Chapter 145. Doing Better

Darco circled me slowly, his presence a shadow that loomed large over my trembling confidence. He stopped just behind me, his voice dropping into a low, controlled tone. “Relax. Drop your shoulders. Tension is your enemy, Rue. If your body is stiff, it can't react.” 

I tried to listen; to follow his instructions, taking a deep breath to loosen the tightness in my posture. But it was not as easy. My hands unclean, my knees bent slightly, and I attempted the movements again. 

It felt better this time, at least that was what I thought. It felt less robotic, though I still stumbled through the motions. 

Darco sighed, stepping in front of me again. “Better, but you’re still thinking too much. Stop trying to be perfect. Let instinct take over. Now, again.” 

Try not to be perfect? That was close to impossible. I was a perfectionist. I wanted to do everything perfectly and wanted my life to be perfect, but the irony was that I was very far from that.&nbs