Chapter 47

The training grounds lay just beyond the forest line—a flat open field surrounded by trees and old stone pillars that gave it the feel of an ancient arena.

The first day, I barely lasted an hour.

Warmups alone left me breathless. Malcor barked orders like a drill sergeant while Aethel gently corrected my posture, balance, and stances.

“You’re leading with your shoulders,” she said, adjusting my ar