Layla’s POV
“Again.”
The command is harsh and demanding, cutting through the air like a hot knife through butter. I adjust my stance and lift my fists. The warrior across from me smirks with confidence. He’s waiting for me to fail, just like the rest of them.
I won’t let him have the satisfaction.
Not today.
I block his next punch and spin away before he can throw another. I keep my movements careful to make sure he doesn’t hit my stomach, and I slip in just enough effort to not seem suspicious. It’s not enough to win, but it’ll be enough.
“Just as pathetic as always,” I hear someone on the sidelines mutter. Without reacting, I dodge a kick by dropping and sweeping my opponents legs out from beneath him.
He’s up before I can take a breath, and I sigh.
“For the Goddess’s sake,
