The academy's stone walls loomed tall and imposing, casting long shadows as the sun dipped below the horizon. Behind the trainees' quarters, nestled in a secluded corner, stood an ancient tree. Its gnarled branches stretched wide, leaves whispering secrets to those who sought solace beneath its canopy. This hidden sanctuary, concealed from prying eyes, had become Rai's refuge—a place where she could shed her facade and confront the turmoil within.
That evening, the weight of the day's events pressed heavily upon her. The confrontation with the trainer had left her body battered and her spirit frayed. Each step toward the tree was laborious, her muscles protesting, but the need for solitude propelled her forward. Reaching the familiar spot, she sank to the ground, the cool grass a stark co
