
"Your enemies won’t wait for you to get up, Lia. They’ll keep you down."
I clenched my fists. "I know that!"
"Do you?" Her voice was sharp. "Because from where I’m standing, you’re not focused."
"I'm trying."
"No. You’re hesitating. You’re distracted."
I looked away. "Of course I am. Gabi was kidn*pped. She just got
