Liam’s POV
The morning air was cold, but not sharp, just enough to wake my senses. I arrived at the training grounds just as the sun was stretching over the horizon. I wasn’t expecting anyone else to be there yet. I liked the silence before the day truly began. It helped me think.
But today, I wasn’t alone.
There she was.
Leila stood in the middle of the clearing, stretching out her arms, her face slightly pink from the chill and the effort. Her hair was tied up in a way that made her look both fierce and innocent at the same time. For a second, I just watched her. Quiet. Still.
She noticed me and froze for a heartbeat before nodding.
“Morning,” she said, her voice soft but steady.
I cleared my throat. “You’re early.”
“I couldn’t sleep,” she replied, her eyes lowering to her shoes.
