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There is always some madness in love But there is also always some reason in madness

~Friedrich Nietzsche

1

Lessons

Avery

“Focus Concentrate Ignore everything else” Quinn repositions the black punching pad before“Use the pain Channel it”

I want to roll my eyes Instead, I drive a swollen, wrapped fist into the pad “You sound like an after school special Yes, sir, Mr Miyagi, sir” My fist sticks the pad again, and I wince

With an irritated huff, Quinn tosses the pad to the floor and advances Out of reflex, I step back He grips my arms “I know you’re tired”

I shayhable understatement

“I know you’re scared” he continues My gaze flicks up in tione quickly, replaced by the stubborn determination that’s driven these lessons for the past teeks “But stop deflecting”

“I’,” I rebound

He arches an eyebrow “Sarcaset you hurt It’s a weakness, Aves It h tothrough “You are strong enough I need you to accept—”

“I do accept it I get it – I’er” I accept that I’ve spent my life sealed inside a lab with a false sense of security, where the outside world—full of criminals and villains—couldn’t touch me And no, that world has bled into every facet of my life