Saturday morning crept in with golden rays seeping through the curtains, painting streaks across Jayden's bare chest. His breath came in slow and steady, the rhythm of someone who'd already run a few miles before most people even opened their eyes.
His feet hit the pavement in a blur of motion as he jogged back from the park, sweat glistening across his body like a warrior fresh from training. His muscles burned in a way that told him he was alive. But also, that he was… stuck.
The past day had been frustrating. He'd spent hours trying to refine his Strength Mastery—lifting heavy stones, using mental focus, practicing control. And still, nothing. The force felt dormant, out of reach. Like trying to grip smoke. He wasn't weak, no, but he wasn't where he needed to be either.
