Chapter 6 · Steal the Starlight - Chapter 6: Fake Fight, Real Bruises

“Move, Noelle.” Wren’s boot hooked behind my ankle and sent me down hard.

My shoulder hit the padded floor. Pain shot up my neck. Somewhere above me, a camera lens clicked into focus.

“Seriously?” I snapped. “You couldn’t warn me first?”

“If I warn you, the viewers see the move coming.” Wren stood over me in her silver combat jacket, one hand raised, glowing white around the fingers. “Get up.”

“Try asking nicely.”

“Get. Up.”

I pushed off the floor and swung for her ribs.

Wren caught my wrist before I could touch her. Her grip was warm and annoyingly steady. She twisted just enough to make my knees bend.

“Your left side is open,” she said through clenched teeth. Her smile stayed bright for the camera. “You keep leaving it open.”

“Maybe I want you to hit it.”

“Don’t tempt me.”

“Are we flirting now, Starr?”

Her eyes flashed. “I’m breaking your arm for the audience.”

“Same tone.”

The camera drone floated closer. A red light blinked above its lens.

Wren shoved me backward. I let my boots skid across the mat, then threw a black shard from my palm.