ARIANA
It was early morning when I woke up, and the first thing I thought about was training. My arms felt sore from yesterday, but I rolled out of bed anyway and slipped into my practice clothes. I needed to feel strong.
I walked down the hallway, my slippers making soft noises on the stone floor. The castle was quiet; everyone else was still sleeping. I liked it that way. No one watching me, no one judging. Just me and my thoughts.
When I reached the training yard, the air was cool against my skin. The sun was barely up, painting the sky in pale pink. I found Gabriel already there, practicing his sword swings. He moved like water—smooth and strong. Every time he shifted his weight, the wooden dummy beneath him shuddered.
I tapped his shoulder. “Morning,” I said softly.
He turned an
