Anana stood in her room. The ache in her muscles was unbearable. She slowly slid the ceremonial dress off her shoulders, every movement a reminder of the brutal training she had endured. Her fingers trembled as she reached for a clean training outfit.
She caught her reflection in the mirror. Her body ached, her eyes were rimmed with fatigue, but something in her gaze still burned. Curling her fingers into fists, she whispered to herself, "You can do it."
Moments later, she arrived at the training ground.
Ira stood with her arms crossed, waiting. Her sharp eyes flicked to Anana. "You're a few minutes late."
Anana swallowed, then replied, "Just two minutes."
Ira said nothing at first. Her sharp eyes locked on Anana and for a moment that felt like a heartbeat.
She finally spoke, though
