Lines and boundaries

Evening drills were brutal.

By the time Elara collapsed onto the grass, her lungs burned, and her arms felt like they were about to fall off. Around her, the other recruits were in similar states—some lying flat on their backs, others hunched over, gasping for breath.

Lilian groaned beside her. "I think I saw my ancestors halfway through that run."

Elara let out a breathless laugh. "If you see them again, tell them I said hello."

"Not funny." Lilian shot her a glare before rolling onto her stomach. "I swear, the knight commander is trying to kill us."

Elara glanced toward Damien, who stood at the edge of the field, arms crossed as he surveyed them like a hawk. He was talking to Keshav, their voices too low to hear. Whatever they were discussing, Keshav didn't look pleased.

"He's always that intense," Elara muttered.

"Maybe he needs a hobby," Lilian said, nudging Elara's arm. "Or a woman."

Elara coughed. "What?"

Lilian smirked. "Come on, you've noticed. He's always so serious. Maybe if he had someone to, you know, loosen him up, he'd be less terrifying."

Elara quickly looked away, heat creeping up her neck. "That's none of our business."

Lilian gave her a long look before sighing. "You're no fun."

Before Elara could respond, a shadow loomed over them.

"Elijah."

She turned her head and found Keshav staring down at her. His usual unreadable expression was in place, but there was something calculating in his eyes.

She sat up slowly. "Yes?"

"You and I are sparring. Now."

A groan erupted from the recruits around them. "Let the guy breathe, Keshav!" Rhys called from where he was sprawled on the grass.

Keshav ignored him.

Elara sighed and got to her feet. "Fine."

Lilian patted her shoulder in mock sympathy. "May the gods be with you."

They moved to the sparring ring, a few recruits gathering around to watch. Elara picked up a practice sword, rolling her shoulders to shake off the exhaustion.

Keshav didn't even give her time to prepare. The moment she stepped into the ring, he struck.

She barely had time to block, stumbling back under the force of his attack. He wasn't holding back—not that she expected him to.

"You're slow today," he commented, his strikes coming in rapid succession.

"I just ran for an hour," Elara shot back, deflecting another blow.

"Excuses."

She gritted her teeth. If he wanted her to fight, then fine.

She shifted her stance, pushing forward with an aggressive counterattack. Their swords clashed, the sharp sound ringing through the air. She wasn't going to let him control the pace.

Keshav's gaze flickered, something almost like amusement passing through his eyes. "Better."

The fight became a game of strategy. He was testing her, pushing her limits, but she wasn't about to break. Not today.

Finally, he swept a leg out, knocking her balance. Elara barely caught herself before falling.

Keshav lowered his sword. "Done."

Elara exhaled sharply, stepping back. She was drenched in sweat, her muscles aching—but she had held her ground.

She expected him to walk away, but instead, he tilted his head slightly, studying her.

"You hesitate when you're tired."

Elara blinked. "What?"

Keshav shrugged. "Just an observation." Then, without another word, he turned and left.

She stood there, confused, until Lilian jogged up to her, grinning. "That was... interesting."

Elara scowled. "He's just messing with me."

"Or he's paying attention to you." Lilian wiggled her eyebrows.

Elara groaned. "Not this again."

Lilian only laughed, throwing an arm around her shoulders as they walked back toward the barracks.

From a distance, Damien watched the entire exchange, his expression unreadable.