Briar
Reality came crashing back, and I quickly scrambled out from under him, my face burning. "I... that was... good fight," I stammered, unable to meet his eyes.
Damian cleared his throat, looking almost as flustered as I felt. "Right. Yes. Good... good job, Briar. You're improving."
An awkward silence fell between us as we both tried to regain our composure. Around us, the other sparring matches were wrapping up, trainees comparing bruises and laughing about near-misses.
"Alright, everyone," Damian called out, his voice steady once more. "That's enough for today. Hit the showers and get some rest. We'll pick up again next week."
As everyone dispersed, I found myself watching Damian's retreating back.
What was his game? He was different today. He hadn't singled me out or tried to h
