The training hall was as big as Lucas remembered. The ceiling rose higher than any gym Lucas had ever stepped into, the metal beams painted a deep slate color and lights bright enough to make every surface gleam. Rows of free weights lined the left wall, arranged by lightest to heaviest with the precision that reminded him of the academy. Beyond them were strength machines, punching bags and a matted sparring area. Everything smelled faintly of rubber mats, metal and the clean bite of disinfectant.
“Look at this,” Lucas muttered as he walked past a rack of brand-new barbells. He grabbed one, testing the knurling with his thumb. “This is almost on the same level as the academy.”
"Mmm,” Landon answered without looking at anything.
Lucas turned, brow furrowing. Landon stood a few feet awa
