Ella
The rest of the day dragged on, and by the time the sun dipped below the horizon, I was drained. My encounter with Aidan left me tense, his words replaying in my mind.
Respect. He had no idea what that word even meant.
After dinner, I headed to the training hall for evening drills. It was mandatory, and despite the fatigue in my muscles, I welcomed the distraction. At least here, I could focus on something other than Aidan’s smug face.
The room was already bustling with movement when I arrived. Punching bags swung violently, and the sound of fists striking pads echoed in the air. I found an empty corner and started wrapping my hands, hoping to go unnoticed.
But, of course, that was wishful thinking.
“Late again, Nuel?” Nikolai’s voice cut through the noise like a blade
