Elena's POV.
As we walked out of the classroom, I felt a mix of emotions: relief that the tense class was over, gratitude towards Mercy for standing up for me, and excitement for the training session ahead.
"Thanks," I whispered to Mercy, squeezing her hand.
She smiled and nudged my shoulder. "It's nothing, really. You know I've got your back."
I shook my head, feeling a lump form in my throat. "It means a lot, Mercy. You're a true friend.”
We stepped out of the classroom, hand in hand, and made our way to the training grounds. The news had spread like wildfire: Derek was now our combat professor.
I couldn't wait to see him again, to learn from him and train with him.
As we approached the training grounds, I saw Derek standing there, his eyes scanning the area with an intensity tha
