Chapter 352: Steel, Instinct, and the Space Between
Morning settled over the training grounds like a held breath.
Frost clung to the packed earth, crunching softly beneath boots as trainees gathered in loose clusters, steam rising from their mouths as they stretched, adjusted armor, and checked weapons. The air smelled of iron, pine, and old sweat—the familiar scent of discipline and expectation.
Sophia stood beside Orion near the edge of the grounds, her cloak already shed, her sleeves rolled back. Twin short swords rested crossed at her hips, their familiar weight grounding her. Daggers sat snug at her thighs, hidden but ready—gifts from Orion. She flexed her fingers once, feeling the quiet hum of her own awareness settle into place.
Orion turned to Sophia. They should be getting started with training, but she didn't even look remotely ready—well, except for the fact that she had removed her cloak.
But Orion would soon come to understand why.
