The training yard was cold and freezing. Aria took her place at the far end.
The warriors were already paired off, their staffs cracking against each other in the morning air. Nyssa was stretching near the equipment rack. But today would be different, Aria would not be sparring with her with them at all.”
Rowan stood before her, his arms crossed, his golden eyes calm. "You're pregnant and your body is changing. Brute force is no longer your advantage."
"Then what is?"
"Strategy." He gestured toward the training yard. "You've spent months learning how to fight. Now you're going to learn how to think, positioning and time. How to use an opponent's strength against them.“
Aria pressed her palm against her stomach. It was still flat, but she felt it now, a constant, quiet presence. "I don
