Aria’s POV)
The training yard looked bigger when you weren’t just watching from the sidelines.
The ring of packed dirt stretched wide, wooden posts marking the sparring space, and practice weapons lined neatly against the fence. Warriors moved in pairs across the yard, sparring, running drills, or just beating the life out of straw dummies. The thud of fists and clash of wooden blades filled the air like a battle song.
And in the middle of it all—my brother, Elias.
He twirled his practice sword in a flashy circle, sweat dripping down his forehead, his grin far too smug for my liking. He looked exactly like someone I’d regret asking for help.
I squared my shoulders anyway. “Alright. I’m ready.”
Elias arched an eyebrow. “Ready? To trip over your own two feet?”
“Ready to punch you in t
