One morning, a few days after they had first started training together, Amara found herself standing in the clearing once more, waiting for Darius to arrive. She stretched her arms, feeling the slight soreness in her muscles from their last session. She had grown stronger in just a short time, and with that strength came a newfound sense of control—something she hadn’t felt in years.
Darius arrived shortly after, his presence like a calming force in the cool morning air. He wore a loose-fitting black T-shirt and joggers, his dark hair slightly tousled from the wind. His eyes met hers, and a warm smile spread across his face. “Good morning,” he greeted, his voice filled with that familiar, comforting warmth.
“Good morning,” Amara replied, her own smile softening her features. “Ready to ki
