Willow.
I stood at the edge of the clearing with my arms crossed and face blank watching the finalists spar one after the other in the open training field. The sun had risen fully now casting long shadows that danced with every jab and spin the warriors made.
Their grunts, the clash of dull bladea and the scent of sweat and dust should’ve felt familiar. I mean I’ve been here countless times. This place used to feel like a game and a playground.
Back when my family was still alive, whenever I decided to spend time at the Institute it was mostly to entertain myself. I didn’t train recruits and I didn’t bother with drills or waste my time shouting instructions. I picked someone, usually the most eager and harmless looking warrior I could find and made them my shadow and then coasted th
