Lia

I barely had time to react before the wave of magic slammed into me, knocking me off my feet. Air whooshed from my lungs as I hit the ground hard, my vision swimming.

"Again," my teacher snapped, her voice cold.

I groaned, pushing myself onto my elbows. "You could at least warn me before blasting me across the room."

"If you need a warning, you're not ready."

I exhaled sharply, rubbing my ribs. "Maybe I’d be ready if you didn’t knock me down every five seconds."

"Your enemies ...