A Lesson In Defeat

The training hall had fallen into complete silence. The two sisters stood twenty feet apart, their weapons held in battle-ready positions. Khione gripped her training spear tightly, her azure eyes locked on Selene, who stood poised with her wooden sword, a confident smirk on her face.

The air between them felt charged, the anticipation of the duel building with every passing second.

"Are you ready, little sister?" Selene asked, her voice calm yet teasing.

Khione's lips twitched into a determined smile. "I've been ready."

For a brief moment, neither of them moved. Then, as if by some unspoken signal, they both lunged forward.

The clash of wood against wood echoed through the training hall as their weapons collided. Selene's strikes came fast and precise, her sword moving in a blur. Khione countered with quick parries, using the staff of her spear to block and deflect each attack.

Selene pressed in close, her sword aiming for swift, decisive blows. Khione gritted her teeth as she adjusted her stance, using the length of her spear to keep some distance. The staff became her shield, spinning and twirling to intercept Selene's relentless strikes.

"You've improved," Selene said mid-swing, her voice steady despite the effort.

"Thanks," Khione replied between breaths, her focus unwavering. "But I'm not done yet."

Their movements became a dance, each strike met with a counter, each step calculated. The morning light streaming through the windows caught the sheen of sweat on their faces, the sound of their sparring filling the vast hall.

But as the fight dragged on, Khione began to feel the strain. Selene's attacks were relentless, and though she had trained to use her spear effectively in close quarters, it was clear her older sister was still a step ahead.

Khione's arms burned with exertion as she blocked another strike, the force of the blow pushing her back a step. Her breath came in shorter bursts, and she realized she was slowly losing ground.

Selene's smirk widened, sensing her sister's growing fatigue. "What's wrong? Don't tell me you're giving up already."

Khione didn't reply, instead refocusing on her defense. But Selene's skill was undeniable. She moved with the grace of a seasoned warrior, her strikes precise and unyielding.

And then it happened.

Khione hesitated for just a fraction of a second—long enough for Selene to exploit an opening. With a swift, calculated movement, Selene knocked the spear from Khione's grasp and swept her legs out from under her.

Khione hit the ground with a soft thud, her breath escaping her in a surprised gasp. Before she could recover, the tip of Selene's wooden sword was pointed at her throat.

"You've lost," Selene said simply, her voice laced with both triumph and affection.

Khione stared up at her sister, her cheeks puffing out in a mock pout. "You don't have to sound so smug about it."

Selene laughed, lowering her sword and extending a hand to help Khione up. "Come on, don't sulk. You did well."

Khione accepted the hand and stood, brushing off her clothes. "I almost had you," she muttered.

Selene raised an eyebrow. "Almost?"

"Well, I—"

"Don't even try," Selene interrupted, shaking her head with a grin. "But seriously, you're improving. I can see it in the way you move. You're not far off from becoming a real threat."

Khione's pout gave way to a small smile. "You think so?"

"I know so."

Selene walked over to the weapon rack, placing the wooden sword back in its place. "But you still have a lot to learn. You've got the potential, Khione, but you need refinement. That's why the imperial academy will be perfect for you."

Khione followed her sister, tilting her head slightly. "The imperial academy?"

Selene nodded, turning to face her. "It's where Cedric and I honed our skills. It's not just about physical combat—it's where you'll truly master your magic. You'll be trained by the best instructors in the empire."

The mention of the academy stirred something in Khione. She had heard countless stories from her siblings about their time there—stories of rigorous training, intense duels, and the bonds forged with other noble scions.

"But I still have a year before I go," Khione said, her tone almost wistful.

Selene placed a hand on her shoulder. "Exactly. That means you have a year to prepare. When you get there, you'll be competing against the best. Don't waste this time, Khione. Train hard, and when the time comes, you'll show everyone what the youngest Briston is capable of."

Khione looked up at her sister, her determination reigniting. "I will. I'll make sure I'm ready."

Selene smiled, her pride in her younger sister evident. "That's the spirit. Now, why don't we go cool off? You've earned a break."

As the two sisters left the training hall, the sunlight catching their matching smiles, Khione's mind was already racing with thoughts of the future. The academy was still a year away, but she would be ready. She would make sure of it.