Yasuo stood in the doorway, looking skeptically at the heavyduty fluorescent domes. “Are you sure we’re allowed to be in here?” “Ronan says we’re encouraged to use the gym after hours. As long as it’s before curfew and all.” I slung my bag on the floor against the wall and pulled off my coat. I shot him a challenging glare. “Don’t tell me you’re backing out now.” “Trainee Yasuo Ito doesn’t know the words back out.” He joined me, shucking off his black wool peacoat. “I just don’t get why you need me. Aren’t you learning how to fight in combat class?” “Yeah, sure. Combat rocks—or it will. They’re still mostly having us do intro stuff, like basic fencing or tai chi forms.” I climbed over the ropes into the ring. “I didn’t exactly have an épée handy when that Draug came at us. I can’t help but worry it was dumb luck that saved me.” Yas smiled. “Sounds like Emma was pretty cool about the whole thing.” I heard something in his voice. Emma was attractive in a refreshingly scrubbed, prairie sort of way.
