[Lavinia's POV — Black Wall Fortress Training Grounds—Midnight]
The wind cut sharper now.
Not because it was colder. Because something in the air had changed.
Sir Haldor stood across from me, breath steady despite the cold, despite the sweat beading down his chest. His sword lowered, but only slightly—like he wasn't sure whether to bow or keep fighting shadows.
I swallowed once, clearing the sudden tightness in my throat.
"So," I finally said, trying for casual but horribly aware of how silent the fortress was at this hour, "this is what you do every night? Freeze yourself half to death for fun?"
Haldor blinked once.
"I must remain vigilant, Your Highness," he said. "Enemy territory demands full discipline."
"Discipline," I repeated slowly. "Lovely word. Terrible for the bloodstream at midnight."
His lips twitched. Barely noticeable. But it was there.
The silence stretched—warm this time, not sharp. I exhaled and gestured lightly toward his sword. "Show me."
