Chapter 22
I arrived at training exactly on time the next morning, only to find Eliza had already been there for an hour, performing advanced forms with perfect precision while June observed. Her ponytail swung gracefully as she executed a complicated spinning kick that I'd only mastered last week.
“Ah, Clara,” June said as I approached. “Eliza has been training. She was here before dawn.”
I caught the smug look Eliza shot me behind June's back. This was deliberate undermining, and we both knew it. She'd never been an early riser. This sudden enthusiasm was purely for show.
“Sorry I'm late,” I muttered, though I wasn't late at all. I arrived at exactly 7:00 AM as scheduled.
Dominic, setting up equipment nearby, frowned slightly. He'd noticed the dynamic immediately. He gave me a small
