SWORDSMANSHIP

Diana p.o.v

I woke up the next morning with a heavy headache. I groaned feeling my head pounding, and I heard shuffles next to me. I knew instantly it was Ian.

"Here, water and an aspirin. It will relief your headache."

He knew exactly what I was going through. I tossed left and right first trying to get used to the banging in my head, before I raised my body up and took the tablet.

I looked down, and I was still on my last night's outfit. I laid down with a relieved sigh, thankfully nothing bad happened.

"Your class start in an hour. I have to prepare to go to my class as well. If you still feel sick, just stay in. I will write a letter for your absence."

I waved my hand up to him, assuring him that he did not need to do that. I ignored the pounding head and got ready for the class.

It was the first time I woke up late. Usually I would wake up even before daybreak.

I let my hair loose today and wore my uniform. This time, I leave my jacket behind and just wore a simple attire. I wore my scrunchie on my wrist in case I need it later.

It was the color of light blue, similar with my eyes. I wore it often as I got it on my birthday. I never told him, but Ian had quite the taste.

Over the course of my birthdays, his gifts were very simple. The scrunchie, a book to write that I tried to take a good care of. There was also cheap bracelet that I treasured since It was very modest, compare to what my father always gift me on my birthdays.

Which I knew it was not even his idea to gift them to me.

I walked to my first class, and it happened to be one of my favorite, swordsmanship class. I followed the girls that went out after placing their bag in the class and went to a changing room to change to a sport attire. My locker was already there along with my attire. It was very convenient and the school prepared a lot. I placed my bracelet and wore my scrunchie, did not think it would be needed this soon.

I stood alone while the others talk with their friends. Only a few minutes later I saw Noah coming out of the male's changing room. He quickly noticed me and gave me a weak smile.

"Gosh, this headache is killing me." Noah said first thing, and I agreed with him. He must have had much more than me, but I was even knocked out and not remembering much. Though a certain pair of blue eyes had been lingering in my mind.

"Were you the one who sent me back to my dorm ?" I asked him, and he instantly looked fresh from that question, looking at me suspiciously.

"Oh yeah, what is your relationship with Ian Bennette ?"

My mouth immediately zipped from that question. Of course Ian was the one who sent me back. He was very skeptical with Noah, no way he would let Noah step into my room.

Thankfully, the teacher caught our attention as he called us to gather. I quickly made my way there and I knew Noah noticed that I was avoiding his question. He did not complain though.

"Hello students. Welcome to the Swordsmanship class. Before I start, I want to know who is already experienced in swordsmanship and who's new."

About half of the students raised their hands up, including me and Noah.

Noah was from a warrior family. It was a mandatory for every family members to take Swordsmanship class. As for the others, it was just a trend since Swordsmanship is not originally Werewolves manning. It was introduced by the humans about decades ago and this class is very expensive that only nobles can afford.

So, I got quite a suspicious look from classmates from Science class and even from Noah. He was surprised, but not in a bad way.

We were separated into amateur and experienced. Of course I am paired with Noah who had been dying to ask me questions with that blue eyes keep staring at me.

I took the artificial swords and faced Noah who had his own, and his own questions.

"A Danielle I did not know of can afford a Swordsmanship class." He aired it up, and I laughed nervously.

"Well, maybe you know now why I know Ian Bennette."

Nice safe. I answered two questions with one answer.

"So, who is he to you ?" He asked, and I could sense a little jealousy from that question.

"... My far cousin from great-great granddad. My family has a bit... financial problem and the Bennette decided to take care of my education and uh.. yeah." I smoothly laid out lies from my mouth, and I could not believe I just did that. Hours of my time spent on that movies and dramas paid off. Ian has to know this so he won't stop me from going to cinema after this.

"Huh.." That was the only thing came out of him. I was sweatdropping. He was growing suspicious, but instead of asking more questions, an amused smile lingered on his lips.

"Alright. Before I leave all of you here, I want you to begin warming up and spar with your partner. I will be watching you, so don't slack off just because you already experienced."

I looked at him, and he looked scary. His body was full of hair as of he was already halfway through his werewolf form.

"You know, Diana. If I sense that you're skillful, I'm not going to go easy on you." Noah said as he smirked. I noticed him already putting the suspicious aside, and I gave him a crooked smile.

"You don't need to. I know enough blade works to see you on the ground."

I saw his head retorted in amusement at my sass, licking over his lips making my body tingles. I hummed seeing him clenching over his blade, and I entered into a stance.

"Don't say I didn't warn you, sweetheart."

He only took a step to get close to me enough for a heavy swing, and I took his hit which I automatically clenched my teeth. I felt like my shoulder almost torn off.

Well, he was not lying.

Another strike, but I was able to block without showing my opening. This time, he went a little lighter. He was starting to go easy.

I switched my grip and entered into a sprint. I knew I caught him off guard when I was seconds from stabbing his face, but I made sure to halt before he successfully dodged and jumped away. I spare no extra time to twirl and brought my sword from the shoulder, aiming another hit to his head, but he quickly put out his sword and I was able to stagger him.

Then, my sword ended up on his throat, his Adam's apple went up and down at the tip as he was panting. I was taking my breaths as well.

His smile grew bigger, as if he was proud of his lost. I smiled as well.

"I heed your warning very well, Mr. Sinclair."

He laughed at my words as I retracted my blade to my side.

"You're really good like you said, Diana. As expected from the Bennette's legacy." I shook my head.

"I just happened to spend a lot of time with Ian." I denied his high acknowledgement. Being a legacy to the genius family was out of line for me.

We spar a few more times, and I had to admit, he had some crazy power. I knew he learnt his mistake the first time he tried to go soft on me, but afterwards he did not pull back his punch at all. I felt like my shoulders already dislocated.

"Gather up !" I heard the teacher said and we walked toward his way to gather. Noah took the blade from me.

"I consider myself lucky to have a Sinclair in my team, but I see you there, Noah. You underestimated your opponent." I looked at Noah who was smiling sheepishly.

"The one with former swords user, stay back. The rest can go to your next class."

I stayed with Noah and the remaining students that stays. I was curious as to why we were called to stay, but I noticed everybody else, even Noah looked excited.

"Alright, you know why you're being called." The teacher said, and I had no idea what was happening.

"You know that the tournament for this season is just around the corner. Some of you will be chosen to join from my team to participate. Do well, and you will be chosen."

"What tournament ?" I whispered to Noah, and he leaned close.

"Swords Championship. It's just within our school, but the number of participators are massive. Aside from thirty of us, there are other four team that has the same amount of players, and they are only first graders, us. Imagine a tournament with hundreds of players gathered, competing with each other." I could hear the excitement from his voice and I could not help but to smile. He sounded just like a kid passionately explaining his favorite show.

"I'm aiming for internationals, where not only you compete among werewolves, but humans as well. You should join !"

I nodded when he offered his hand to help me stand up. I took it and went separate ways to the female's changing room.

I did not know this kind of tournament exists. Ian told me once about the excitement of sparring with others, but I never thought I would have a chance to do it. It was always with him before.

Afterwards, it was not a good class. A class after Swordsmanship was not a smart arrangement and I had to live with it.

I returned back to my dorm, out of energy. I noted in my mind that my Tuesday would be the most exhausted day of the week. Ian was not there, which means he had more classes to teach. It was so weird not seeing him while doing nothing.

I freshen myself up and just rest before thinking about finishing my college work. I was just scrolling down my phone when a ding came out. It was Amelia.

She was inviting me to hang out. I immediately agreed to it and it was on tomorrow after class. I was excited since that would be the first girl friend I am about to make.

After that, I got a call. It was from Noah.

"Hello." I answered awkwardly. It was the first time I ever on call with him.

"Hey Diana." His voice sounded a bit different from phone but I still like it. I smiled hearing his voice, feeling the tense on my body loosened. It was like a remedy after a rough day, even though I was entirely with him the whole classes.

"Do you want to go to Luna Park tonight ? Ethan, Natasha and my two other friends will be there as well, you can finally meet them."

"Luna Park ? Where is that ?" I asked.

"It's part of the school. Many students would go there for study group.. or just hanging out you know. The view there is beautiful and it's pretty chill with people doing same things with you.. you'll like it." I smiled at his explanation.

"Okay. I hope there's no drinking. I don't think I can stand another night drinking." I told him.

"No. You know you're not allowed to drink in school. It's violating the school regulations. I just want you to know my group of friends more... I just want you to be comfortable." I was touched that he was concern of my well being that quite new to the school compared to others.

"Thank you, Noah. I will definitely join you guys tonight."

"Make sure that Bennette won't follow you this time." I frowned a little at the statement. Ian followed me last night ?

"Don't worry. He's just a worrywart sometimes." I told him, laughing nervously."

"He has good intentions, but I know how to take care of my mate." I clenched my phone a little when he said those last words. I could feel my face warming up. I had never had someone referring me like that in my life.

"Do you like wearing scrunchies ? It looks cute on you." My hand subconsciously played with my hair, around the blue scrunchy.

"Yeah. This one is my favorite." I told him, laying flat on my stomach while playing with my hair.

"Hmm, you got it from a gift ?" I nodded, as if he could see me.

"Yeah, from my birthday."

"When is your birthday ?"

"Couple of weeks ago. I just turned eighteen."

"Really ? Happy belated birthday, princess." I felt a tingle on my ear hearing that pet name from him. It cringed me a little.

I then saw Ian entered my room, watching me who was on the call.

"I have to go. See you tonight." I told him, and he hummed. We exchanged goodbyes before I sat on my bed, watching Ian making his way into the room and sat on the chair of my study desk.

"Seeing who tonight ?" He asked.

"Who else ? Are you going to follow me again ?" I asked him, putting my legs on top of each other while giving him a look. He sighed out.

"If it's a pub again, you're not going-"

"It's just to Luna Park, you know, one of the school facilities. It will be Noah and his friends and many other people without alcohol." I could see his chest heave up from a sigh and a look of defeat.

"If it's inside the school then I have nothing to worry. But, with his friends ? Last night you were put in that situation in the dance floor by one of his friends after all." I tilted my head confused. I did not know what he was talking about.

"What situation ?" He took one of the ornaments on the table and played with it.

"A guy tried to have his way on you. That Sinclair kid came right on time. If I had to stop that approach that night, I'm not letting you go tonight." A small smile made its way to my mouth. Noah Sinclair had proved his worthiness to Ian without me having to convince more and more. Also, I just found out I owe Noah a thanks.

"Hey, you didn't tell me about Swordsmanship tournament in the school. I decided to try and participate." I told Ian.

"Really ? Good for you. But be moderate." I rolled my eyes.

"Why do I have to go easy when Noah was trying to rip my arms off ? No chance !"

"If it's a Sinclair, go all out. But don't do that on other people. They will grow suspicious." I groaned in disapproval, but I knew I had to do what he says to live a normal life.

"Noah was very cute when he explained about the tournament. I thought I saw stars blinking in his eyes." I told Ian with a smile, and even he smiles hearing that.

"He really is a Sinclair, then. The only thing the Sinclairs speaks during dinner is swords related." I chuckled. Seeing Ian talking lightly of Noah made it seems he was slowly accepting him as my mate.

"Oh anyways, you're now my far cousin from my great great granddad to Noah. He looked convince enough.. I guess." I told Ian, and he laughed.

"Very convincing." Ian said sarcastically, and I raised one of my eyebrows from his answer.

"You know my family generations consisted of the 'only child' from both of my parents ?" I tilted my head, confused.

"My family only attracts the 'only child' of a family, it became a tradition. The whole Kingdom knows I am my own relatives aside from my parents."

I facepalm myself. Why would Ian keep that important information away from me ?!