Fiona - POV
Left behind on the training ground, I gripped the new sword tightly, trying to adjust to its weight. It felt slightly off in my hands, making my movements slower than I’d like. I couldn’t afford to let this slow me down—the competition I was about to enter wasn’t for amateurs. My opponents would be skilled not only with swords but also with animal magic. I reminded myself that I’d been training for this moment for a year, honing my powers and techniques. I wasn’t going into this unprepared.
From the corner of my eye, I noticed Emma walking with Alpha Luke, their conversation private. I was about to return my focus to the sword when I heard a voice—a familiar one. Eric.
Eric had joined Emma and Alpha Luke earlier, but now he was approaching me. My heart skipped a beat. Eric w
