Rayna POV
The cold sinks into my bones.
Frost still clings to the edges of the field, the last breath of night lingering in the trees. But Damon’s already there - shirtless, blade in hand, every inch of him carved from stone and stormclouds. The morning light gilds the scars on his back like old war stories.
He doesn’t look at me right away. Just says, “You’re late.”
“I didn’t realize I was on a schedule.”
“You’re not,” he says, turning finally. “But I am.”
His eyes rake down my body - quick, sharp, and too aware for someone who supposedly doesn’t want me. I cross my arms, biting back the flush that creeps up my neck.
“You said we’d train.”
“We will.” He tosses me a wooden blade without moving closer. “Let’s just get something clear first.”
I catch it. “Of course. Rules. Your favo
