Chapter 18
Elara’s POV
The clang of steel rang through the training yard, echoing across the high stone walls of the palace. Sweat plastered my hair to my temples, the thin strands sticking to my face as I ducked beneath the sweeping strike of Captain Selene’s practice blade. Her expression was calm, almost disinterested, but her movements were precise and merciless, each one forcing me to think faster, react quicker.
“Again,” she commanded as I stumbled back, narrowly avoiding another strike. “Your shoulders tense before you move. Anyone watching can read you as if you were shouting your intent.”
I bit back a retort, forcing my jaw to unclench as I steadied my stance. “I’m trying,” I muttered.
“Trying gets you killed.”
Her blunt words cut sharper than the blade itself. I lifted my w
