Emma's POV
The classes were grueling. Every hour seemed to stretch into eternity, each new move more complex than the last. My muscles ached, and sweat poured down my face.
I could feel everyone's eyes on me, judging and laughing at my awkward attempts to wield a sword. I’d never been an athletic person. Gym classes in high school had been torture; anything remotely physical was a disaster waiting to happen. And self-defense? Not a chance. I’d never even tried, and now, here I was, being trained for what might be my last battle. It felt like the world was playing a cruel joke on me.
Master Ugalo’s voice was rather loud as he spoke. “Remember, Emma,” he said, his tone stern, “fighting is a part of every human being. Whether it’s physical or emotional, we all fight in one way or another
