Ronan’s POV
The training grounds were nearly empty. Just a few warriors still practicing as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the dirt. My knuckles were bruised, my shirt clung to my back with sweat, and my muscles burned with exhaustion. Still, it wasn’t enough to clear my head. I landed one more punch into the training dummy, watching the way it swayed from the force.
"That thing didn’t insult you, brother."
I didn’t have to turn to know it was Elias. His voice always carried that edge of sarcasm that grated on my nerves.
"I needed to hit something."
He walked closer, tossing me a water bottle. I caught it without a word.
"You’ve been out here for hours. Trying to forget about her?"
I didn’t respond.
Elias exhaled and leaned against the fence, his blue
