-IRIS-
The sky was still a deep bluish gray when I reached the training grounds. Dew clung to the grass, and the air smelled like pine and cold earth. I was practically vibrating with excitement. I was finally learning to fight. Finally doing something.
"Maybe next time we can break Tyra's nose," Chiara snickered inside my head.
Mark was going to talk to her later today. Tell her to back off and move on.
Finally, but right then, I didn’t care. My mind was too wrapped up in what was coming.
I bounced on my toes, stretching my arms, warming up the way I’d seen the warriors do. My breath puffed in little clouds. I felt… hopeful. Ready.
Mark showed up ten minutes later, jogging toward me with sleep‑mussed hair and a half‑awake scowl.
"Morning, princess," he said, voice rough. He brushed
