Rose garden

Sweat dripped down my brow as I squared off against Lilith, my sword feeling heavier with each swing. We had been at it for hours, but my mind wasn't in it. Every parry and thrust felt sluggish, and Lilith had no mercy in exploiting my weaknesses. 

"Focus, Aurelia," she barked, her voice sharp and commanding. She moved with the grace and precision of a predator, her sword a blur as she struck. 

I barely managed to deflect her attack, stumbling backward. My mind kept wandering back to Lydia, to the pain of our separation, to the sight of her at the castle. It was impossible to concentrate.

"Pathetic," Lilith spat, knocking my sword out of my hand with a swift motion. She glared at me, her eyes burning with disappointment. "You are weak today. What is wrong with you?"

I clenched my fists, anger boiling inside me. "Nothing," I lied, avoiding her gaze.