Outside the training grounds

The training grounds were alive with the usual routine—swords clashing, orders being barked, and the relentless drill of discipline. The air smelled of sweat and metal, but Elara had long grown used to it. She kept her head down, focusing on the technique she was supposed to master today.

The others trained in their own groups, and as always, Damien stood at the far end, overseeing everything with a calculating gaze. He rarely participated, only stepping in when a lesson needed reinforcement. Today was no different.

But something about the air felt… heavier.

Elara stole a glance in his direction, only to find his piercing eyes sweeping over the recruits. He wasn't looking at her in particular, but she still tensed.

"He's always watching."

Not just her, but everyone. His sharp gaze missed nothing. It made her uneasy, as if he was beginning to notice things she didn't want anyone to. She forced herself to focus, but she could still feel his presence, like a shadow looming over her every move.

A sharp voice broke through her thoughts.

"You're hesitating," Valen muttered as he passed by, his tone neutral but firm.

Elara clenched her jaw. Of all people to notice, it had to be him. He was watchful, too—just not in the same way as Damien. He had been assigned to observe today's training, and he seemed to take his task seriously.

"I'm not hesitating," she bit back, gripping her sword tighter.

"Then why haven't you struck?"

Elara exhaled sharply and pushed forward, landing a solid hit against her opponent. But she knew Valen wasn't convinced.

He was right, though. She had been distracted—by Damien, by the constant feeling of being evaluated, by everything she had to hide.

Outside the Training Grounds

Lilian was waiting for her outside the barracks when training ended. She had been hanging around the outskirts for the past few days, much to Elara's frustration.

"You look like you've been chewed up and spit out," Lilian teased, arms crossed.

Elara rolled her eyes. "Nice to see you too."

Lilian grinned. "You could just quit this madness and come back home, you know."

"You know I can't."

"Yeah, yeah," Lilian sighed. "Anyway, I need your help."

Elara tensed. "With what?"

Lilian smirked, then subtly gestured to the side, where Keshav stood near the entrance.

Elara groaned. "What did you do now?"

"He's insufferable," Lilian muttered. "Always so quiet, always watching like he's trying to read my soul or something."

Elara raised a brow. "And what exactly do you want me to do about that?"

Lilian huffed. "Make him stop looking at me like I'm an insect."

Elara snorted. "That's just Keshav."

"I don't like it."

Elara shook her head. Lilian was used to being the loudest presence in any room, so someone like Keshav, who rarely spoke, clearly unsettled her.

And yet… Elara didn't miss the way Lilian kept glancing in his direction, or the way her usual confidence was slightly off when she talked about him.

Interesting.

Elsewhere

Damien stood in the upper levels of the fortress, overlooking the training grounds. His mind wasn't on the recruits, nor the day's session. It was on something else—something that had been bothering him.

"Something is off."

Keshav stood beside him, silent as always, but his presence was grounding.

"You've noticed it too, haven't you?" Damien murmured.

Keshav gave a slow nod.

Damien exhaled, his gaze flickering toward the recruits. Toward Elara.

"Keep an eye on them," he said at last. "I don't like unanswered questions."

Keshav didn't respond, but Damien knew he understood.

And he knew one thing for certain—something was unraveling. And he would find out what.