“Let me tell you something that should always remain at the back of your head.”
“What?” Ariel had whispered, still winded.
“Always look out for your blind spot.” Edna had slinked to the ground facing Ariel. Her head had laid on a bed of natural course hair. She had sighed in the quietude of the empty Arena. “It’s sort of an unwritten rule in the world. You’re a hard worker, Ariel. Watch out for your blind spots. There’s usually one. That one person or thing that can change everything in your life. For me, it’s Toby. He’s everything to me. But I’m careful. I’m sure he is too. If we ever go head-to-head in a real match, we can’t allow love to stand between our blades. If we ever clash, I’d treat him as my enemy. I’m always adjusting that mirror because sometimes Toby shifts slightly out view. I’m vulnerable in this way and most people don’t know that about me.
“I’m saying this because you’re new to Gladius. And you’re a promising candidate for the blademastership. Eventually someone or something will impact your ability on this stage. You must sever that relationship. At least while you’re holding the sword on stage. If not…well …you might as well be fighting in the dark. And you’ll never know how to deal with it. Does that make sense?”
“I think so.”
My blind spot! Ariel had thought as the cold ground absorbed her body heat.
My blind spot! Ariel sighed, as Angel scanned her thigh in the small patient room of the medical department.
“Demetrius is my blind spot,” said Ariel to all in the room, pressing her forehead with the palm of her good hand. She felt dizzy, felt a pulsing in her head as her vision swung in and out of focus. She heard a gasp, her gasp, fill the room. “I didn’t see him coming.” She collapsed on the bed.