Silent hunt

The journey back to the fortress was long, the weight of her conversation with Garrick pressing heavily on Elara's mind. Keshav rode beside her in uncharacteristic silence, his sharp eyes scanning the road ahead. He hadn't questioned her since they left Riverbend, but Elara could feel it—his suspicion, lurking beneath the surface.

She had been careful, deliberate with her words. Yet something in the way he watched her sent a prickling sensation down her spine.

By the time they reached the fortress, dusk had settled over the land, casting long shadows along the stone walls. Elara dismounted, keeping her movements steady despite the tension coiling in her chest.

"You should rest," Keshav said suddenly, breaking the silence.

Elara glanced at him, measuring his expression. It was unreadable, as always.

"I will," she said, forcing a smirk. "You sound worried, Keshav."

"I don't worry." His gaze flickered toward her. "I observe."

Something about the way he said it sent an unease curling through her.

Without another word, he turned and disappeared into the barracks, leaving Elara standing alone in the courtyard.

—

The following morning, training resumed as usual, but Elara couldn't shake the feeling that Keshav was watching her more closely than before. He didn't act on it, didn't press her for answers. But she knew him well enough to know he was waiting.

For what, she wasn't sure.

It wasn't until later in the afternoon that she found out.

"Elijah," Keshav's voice called to her just as she was about to head toward the mess hall. "Spar with me."

Elara blinked, caught off guard. Keshav rarely sparred with recruits—unless he had a reason.

She glanced toward the others. Most had already gone inside, save for a few who lingered near the training dummies.

He's testing me.

She hesitated for only a moment before nodding. "Alright."

They stepped onto the training grounds, the sun casting long shadows across the dirt. Elara gripped her wooden sword, steadying her breath. Keshav was fast, precise. If she wasn't careful, he would dismantle her in moments.

The first strike came swift. Elara barely dodged, bringing up her sword just in time to block his next attack. Their blades clashed, the sound sharp in the air.

Keshav moved with practiced ease, pushing her back without giving her time to regain control. But Elara refused to make it easy for him. She twisted, using her smaller frame to maneuver around his attacks.

A flicker of something crossed Keshav's eyes—approval, perhaps. But there was something else too.

He's studying me.

The realization sent a rush of determination through her. She couldn't afford to slip.

Then, suddenly, Keshav's foot hooked behind her ankle, sending her off balance. She barely caught herself before hitting the ground, twisting at the last second.

Keshav smirked. "You're quick."

Elara exhaled, gripping her sword tighter. "Not quick enough."

Keshav didn't respond right away. Instead, he took a step closer, lowering his weapon slightly. "You move differently than the others," he murmured, his voice just low enough that only she could hear.

Elara tensed. "What's that supposed to mean?"

Keshav studied her for a long moment. Then, he took another step—closer than necessary.

"Just an observation." His gaze lingered, sharp and unreadable. "Let's go again."

Elara swallowed hard, gripping her sword.

He's not done testing me.

And she wasn't sure how much longer she could keep fooling him.

—

Later that night, Elara sat on her cot, replaying the sparring match over in her mind. Keshav was toying with her, prodding at the edges of her secret without ever directly confronting her.

He knew something.

Or at least, he suspected.

She clenched her fists, her heart pounding.

She had to be careful. Because if Keshav found out the truth…

She wasn't sure what he would do with it.

But she wasn't willing to find out.