Crafting

Huff…

After the Bloody Emblem finished its work, knitting the shallow cut on my arm back together with its steady, warm pulse, I let out a long, weary breath.

The training field was quiet now, the last traces of twilight fading into a deep, inky night.

I sheathed my Odachi, feeling the ache in my muscles settle in.

"It's finally over…"

With a final glance at the empty field, I turned and trudged back toward the dorms.

The walk was uneventful, the cool night air brushing against my skin, soothing the lingering heat of the fight. My boots scuffed against the cobblestone path, the sound echoing faintly in the stillness.

"..."

My mind churned, replaying every moment of that spar with Aveline. I'd closed the distance, forced her to back off, even if only for a heartbeat. That was progress. A small victory.

But it wasn't enough, not nearly enough. Her speed, her precision, that unshakable calm…