Livia stood silently at the very heart of the training field, savoring the soft breeze that brushed against her skin. Her eyes were closed, and she allowed the golden sunlight to kiss her face as the wind swept gently through her hair.
Her training had just ended — one that had started before dawn and lasted until the sun had fully risen.
She remained in that peaceful position when, all of a sudden, a sharp shift in the air made her senses snap to attention. Something was moving toward her — not a person, but a presence hurtling rapidly in her direction.
Without hesitation, Livia's eyes flew open. In one swift, effortless motion, she dodged the barrage of sharpened wooden stakes that sliced through the air toward her.
A month of relentless training had honed her instincts to perfection. Every movement, every technique the Elders had drilled into her body now flowed with natural precision.
