Chapter Nine
The First Lesson
The following morning, Aveline arrived at the training grounds ten minutes early.
Not because Alpha Celeste had instructed her to.
Because she had spent her entire life learning that arriving exactly on time usually meant arriving too late.
She stood quietly near the edge of the field, hands folded in front of her, watching warriors begin their morning drills.
Some practiced with swords.
Others with bows.
Several sparred hand-to-hand while instructors shouted corrections.
Every movement had purpose.
Every correction was given calmly.
No one was screamed at.
No one was humiliated.
Mistakes were simply...
Corrected.
The concept fascinated her.
"You came early."
Aveline turned.
Celeste approached carrying two wooden practice swords.
"I wasn't s
