stood in the shadows, pretending to deliver water like any other maid while staying close to

smear of blood staining his lip. The pack's lead tr

st, but wild. Strong, but unfocused. He fought like someone who fea

feel it under his skin like lightning before

w how to wake it. N

the trainer barked. "You he

next hit was still lacking. He was holding back. Foolish boy. I

ed to be here" one of

l ignor

ping his face with a tattered cloth. His shoulders slumped not j

ooden cup of water beside him. He didn't even look up

ng out of line. But I couldn't stop

me, meeting mine for the

e of someone who understood far more than she should.

nty. The silence stretched between us like a ta

aid quietly. The words felt heavier than I intende

escaping his throat. "What

just a

tand that I knew what it felt like to be forced into hiding

he southern cliff by moonrise.

s wary, then curious.

you're not going to survive this path if you keep fighting

u?" he aske

n find out

bound by fate, each carrying secre

es. But he didn

ng to be dan

in, but I barely felt it. My mind was elsewhere. I closed my eyes, whispering the ancient chants I had been

y expression was calm, betraying none

a dangerous journey

owled around me like a restless spirit, tugging at the edges of my stolen cloak. I stood barefoot on the

tongue. Words I wasn't supposed to remember let alone whisper. But

steps long befor

itant. Bu

a

urn around to know he was studying me, trying to ma

d, my voice calm,

e someone who wasted

with sweat from earlier. The cut on his lip had dri

fensive. "I've trained, sure. But not li

lied easily. "But

there's a lot you're not saying

se th

ael. You have power that would make even seasoned fighter

nd what's wrong

ircling him slowly, "un

lders st

us before breaking it with a whisper.

" he muttered. "I do

dead in the eye. "Then learn to c

ze. "And you'

u. But this wo

lmost too qu

struck-lightning fast, a precise jab to

hell?" h

"Never trust your opponent-

but strai

n," I

lun

. Pred

moke, tapping his shoulder

're not one. Not entirely. Stop clinging to t

flashing in his eyes.

"Someone who sto

moment, the air between us shifted-charged,

" I whi

he didn't

he real train