KILLIAN
I wiped the back of my hand across my forehead, smearing sweat that was already dripping into my eyes. The training grounds were empty except for Rowan and me. My muscles burned from the hours we’d already spent sparring, but Rowan wasn’t showing any signs of slowing down. He never did.
“You know,” he said between breaths, his blade shifting in his hand as he tested my stance, “Your mother called me yesterday.”
I smirked, not taking my eyes off him. “Is that supposed to distract me, or are you hoping I’ll care enough to lower my guard?”
“Neither,” he shot back, feinting left before swinging right. I caught his blade against mine with a clang, forcing him back a step. His grin was tight but mischievous. “She called to complain about you.”
“Of course she did,” I muttered. “What
