Another week without Phantom. Silence stretches, taut and merciless. My phone glows each time I glance at it, a reminder of what isn’t there. His last words—I’m done—still cut sharper than any blade.
Days blur. Saturday dissolves into Sunday, then into a haze of mornings that all look the same. I rise before dawn, head to Phantom’s estate, and train with Kelsa. Vahlia called just after the fight, insisting I was still welcome to train on their property. Phantom’s mother, ever the saint, postponed my exit test, saving me from Canum’s wrath. Mercy wrapped in silk. Phantom doesn’t know. Or maybe he does, and doesn’t care.
Kelsa drills me until my muscles scream. She doesn’t hide her disdain, but her methods are ruthless yet effective. I’ve gained speed, sharpened instinct, and mastered su
