Violet Eden Chapters 04 - Endless

task at hand.
    The task of getting my ass kicked.
    Decima answered Drenson by parting her feet, letting her blade hang loosely to her side and finally looking at me. Her eyes were pale gold like those of a cat and showed the enormity of her wisdom, experience and cunning – it was not an encouraging sign. But I dug deep and returned her stare even as she looked right through me.
    Something told meDecima’s interpretation of drawing blood would be different from most.
    ‘Begin,’ Drenson ordered.
    I responded quickly, stepping back to increase the distance between us. It was a defensive tactic but also – I’d never seen Decima fight. I needed to see her move before I could know how to engage her – putting space between us was the easiest way.
    Decima’s only movement was a slight tilting of her head as if she were listening to something far away.
    That’s reassuring.
    We stood facing each other, Decima’s expression decidedly bored, mine decidedly freaked out. But she didn’t move.
    She’s waiting me out to make me go to her. Fat chance.
    I knew enough not to be played this way. If she wanted to wait, I’d wait.
    A few minutes passed, both of us simply watching the other, until Decima’s head tilted once more. Then, finally, she moved. If I thought she stalked like a tiger, she struck like a snake. Her feet never seemed to leave the ground and yet her speed was phenomenal. I’d been ready and waiting for her to attack, but nothing could prepare a person for that. Just before reaching me, she leaped into the air, clearing my head and landing behind me. Before I had time to spin, I felt the sting of her katana drawing a line along half the length of my spine.
    Decima had just taken first blood, leaving a gash down my back.
    I heard the collective gasp of the Grigori spectators, their excitement at watching Decima in action boiling over.
    ‘One,Decima,’ Drenson said.
    He didn’t need to say any more, there was no break. We both knew the rules – the fight continued until one of us won.
    I moved back a couple of steps to get myself together and did everything I could to block out the rest of the world.
    I can do this.
    I had the advantage that they didn’t understand. I was of the Sole. I was the highest-ranking Grigori present, whether I wanted to be or not. Technically, whatever she could do, I should be able to do better.
    And maybe in several hundred years that will be true , a taunting voice whispered within.
    Right then, if I didn’t find a way to tap into whatever made me powerful, I was going to find myself in a world of pain.
    I ignored the warmth spreading out along my back and concentrated on Decima again. She was waiting once more, the snake preparing to strike.
    Drawing from my well of power within, I called it forward and out to my fingertips.
    I am fast. I am strong. And I will not be bested, or defeated.
    The thoughts came to me as if they were not even my own. My warrior instinct was taking over. I felt it like a force anxious to be released and I knew it was important to keep control.
    Decima moved suddenly to the side and then back at me. This time, I moved too. And instead of dodging her, I headed right into her path, dropped to my knees and rolled, coming back up as she passed me, just in time to extend my katana and cut into her thigh.
    This time when the audience gasped, it was for me.
    ‘One, Decima. One, Violet,’ Drenson umpired.
    I jumped up ontomy feet, knowing enough to not get excited. Decima was already in position, ignoring the wound in her leg. But it had been a deep cut and it had to hurt.
    Decima repaid the favour quickly, her katana only nicking my forehead with one of her fast swipes. But blood was blood.
    That gave her two. Drenson confirmed the score.
    The next round went to me, thanks to landing a lucky kick in her side and being ready to take full advantage of my temporary gain, my blade making a swift incision on her exposed side.
    Again, the crowd gasped. This time some cheering began. Several people chanted for Decima. A few crazy ones hollered my name. I heard one distinctive voice above the rest. ‘Come on, Eden! Stop messing around – bring it home!’
    Hi, Spence.
    Decima and I took our positions again. This time, I didn’t wait. I moved, using my katana like a sword and engaging her in a traditional fight. She was fast and sparks flew as the blades hit. We both had close calls, reaching for each other and just missing. She landed a solid punch