Blood

Chapter Twenty Seven: A Moment to Breathe

As the sun started to sink below the trees, painting the training grounds in a warm, honey-gold glow, Alistair finally decided we’d had enough. He crossed his arms, giving us that rare nod of approval. Or maybe he was just relieved none of us had managed to set ourselves on fire.

“You’re done for today,” he announced. “But don’t get comfortable. Today’s task was the easy one. Tomorrow, I expect better—faster, sharper, and far more coordinated.”

Easy, I thought, trying to keep my expression neutral. If this was “easy,” then tomorrow might actually finish me off. I'd leave behind a legacy of…well, nothing really, except maybe the memory of that one guy who made a fool of himself in the training grounds.

I rolled my shoulders, feeling the weight of the day settling into my bones. Every muscle in my body was protesting, and I could barely imagine dragging myself back to the dorm, let alone tackling whatever Alistair had in store for us tomorrow.

No way was I going to bed. I’d just end up lying there, staring at the ceiling, wondering how many new ways Alistair could make us suffer. Nah, I needed a walk—a long walk—where I could imagine I was anywhere but here.

Shoving my hands in my pockets, I wandered toward the edge of the compound. It wasn’t a terrible place to be stuck, all things considered. The grounds stretched out in all directions, bordered by thick trees and pathways that led between various training areas and barracks. Some buildings looked ancient, made from stone that had clearly seen its fair share of wear and tear. It kind of made sense—the place was probably built to withstand attacks, storms, and possibly the occasional fireball if someone lost control.

I drifted down a narrow, uneven path lined with tall, twisted trees. The shadows were getting longer, stretching across the ground like dark fingers. Somewhere in the distance, a bird cawed, and a soft wind rustled through the leaves. It was quiet, peaceful. Just what I needed to recharge.

Still, I couldn’t shake Alistair’s words from my head. Tomorrow’s harder task. Why did he say that like he was excited about it? What could possibly be worse than today? Maybe they’d just toss us into a pit and let us fend for ourselves. I chuckled under my breath, muttering, “Tomorrow’s harder task. Sure, let’s make it impossible while we’re at it. See if I can fail with style.”

A sudden rustle in the underbrush made me jump. I stopped, glancing around. Probably just a bird. Or, knowing my luck, maybe a tiny magical creature ready to launch a surprise attack. “Alright, Alistair, if this is another ‘test,’ just know that I will absolutely lay down and let whatever it is eat me,” I said to no one in particular, half-laughing at my own joke.

Just then, I heard footsteps behind me—quick, light, and unmistakable. I turned, expecting maybe a guard or Galen sneaking up for a scare. Instead, it was Riona.

"Hey, sorry if I startled you."

"I don't get scared that easily."

"Well the training session we had today really pointed to the opposite." Riona chuckled.

"Hey, I'll have you know that I'm a master in the ancient arts of acting."

"No argument there."

"So why are you out here? Shouldn't you be back in the dorm resting after the hectic day we just had?"

"Yeah I guess. It just felt stuffy in there so I decided that taking a walk was going to feel better." Riona said. "I'm Riona by the way."

"I'm Ethan." I said as I stretched my hand to her. "So where are you off to?"

"Just wanna see what secrets this realm could be hiding." Riona replied. "Wanna come with?"