Rhea POV
With the exception of the crackling of candles surrounding the stone walls, the training grounds were hauntingly quiet. Warriors stood in a broad circle, their faces displaying everything from curiosity to laughter, but the majority had a carefully veiled look of contempt.
Kael stepped forward, his presence as dominating as ever, and I swallowed hard, keeping my shoulders square. His silver-blue gaze swept across the gathered fighters before focusing on me.
"This is a test," he stated in a level but acerbic tone. Strength is not innate; it must be acquired in combat. She needs to prove herself if she wants to stay.
The crowd echoed with a murmur. Some people laughed. Others grinned as though this were a mean joke.
Fear made my stomach turn, but I fought the need to show it. I
