The soft hum of the air in the training room was deceptive, a calm before a storm Olivia didn’t know was coming. The padded floor beneath her feet muffled her movements as she circled Ethan, her breathing measured, her focus intense. The session was supposed to be routine—a series of defensive maneuvers, honing her instincts. Lisa leaned against the far wall, a stopwatch in one hand, her analytical gaze tracking every shift in Olivia’s posture.
“Keep your center of gravity lower,” Lisa called out, her voice even but firm. “You’re leaving yourself open when you pivot.”
Olivia adjusted, lowering her stance, her gaze locked on Ethan. His movements were fluid, his expression unreadable, the perfect poker face masking whatever strategy he was about to unleash. She darted to the left, feinting
