FREYA
Training days always felt a little tense. Though I’d grown used to being watched every time I set foot on the training grounds, it felt different today—or maybe it was just me feeling too conscious.
The others trained in clusters... loud laughter, grunts, and the rhythmic clash of steel filled the yard. I was focused on my own routine, keeping my strikes controlled. I didn’t want attention. I’d had enough of that lately.
So when I noticed someone standing just a few feet away, watching me with folded arms, I already felt my guard rise.
It was Anna, Selene’s friend.
I slowed my movements, wiped the sweat from my neck, and fixed her with a look that made my warning clear before I even said a word.
“Can I help you?”
Her lips curved into a small, too-smooth smile. “Actually, yes.
