She turned away, stretching out her arms. "We'll work on it. Everyone is dismissed, class is over."
The watching students hesitated, then began murmuring among themselves as they dispersed. Some stole glances at Merlin—half impressed, half pitying. He ignored them.
Nathan nudged him. "You alive?"
Merlin let out a slow breath, straightening despite the throbbing pain in his limbs. "Unfortunately."
Nathan grinned. "You sure? Because from over there, it kinda looked like you died three times."
Merlin shot him a flat look. "Thanks for the support."
"Hey, I'm just saying—you lasted longer than I expected. I mean, not by much, but still."
Merlin sighed and pressed a hand against his side. Bruised, not broken. He'd had worse. But that didn't matter. What mattered was the fact that he'd barely even touched her.
No—he hadn't touched her at all.
The realization dug under his skin like a splinter.
Elara stepped up beside them, her brow furrowed. "Are you okay?"
"I'm fine."
