Few days later -
The sun filtered weakly through the trees as Lyra stood in the training field, sweat clinging to her skin. Her limbs ached, but she didn’t mind. It felt good to move again after days of being bedridden. Xander was nearby, sparring with someone, though he kept glancing her way.
“You sure you’re ready to be back?” he asked, walking over during a break, tossing her a water bottle.
“I wouldn’t be here if I wasn’t,” she replied, taking a sip, eyes avoiding his.
Xander tilted his head. “Didn’t say you weren’t. Just checking.”
She gave a tight nod, but before she could say more, Kyson’s voice cut through the air.
“Lyra. Focus.”
She turned, surprised by the sharpness in his tone. He wasn’t yelling, but his eyes were cold.
“I am,” she said.
“You were talking. You’re not h
