Talia’s steps were uneven as she entered the training hall.
She had barely slept. Her runes were dim now, but they hadn’t faded. They pulsed under her skin like a second heartbeat, too quiet to ignore, too loud to silence.
Aria stood across from her, already stretching, her hair tied back, eyes unreadable.
Talia stopped at the edge of the mat. “You’re really going to train me after everything?”
Aria rolled her shoulders. “You’re the only other one who knows what it feels like to have your soul pulled in two directions. Might as well teach you how to hit something with that rage.”
Talia smirked, stepping forward. “And here I thought you didn’t like me.”
“I don’t.” Aria paused. “But I understand you.”
They circled each other. Talia moved first—a jab, clumsy but fast. Aria blocked easi
