The morning sun streamed through the window of Scarlett’s dorm room, casting a golden glow across the sparse furnishings. It had been only a few days since her arrival at the military academy, but it felt like weeks. The days were a blur of rigorous training, strict schedules, and endless drills, leaving her little time to think, let alone reflect.
Her body ached from the previous day’s training, but the ache was satisfying in a way she hadn’t expected. It was proof that she was pushing herself, breaking through limits she hadn’t known existed.
Still, a gnawing doubt lingered at the back of her mind. Would she really be able to keep up with the other cadets? They all seemed so confident, so prepared for this life. And then there was Ethan—always watching, always judging.
Scarlett sat up
