I stood in front of the training grounds, my chest rising and falling with each controlled breath. My body ached, but it was nothing compared to the fire that burned within me. For too long, I had allowed others to define my worth. Magnus’s rejection, Elias’s overwhelming protection, and the turmoil of our conflicting emotions—it was all too much.
But now, I refuse to let anyone dictate my future.
The clang of swords and the grunts of warriors training echoed around me, but I was focused on my own battle—one that raged within.
“You’re pushing yourself too hard,” Elias’s voice broke through the air like a cold gust of wind. I didn’t need to turn around to know he was watching. I could feel his presence—watchful, intense, but distant. Always distant.
“I’m not stopping,” I replied, liftin
