The Hidden Princess At All-Boys Alpha Academy novel Chapter 616

Blaze lashes a back-handed fist at me so fast that I barely have time to dodge, stumbling back and raising my right arm to block the blow I know is coming next.

But my teacher outwits me, as he so often does. Constantly, if we’re being honest. His left foot lashes out, hooking deftly behind my knee and tugging me forward. His right hand comes next, but it’s already too late – I’m off balance and out of options.

He hits me hard with the palm of his hand against my turning shoulder blade, sending me flat to the floor, which I hit with an oof.

“Slow today, little bird,” Blaze says, standing above me. I groan, rolling over and staring up at him, an apologetic grimace on my face. “You need more sleep.”

I sigh, and nod, agreeing as he holds out a hand to pull me to my feet.

“I know, I’m sorry,” I say. “I’m…distracted too.”

“Life is full of distractions,” he says, quite kind. “As is war. You must learn to put them out of your mind and concentrate on the moment. Or else…”

“Yeah, or else I’m flat on my ass,” I sigh, nodding to him, knowing he’s right.

“Flat on your little princess butt,” he says, smiling warmly at me before wrapping his arms around me in the hug that always ends our practice.

“What?” I ask, surprised. “Are we…done already?”

“Oh, I sense that you will not be improving today, my sparrow,” Blaze says with a happy sigh, pulling away from me. “Plus that one,” he points to Luca, sitting on the floor in his usual space, “is buzzing to speak to you. I will not torture him further.”

“What!?” Luca gasps, looking between us. “I – I didn’t do anything!”