Proving ground

Elara's victory should have been a moment of quiet triumph. Instead, it felt like she had just stepped into a den of wolves.

As the first round of fights concluded, recruits whispered about the "scrawny commoner" who had bested a much larger opponent. Some watched her with curiosity, others with contempt. But the one person she found herself worrying about most was Damien.

He had barely reacted. No praise, no criticism—just a fleeting glance before moving on.

She didn't know if that was a good thing or not.

The Second Test

After the sparring matches, the recruits were divided into small groups for their next challenge: endurance.

A knight instructor barked out commands. "Twenty laps around the yard! If you fall behind, you're out!"

The moment he gave the signal, Elara took off running.

She focused on her breathing, pacing herself. Around her, recruits surged forward—some too fast, burning their energy too soon. She spotted Kai, a boy with sandy hair, struggling after just a few laps. He had been friendly when they first lined up, giving her an encouraging nod before the fights began. Now, he looked ready to collapse.

Elara gritted her teeth. She wanted to help—but if she slowed down, she'd risk failing herself.

Focus. Prove yourself first.

She pushed forward, her legs burning as the laps dragged on. Sweat dripped down her back, her breath came in gasps, but she refused to falter.

By the time they finished, several recruits had already dropped out, panting on the ground.

Elara remained standing, barely, hands on her knees as she tried to catch her breath.

As the recruits recovered, Rhys, Damien's second-in-command, leaned against the fence, watching with amusement.

Rhys was the opposite of Damien—where Damien was all cold authority, Rhys carried an easy charm, his dark curls slightly disheveled. He had the look of someone who didn't take anything too seriously, but Elara suspected that was a front.

"She's small, but she's got fight," Rhys commented, nudging Damien.

Damien didn't look away from the field. "He's reckless."

Elara stiffened at the pronoun. Of course. He still thought she was a boy.

Rhys smirked. "Reckless or not, 'Elijah' is still here, unlike half these recruits."

Damien didn't respond.

Elara clenched her fists. Does he really think that little of me?

She would prove him wrong.

As the recruits rested, another figure approached—a striking woman clad in elegant yet practical armor. Her dark auburn hair was braided over her shoulder, her movements fluid and controlled.

Lady Celeste.

Unlike Elara, Celeste was born into nobility. Trained in combat, but barred from knighthood by tradition. Unlike Elara, she didn't have to pretend to be someone else—she had connections, wealth, and power.

Celeste stopped in front of her, eyes sharp. "You're not as weak as you look."

Elara met her gaze. "Neither are you."

A flicker of amusement crossed Celeste's face. "Don't think this means I'm impressed. I don't lose to commoners."

Elara smirked. "Then I'll just have to change that."