Fiore’s chest burned with every breath as she took the steps up the stone staircase. The stairs loomed ahead like an unending punishment, stretching impossibly high until they disappeared into the mist at the top. Each step felt heavier than the last, her muscles screaming in protest as her legs struggled to carry her upwards. Her lungs were working overtime, pulling in the thin mountain air, yet it never felt like enough.
Ahead of her, Flora moved like the stairs were nothing—quick, light on her feet, a blur of confidence and ease. She was already halfway up, her movements fluid, barely breaking a sweat, while Fiore felt like each step was chipping away at her willpower. How does she make everything look so effortless? Fiore gritted her teeth, refusing to let that smug smirk Flora had t
