Chapter 10:Hayeon

"Run!" Shavon yelled.

I coughed, my lungs burning as I pushed myself harder through the snow. Each step was a struggle, my boots catching in the thick drifts. The mountain loomed above me, its peak mocking my every effort. Could I really do this?

"Are you going to stare at it all day? Let's go!" Shavon's voice boomed, echoing down the slope and carrying all the way to the base.

I rubbed my hands together, trying to warm my numb fingers, and stared up at the towering cliff. For two weeks, my days had been relentless.

I woke up at 5 a.m. every morning to study math, history, and foreign languages. At 8 a.m., I ate a meticulously portioned breakfast, then trained with different weapons for an hour. Afterward, I practiced psychological tactics and sparred with others. By 2 p.m., it was time to work with Shavon.

Shavon pushed me to my limits. Five miles through the snow. Climbing this unforgiving mountain. Every day, I failed to reach the top. But today was different. Today, I vowed I would make it.

Each attempt, I got a little further before getting stuck and having to climb back down. Shavon wouldn't let me see Revien until I succeeded. That thought alone fueled me as I grabbed onto the next pillar of ice.

My hand slipped.

I gasped, flailing for a moment before catching myself. My feet scrambled for purchase, my breath hitching in my throat.

"Don't look down," I whispered to myself, squeezing my eyes shut.

I took a deep breath, clenching my jaw as I steadied my footing. The wind bit at my face, howling as if trying to push me off the mountain.

"I won't fail again," I muttered, determination tightening my grip.

I reached for another icy ledge, then another. Slowly but surely, I inched my way to the top. My muscles screamed in protest, and every breath felt like fire. But then—finally—I hauled myself over the ledge, collapsing onto solid ground.

"I did it," I croaked, my voice hoarse.

Shavon stood over me, nodding once. "Next test."

His calm, matter-of-fact tone irritated me, but I was too exhausted to argue. He turned and walked back inside the mountain base.

"I can see Revien now," I whispered to myself, a small smile tugging at my lips.

I stumbled inside, the warm air wrapping around me like a comforting blanket. My body trembled from the sudden change in temperature, and a maid handed me a thick blanket.

I had twenty minutes for lunch. Barely enough time.

I hurried to the cafeteria, grabbing a quick plate of food before rushing to the training room. Some of the other trainees greeted me as I passed.

"Skylar!" I called out, spotting him near the corner.

Skylar, one of the men I often sparred with, was always friendly. At twenty years old, he had been here since he was sixteen.

"Have you seen Azail?" I asked, almost out of breath.

Skylar grinned. "Not since earlier, but he's probably in his room."

"Thanks," I said, already rushing down the hall.

I checked my watch—ten minutes left. Shavon was strict about time, and I couldn't risk being late.

Stopping in front of Revien's door, I quickly patted down my clothes, hoping I didn't look too disheveled. I knocked softly, waiting.

The door opened, and Revien's irritated voice greeted me. "I said I didn't want to be disturbed."

I frowned at his tone, but his expression softened the moment he saw me.

"Hayeon?" he stuttered, his eyes locking onto mine. "I thought Shavon said you weren't allowed to see me."

I smiled brightly, rocking on my heels. "I passed his first test," I chirped.

Revien's lips twitched, almost forming a smile. He shoved his hands into his pockets. "Really?"

I nodded, glancing at my watch again. "I just wanted to tell you I can see you now. Shavon wouldn't let me until I passed the first test. That's all—I've gotta go!"

Without waiting for a response, I darted off, heading back to the training room.

When I entered, I froze. Shavon was there, but he wasn't alone. Mikhail Ra'Gual, one of the senior assassins, stood beside him.

"Hayeon," Mikhail greeted, his voice deep and commanding.

I hesitated, looking between him and Shavon.

"Every trainee goes through this," Shavon explained, his tone unusually neutral.

"You completed your first test almost in record time," Mikhail said with a smile. "It usually takes three weeks."

"So, you're here to give me my next test," I guessed, trying to steady my nerves.

"Smart girl," Mikhail replied.

He stepped forward, his presence imposing. "We need to see what you've truly learned. You've trained with grown men and women. You've learned to use your brain and your tools. Now, I want to test your abilities."

I watched as he removed his robe, revealing his muscular frame. My heart raced as I realized what was about to happen.

Shavon nudged his head toward the wall of weapons.

I walked cautiously to the corner, scanning the array of blades, daggers, and other tools. Sparring against larger opponents had taught me that my smaller size was an advantage. Speed and precision were my strengths.

Behind me, Mikhail grabbed a pair of twin swords, twirling them effortlessly.

"Just so you know," he said, his voice calm but firm, "I won't go easy on you just because you're a child."

I clenched my jaw, turning to face him. Grabbing a single sword, I glared up at him.

"I didn't think you would," I said, my voice steady.

Mikhail grinned, a dark gleam in his eyes, and stepped onto the mat.

I followed, keeping a safe distance between us.

"Go ahead, little one," he taunted.

I frowned at the nickname, my body tensing as I dropped into a defensive stance.

Mikhail swung his swords in a blur of motion, the air whistling as they cut through it.

"Defensive already?" he mocked, his grin widening. "I prefer the offensive. Let's begin!"