Cecelia took a deep breath, gathering her resolve before speaking.
"I... I want you to train me. Please teach me how to fight."
The request hung in the air delicately, threatening to snap under the weight of silence.
Blaine stood motionless, his auburn hair catching the dim torchlight, casting faint shadows across his sharp features.
Blaine emotionlessly blinked his aquamarine eyes several times, and just when it looked like he was about to move his head to nod… He shook it instead.
Cecelia's heart plummeted.
After all her mental preparation and mustering every ounce of courage, she was met with rejection.
Her fingers clenched into tight fists as she struggled to maintain her composure.
"Why?" she questioned, her face laden with confusion. "Is there a reason you won't train me?"
Blaine gave a simple nod.
Cecelia bit her lip as her chest tightened.