The next morning’s sun barely crept over the horizon when the whistle blew, signaling the beginning of the day’s physical endurance training.
“Your first challenge is a long-distance run,” Captain Kade’s boomed voice echoed across the group. “Carry the weighed packs across the terrain. If you can’t keep up, you don’t belong here.” His sharp black eyes scanned them all, daring anyone to complain.
Leah adjusted the weighted pack strapped tightly to her back. It was heavier than anything she’d carried before, and the uneven terrain of rocks, hills, and patches of loose soil promised a grueling experience. Most of the army troops around her looked unfazed.
Her heart sank slightly as she noticed Sath walking down the line of recruits, slowly observing them. Clad in his usual black, his pier
