Elara’s POV
The royal training ring was carved directly into the icy bedrock of the Northern mountains, a massive circular arena open to the swirling, biting snow.
I stood in the center of the ring, my breath pluming in the freezing air. I wasn't wearing my heavy velvet gowns today. I wore tight, reinforced black leather pants and a fitted tunic that allowed me to move without restriction. My dark hair was pulled back tightly into a high braid.
Across the ring stood Valerius.
He had stripped off his heavy furs, leaving only his dark trousers and a sleeveless combat shirt that clung to every lethal ridge of his muscular chest and thick arms. Even perfectly still, the Devil of the North radiated an aura of pure, unadulterated violence.
"You are hesitating, Elara," Valerius called out, h
