Pecan's pov
The sun hung low in the sky, its golden rays streaking through the trees as I adjusted my stance in the training yard. Noah circled me, his movements calculated, eyes sharp. Despite his relaxed demeanor, I knew better than to underestimate him.
"Focus, Pecan," Noah called, smirking slightly. "You're telegraphing your punches."
I narrowed my eyes at him, gritting my teeth. "Maybe I'm just lulling you into a false sense of security."
His laugh was deep and genuine, though it grated on my nerves. "Sure, keep telling yourself that."
As I lunged forward, aiming for his side, I caught a flicker of movement out of the corner of my eye. Maya stood a few yards away, her arms crossed, her gaze burning into me like twin flames. I could practically feel the hostility radiating off her, but I forced myself to ignore it. She'd been watching me like that for weeks now, her eyes full of something between disdain and resentment.
