“STOP HOLDING BACK and hit me.”

Instructor Wren stands across from me on the mat.

“I’m sorry! I just don’t… want to hurt you…” I regret the words immediately, hating how stupid and unsure I sound. Me, hurt someone like him? Impossible. Even if he wasn’t a Climber, he’s got a foot or more on me, and probably close to a hundred pounds. I know from experience just how big a difference that is, and how easily he could overpower me if he wanted.

I feel eyes roving over my bare skin. Not Instructor Wren’s—he’s a bit gruff, but he’s been nothing short of a gentleman since I met him. But the Guild gym is large, and there are others who aren’t so polite.

Damn dude, look at her.

Definitely a ten.

That ass, though…

The comments don’t bother me so much, I’ve gotten used to people ogling me—had to if I wanted to stay in Cheerleading. Before today, I’d thought I’d been doing better… but I guess I overestimated myself.

When Instructor Wren said he wanted something from me in return, I knew he wasn’t going to ask for something bad. Lucy was standing right there, and there’s no way she wouldn’t expose him. I knew that, but… I panicked. Everything came rushing back to me in an instant, and all I could think about was how helpless I really am. Lucy is right. I’m weak.

Instructor Wren slaps the gloves on his hands together, possibly sensing my lapse in attention. “I’ll survive whatever you throw at me. You can’t hold back, Perry. It’ll get you or someone else killed. So, hit me.”

I rear back and swing the wooden sword as hard as I can, but my body betrays me, and my fear causes me to pull back at the last second. Instructor Wren gives me a look, but I can’t meet his gaze.

He seems to be under the impression I’m going to die.

I think he’s probably right.

“Perry.” I almost wince from the disappointment I expect in his tone, but it doesn’t come. Instead, he gives me a gentle smile. “Please hit me?”

I can’t decide whether to laugh or cry, so I settle for swinging the wooden sword again. This time I don’t hold back. Instructor Wren doesn’t even make an attempt to dodge or guard as the wood slams into his shoulder, and he falls to his knees.

“Oh god!” I say, dropping the weapon. “Are-are you okay? I’m so sorry!” It takes me a moment to realize I’ve rushed to his side, hand outstretched and touching his arm. It’s firm and muscular. It reminds me of the difference in strength between us, but it’s surprisingly easy to push those thoughts away in the moment—possibly because I’m very concerned I’ve just broken his collarbone.

“I’m fine,” he says, chuckling.

“Why…? Why didn’t you dodge or slap it away or… something? You could’ve, right?”

“I could’ve,” he nods. “But it’s important you understand this, Perry. If I wasn’t a Climber, that swing would’ve broken something. Hell, could’ve killed me if I’d taken it badly.”

“Then why get hit at all?!” I ask, terrified of the possibilities.

“Because you need to understand something vital. You did this to me, Perry.”

Perhaps sensing I’m about to cry, he holds up a hand. “I’m not blaming you. Just pointing out what you’re capable of. You brought an experienced Climber to his knees with one swing. Am I going to die? No. But you can bet I’m gonna have a hell of a bruise. Do you understand?”

I sniffle, cursing my tendency to cry when I’m overwhelmed. “You’re saying… I’m not powerless.”

“That’s right,” he says, standing. He rubs at his shoulder and winces, and I know it’s awful but I can’t help but feel a little proud of myself.

“Not only are you not powerless, you’re stronger than you know. In the Tower and in life, physical strength isn’t even close to being the deciding factor in most conflict. Does it matter how hard someone can punch if you have a sword? A gun?”

He removes the glove from his left hand, and my eyes go huge when I see it begin to glow and… crackle? A moment later, he points at striking dummy, far away from anyone else. There’s a bright flash, and the room lights up as an actual freaking lightning bolt strikes the dummy, accompanied by the boom of thunder and the smell of ozone. It isn’t nearly the same magnitude as real lightning, but it’s still probably the most impressive thing I’ve ever seen.

“How about magic?” he asks, reminding me of the discussion we were having. “There are many ways to be strong, Perry. Remember that. You’re only helpless if you believe it.”

I nod, still in awe. It’s oddly silent, and I quickly realize I’m not the only one gawking. Most of the people in the gym are looking our way, and for once it’s not at me. When Instructor Wren notices, he looks a little sheepish.

“You’d think they’d never seen someone shoot lightning before.”

I can’t help it, and burst out laughing. People do stare at me then, but for once I don’t care. Strangely, the crushing ball of anxiety I carry around in my chest seems just a little lighter.