Forged Destiny [Book 3: Ch. 10]

The battle began with a shout from Miss Goodwitch, and a desperate parry from myself. It was followed by laughter from the crowd – mostly because I'd parried nothing. Blake hadn't moved from her spot.

Strange, she always attacks straight away against most people. My eyes narrowed as I circled her, sword and shield held up and ready. Blake tracked me easily, but made no move to attack. In every fight I'd seen her take part in; she favoured a swift and brutal conclusion, usually leaving her matches to end in a matter of seconds. This was the first time she'd held back and ironically meant I'd lasted longer against her than anyone else.

—Forged Destiny [Book 3: Ch. 10]