"What if I need to pee?"

"Do you need to pee?" Zarek asked with a condescending smirk.

"No, but I can have the urge later." 

"Then you'll have to hold it." Zarek's serious gaze pinned me to the ground. "When you're in a fight, the last thing you should think about is relieving yourself. Your life is at stake, and that should occupy your thoughts." His heavy sigh permeated the room as his eyes softened. "Just think about this. Your life depends on this training." He said as he left.

"Where are you going?" My body became rigid with worry as I stared at the man's back, walking away. "Are you leaving me here? By myself?" The croak that crept through my parched voice sounded beyond pitiful. Weakness was the last thing I wanted to display at the moment.

"Yep! I'm going to take a long bath." Zarek's off-handed reply threw me off balance as he entered a side tunnel.

"What if I cheat and just sit here until you come back?" My body already shook, thinking about standing in the same spot by myself.

"The only one you'll be cheating on is you, not me. With my fighting skills, I can handle any challenge that comes my way. But you?!" The male turned to face me, his expression firm and clear. This training was no laughing matter for Zarek. "Stamina is something you need to build before you fight your enemies. If you don't have it, you're dead meat—no use to me. So don't waste my time."

Understanding pitted in my gut as I took a deep breath and considered his words. I planted my stance and lifted my chin in defiance. "Fine! I'll do my best."

My bravado didn't fool the demon. "Kayla, for your information, Pascal pulled the same move on me but got the beating of a lifetime. During our sparring session, he couldn't stand straight. He struggled to maintain his balance, constantly tripping on his own feet. Don't think for a second I would go easy on you because you're a woman..."

"I know... you'll kick my ass. I understand!" My anger bubbled to the surface as I voiced my frustration. "So cliche. Well, get ready, pendejo. I'll kick your ass. You got me!"

"Nice!" Zarek's drawl grated on my nerves—its languid quality pierced me like a poisonous arrow. 

I tightened my grip and lowered my squatted position, focusing on the lava flow. The gentle stream drew me in as I absorbed its power. That's it, our precious queen. Focus on your source of energy—center yourself. Tap into your inner might and manifest your power. Wailing cries fluttered into my mind like a tiny butterfly whispering its desire. The whispers, although terrifying, filled me with strength. "I'm ready!"

"That's the attitude." Zarek's smile widened, mistaking my response to the disembodied voices within me. "Although you sound pretty confident. So let me break it to you once and for all. You'll not become good in a day." He turned and started walking away with a smug pep on his step. "And remember, give it your best. We can't stay here for long. Supplies are meager, and we must restock. You'll do your part and help me out."

I ground my teeth and tightened my grip, repressing my frustration. "I heard you the first time. Now!" I deepened my stance, delivering a burning sensation to my muscles. Like a shield, my stubbornness secured my unwavering conviction. My gaze bore into Zarek's back while hollering my misplaced confidence. "Prepare to witness why pissing me off is a big mistake. I'm a tough bitch, you see!"

"That's the spirit. After we've dealt with the wraith, maybe we can team up to raid some dungeons around these parts. That's after some training, mind you. This place is not for amateurs."

"You bet I'll be ready, and you will eat your words." My legs trembled as seconds passed, already tired from the effort. "Now, go take your bath." I hoped the bastard wouldn't take his time in the hot spring, as he mentioned earlier.

Once alone, I closed my eyes and listened to the gentle tap of his steps. Once the rhythmic sound disappeared, I started with a simple breathing exercise. Intent on ignoring the burning sensation in my muscles, I pushed through the pain. 

I drew a slow, heated inhale, followed by a refreshing exhale. My mind emptied its concerns as I found calmness. I followed my instincts like a starving child searching for its mother's sweet bounty of affection.

Yes, my lady, our queen, center yourself. Find your inner strength and become strong. We're still weak, but the demon... Its weak cry trailed off for a moment before it continued. Zarek will lead you to greatness. As a brother in life, he'll always be there to help. It's his destiny.

"Who are you?" With my eyes still closed, I answered.

We are your wailing, your cry of power, my lady. The voices that will inspire your army and your followers. We shall guide you, my lady, the first of your kind.

Concern plagued my mind, and an itch for answers surged from the core of my body to my lips. "First of my kind?"

Yes! Destiny predicted your birth and angered the lords. The disembodied voices lingered in my mind in a taunting tone. No lady has yet to rule these parts and let out a wail.

With my curiosity peaked, I pushed my will forward in search of answers. "What do you mean by that? I want to know more..."

Only lords have that ability. But your mother ensured your existence at the expense of her own. Your mother gave up her life for us. She sacrificed her essence to create us—your battle cry. Your homecoming is nigh, and the time to claim your birthright is almost here. But you're too weak... I'm too weak. You ought to become stronger, my lady—strengthen us. The voices fizzled out, leaving me confused as to my purpose here.

I opened my eyes and stared at the lava flow and its slow trek. "Oh, fuck! How am I going to make this work?"

I allowed the words to sink in as I tried to make sense of the voices' message. Then, unease started from the pit of my stomach and bubbled up to my throat. A lump settled in, making it hard for me to breathe. My mind filled with worrying thoughts as the implications of my arrival made sense.

Dark specks of rock danced slowly on the molten rock—the sight was hypnotic. "I understand I ought to grow stronger, but... now I need to pee." My mind betrayed me, and the complaint escaped my lips before I could hold it back. It seemed I had a knack for picking the wrong words when uneasy about a situation.

But I had no choice but to adapt.

Regret immediately followed as I realized I had no choice but to adapt. I took a deep breath as I straightened my legs to cross them to relieve the pressure on my bladder. The attempt became a futile and regrettable attempt at reducing the pressure. I bounce from one foot to the other to no avail.

"Shit! Focus, Kayla, you need to keep it together." I assumed my position. This time, I allowed the sizzling sound of lava to lull my mind as I concentrated. "I better do this or else..." I reconsidered my options. "Is this my new reality?" I took a deep inhale as I emptied my mind.

As time passed, my body complained with the effort of not moving. My arms and legs trembled with the effort. The sweat beaded on my forehead and traveled down my temple. Before long, perspiration covered my entire body, making my grip slippery. It became harder to hold on to my practice sword.

My desire to hurl the stick into the lava increased exponentially each minute. The burning sensation in my limbs became unbearable, and thoughts of giving up plagued my brain. It was too tempting to stop the training and lay on the floor. 

But I would be cheating only myself.

My primary goal was to survive and reunite with my family. I needed to learn about my past and overcome any challenges. My breath came in bursts as I focused on my purpose. Sheer stubbornness propelled me to continue.

I refused to allow myself the luxury of relaxing. A monster wanted me dead set on snuffing the life from my eyes. Thus, I tightened my hold like my life depended on it. "I'll not let you win, you insignificant, motherfucking ghost." 

Out of desperation, I looked for another spot to focus on. Then, a captivating dancing glimmer captivated my eyes. I allowed the bubbly glow to lull me into its mesmerizing spell. 

That's it, my lady! Concentrate and become powerful for us, as we're too weak. But soon...

The lights and shadows danced with each other, embracing and pulling away as if they toyed with each other. But no amount of distraction drew me away from the pain.

"I can't take this any longer. AHHHHH!" 

The cry ripped through my chest as searing pain cut through my weak muscles. My vision tunneled as I refused to give up, but my body could take no more. I screamed some more, trying to find my inner strength, but my arms dropped. 

The loud clattering of the wooden sword hitting the ground reverberated throughout the spacious room. My legs gave in to my complete defeat, and I fell headfirst to the ground. I muster the strength to break my fall with my arms, but they caved in when they hit the floor. 

Gladly, my well-endowed bosoms saved me from a nosediving fall. Instead, I bounced and landed ungracefully cheek-first. The warm sensation of my blood filled my mouth as I groaned in frustration.

"I thought you said, and I quote, 'I'm a tough bitch.' All I see is a pile of shit lying on the floor. What happened, Kayla? All bark, no bite?"

I would have tossed the wooden sword toward Zarek, but had no strength left. Now, my sole means of defense was my sharp tongue. "Shut the fuck up, you jerk! I'll kick your ass right this second." 

"Funny! Says the one who face-planted in the most glorious of ways and has her butt dangling like it was a treat." Zarek's booming laughter echoed through the cave as I tried to move my uncooperative limbs. "What happened? I only left for an hour."

"Damn it, only an hour! Shit, I need to do better."

With a smug smile on full display, Zarek helped me to sit and inspected my face. "You're lucky you only bruised your cheek and ego."

"Ha-ha, you're so hilarious!" I brushed his hand away as I looked down at my chest. "What do I have for tits?! Balloons! I keep bouncing off them."