The training grounds in the hidden valley echoed
with the sounds of battle. Steel clashed. Wolves
growled. Warriors sparred in the early afternoon
sun. At the center of the clearing, Aria moved
swiftly between three sparring partners, her
movements sharper and faster than they had
been even a few days ago. Draven watched
closely from the sidelines, arms folded across
his chest. "Again," he ordered. One warrior
lunged toward Aria. She twisted aside, grabbed
his arm, and threw him cleanly over her
shoulder. Another rushed her from behind, but
she ducked low and swept his legs out from
under him. The third stopped, raising his hands
with a breathless laugh. "Alright, I'm done," he
admitted. A few nearby warriors chuckled. Aria
straightened, breathing steadily.
