Hiraeth

Chapter Eighteen

The following days passed in a haze of preparation and unease. The estate, once a sanctuary, now felt like a fortress under siege. Sage could feel the tension in the air, thick and electric, as her friends and allies rallied together to fortify their defenses. Kade and Fleck were constantly busy, strategizing and coordinating the knights, while she felt the weight of responsibility pressing heavily on her shoulders.

As she moved through the halls, the echo of boots on stone mingled with whispered conversations. The atmosphere was charged; the previous battle had united them but also exposed vulnerabilities. There was an undercurrent of fear that couldn't be ignored. Sage longed to feel the lightness of carefree laughter, but every giggle seemed overshadowed by the specter of darkness lurking just outside their walls.

"Hey, Lady Sage," Emilie chirped one afternoon, pulling Sage from her thoughts. The duchess's long, curly ginger hair bounced as she approached, her dark green eyes sparkling with curiosity. "What's got you so moody? You look like you just saw a ghost."

Sage forced a smile, grateful for Emilie's attempts to lighten her mood. "Just thinking about the last battle. We were lucky, you know?"

Emilie shrugged, her expression shifting to concern. "Luck is good, but it doesn't last forever. You should come to the training yard with me. I've been practicing my swordsmanship!" She waved a hand dramatically. "It's not just for show; I'm ready to take on the world!"

Sage chuckled, appreciating the enthusiasm. "Maybe you'll show me a thing or two."

"Damn right! Let's go!" Emilie tugged at Sage's arm, pulling her toward the training yard with a determination that reminded Sage of the fight they'd just survived.

The training yard was alive with activity. Knights sparred with each other, the sharp clang of metal ringing out, punctuated by shouts of encouragement and laughter. The sight filled Sage with a bittersweet sense of pride. These were her people, and they were ready to fight.

"Look! There's Kade!" Emilie pointed as she released Sage's arm and rushed toward the knight, her excitement palpable.

Sage hesitated for a moment, taking a breath as she watched Kade. He was engaged in a sparring match, his long black hair whipping around his face as he expertly parried a blow. There was something undeniably attractive about his focused intensity, the way his muscles flexed as he moved.

"Hey, Sage!" Kade called, noticing her. He flashed a grin, and her heart skipped a beat. "Come join us!"

Emilie had already darted to his side, watching intently as Kade engaged his opponent. The energy between them was infectious, and Sage felt the urge to step forward, to be a part of that camaraderie.

"Go on," Emilie urged, nudging Sage gently. "Show them what you've got!"

With a mix of apprehension and excitement, Sage stepped forward. "Alright, but don't go easy on me!"

Kade's eyes lit up with approval. "That's the spirit! Just remember to keep your guard up."

They paired off, Kade guiding her through the movements with a mixture of patience and encouragement. Sage found herself lost in the rhythm of the training, her heart racing with adrenaline. She enjoyed the playful banter, Kade's laughter mixing with her own as they sparred, the tension of the recent battles slowly melting away.

"Nice move!" Kade praised, dodging to the side as she landed a playful jab. "But you need to watch your footing."

Sage rolled her eyes but couldn't suppress a grin. "I'm working on it, alright?"

"Just channel your inner warrior," he joked, then caught her wrist, his grip firm but gentle. "Like this." He shifted his weight, demonstrating the right stance, and she felt a rush of warmth from his touch. It was as if the world around them faded, leaving just the two of them locked in a moment.