The morning sun filtered through thin clouds, casting a pale golden glow over the Rivera estate’s training grounds. A light breeze carried the faint scent of dew-soaked grass and distant roses from the garden. Inside the training hall, Amara tightened the wraps around her hands, feeling the coarse fabric press against her knuckles. She had barely slept last night; thoughts of Luke and Lila’s kiss had circled endlessly in her mind. But today, she was determined to focus.
Lila was already there, stretching near the mirrored wall. Her movements were sharp and precise, the lines of her body controlled and graceful. She looked the same as always, disciplined, unreadable. Yet Amara wondered if she too had lain awake thinking of yesterday’s scene.
“Ready?” Lila asked without turning, her voice
