SINS OF FROST AND HEAT

GROWING BOND.

The sun blazed over the training grounds, casting long, oppressive shadows as Peter’s fists slammed into the sandbag again and again. His muscles strained, his shirt soaked with sweat, and his breath came in ragged gasps. Instructor Sayid watched impassively, her eyes like ice. The punishment drill was brutal no breaks, no mercy.

Each punch felt like a war against his own growing frustration. “Cowardice,” Sayid had called it. “Peter, using your partner as a shield shows cowardice.” The words rang in his head with every strike, taunting him. Peter’s face twisted with determination as he pushed through the pain.

Beyond the training area, Calypso strolled by, looking as fresh as ever. She paused, leaning casually against the fence with a grin plastered on her face. She raised a hand in a casual wave, and the mischievous sparkle in her eyes made Peter’s blood boil.

“Hey, having fun, Peter?” she called out, her tone light and playful. “You look like you’re really enjoying this.”

Peter glared, his fists clenching tighter. “Don’t you have something better to do?”

Calypso shrugged dramatically, pretending to think. “Not really. I’m just soaking up the atmosphere. You know, enjoying my day off.” She flashed him a thumbs-up. “You’re doing great, by the way.”

Peter’s jaw tightened, his eyes narrowing. “Go away.”

“Aw, come on! I’m just showing support.” Calypso beamed. “Sayid must really like you if she’s giving you extra attention.”

Peter,"....."

Peter’s face turned red as he landed another punch, trying to ignore her, but the irritation bubbled up. If only someone could save him from this chatter box. “Aren’t you supposed to be somewhere else?”

“Nope, I’m exactly where I want to be watching you. It’s a great show!” she quipped. “But don’t worry. I’ll remember to thank you when I’m lounging later.”

Peter opened his mouth to fire back, but the words stuck in his throat. Calypso’s laugh echoed as she bounced away, leaving him speechless and fuming.

“Focus, Mensah!” Sayid’s sharp voice snapped. “Get back to work.”

Peter turned his attention back to the sandbag, his fists slamming into it with renewed fury, but Calypso’s smug grin remained etched in his mind.

In the training room, Liam moved with precision, his focus honed to a fine point. Punch, kick, block he repeated the sequence over and over, his muscles burning and his breath coming in steady, controlled rhythms. The camp’s rare day off didn’t matter to him; the looming eliminations overshadowed any thought of rest.

“Training on a day off?” a voice remarked, breaking his concentration.

Liam turned to see Ruby standing in the doorway, her arms crossed, and an eyebrow raised. She stepped inside, her expression as unreadable as ever, but there was a hint of curiosity in her eyes. “Why aren’t you taking it easy, Kunene?”

Liam paused, wiping the sweat from his brow. “Can’t afford to,” he replied. “Eliminations are coming up, and I don’t want to be caught off-guard.”

Ruby studied him for a moment before nodding approvingly. “Smart. But there’s a difference between training hard and burning yourself out.” She walked over to a weapons rack, pulling out a training staff and twirling it effortlessly. “Let me show you something.”

She adjusted her stance, demonstrating a low sweep and a follow-up strike with a fluid motion. “Try it like this. Your positioning is off it’s too easy for someone to knock you down if you don’t center your weight.”