A Test of Strength

The morning sun cast long shadows over the training ground as Arianne gripped her sword, her palms slick with sweat. The past few weeks had been grueling, but she had refused to break. She had endured every hardship without complaint, pushing herself beyond her limits.

But today was different. Today, the recruits would face their first true test.

General Rian Dorne stood at the front of the assembled soldiers, his expression unreadable. His gaze swept over them, lingering for a moment on Arianne before he spoke.

"You have trained hard, but training alone does not make a warrior," he said, his voice commanding. "Today, you will spar against each other. This will not be a demonstration. This is a fight. Prove you have the strength to be here, or leave."

Murmurs rippled through the ranks. The recruits had expected a test, but the weight of his words made it clear—failure was not an option.

Arianne stole a glance at Kael, who grinned, completely unbothered. "This should be fun," he whispered.

She wished she shared his confidence.

Rian continued, "You will fight until I say stop. Do not hold back."

One by one, the recruits were paired off. Arianne's heart pounded as names were called.

And then—

"Ari," Rian's voice rang out. "You will fight with Gareth."

Arianne's stomach dropped. Gareth was one of the largest recruits, a seasoned fighter with years of experience as a mercenary before joining the army. He towered over her, muscles rippling beneath his armor.

Kael stiffened beside her. "That's unfair," he muttered.

But fairness had no place on the battlefield.

Arianne took a deep breath and stepped forward. Gareth smirked, rolling his shoulders as he swung his sword with ease.

"Try to keep up, little one," he taunted.

Arianne didn't respond. She tightened her grip on her sword and steadied her stance, remembering everything she had learned.

Rian raised a hand. "Begin."

Gareth moved first, fast despite his size. Arianne barely managed to sidestep as his sword slashed through the air, narrowly missing her shoulder. The force of his swing sent dust flying, but she didn't have time to react before he came at her again.

She parried his next strike, but the impact sent a jolt through her arms. He was strong—too strong.

Arianne gritted her teeth. If she tried to match his strength, she would lose.

She needed to be faster.

Gareth swung again, aiming for her side. Instead of blocking, she ducked, rolling away just in time. As she rose to her feet, she struck out with her sword, aiming for his exposed flank.

The blade grazed his armor, not enough to wound, but enough to make him pause.

Gareth's eyes darkened. "Not bad."

He lunged again, and Arianne barely dodged in time. She moved quickly, using her smaller size to her advantage, darting out of his reach before striking again.

For a moment, she felt the rush of battle, the thrill of holding her own against a stronger opponent.

And then Gareth's patience snapped.

He swung with full force, and Arianne raised her sword to block—but the impact was too powerful. Her weapon was knocked from her grasp, and before she could react, a heavy boot slammed into her chest.

Pain exploded through her ribs as she hit the ground hard.

The world spun. The taste of blood filled her mouth.

Gareth loomed over her, blade pointed at her throat.

Rian's voice cut through the tension. "Enough."

Gareth stepped back, smirking. "She fought well," he admitted.

But Arianne barely heard him. She forced herself to sit up, every muscle screaming in protest.

Rian watched her carefully. His face was impassive, but something flickered in his gaze—something unreadable.

"You were reckless," he said, his voice quieter than before.

Arianne swallowed hard. "I lost."

"You were not expected to win," he said. "But you were expected to think."

She clenched her fists.

"Get up," he ordered.

Gritting her teeth, she pushed herself to her feet. Every inch of her body ached, but she refused to show weakness.

Rian stepped closer, lowering his voice. "You fight with heart, but heart alone will not keep you alive."

Arianne met his gaze. For a moment, the world around them faded.

And then he turned away. "Training is over for today."

The recruits dispersed, but Arianne stood frozen, her heart pounding.

She had lost the fight.

But for the first time, Rian had truly seen her.

### **A Moment in the Night**

That evening, Arianne sat outside the barracks, gazing at the stars. Her body still ached from the fight, but her mind was elsewhere.

She had fought with everything she had. And yet, it hadn't been enough.

A shadow fell over her.

"You're awake."

She looked up sharply. Rian stood before her, his expression unreadable.

"General," she said, startled.

He studied her for a long moment before sitting beside her, something she never expected.

"You did well today," he said.

Arianne frowned. "You just said I was reckless."

"You were." He smirked slightly. "But you fought with determination. That is not something that can be taught."

She hesitated. "Then why did I lose?"

Rian exhaled, his gaze lifting to the sky. "Because strength alone does not win battles. Strategy does. Experience does. You must learn when to strike and when to wait. You have potential, Ari. But you must be smarter."

Arianne absorbed his words, something warm settling in her chest.

"You watched me closely," she said before she could stop herself.

Rian's gaze flicked to hers, unreadable. "I watch all my soldiers."

She wasn't sure she believed him.

The silence stretched between them, heavy with something unspoken.

Then, Rian stood. "Rest. Training continues tomorrow."

As he walked away, Arianne exhaled, pressing a hand to her chest.

She had come here expecting hardship, expecting battle.

She had not expected him.