Chapter 14 Forged In Determination

• The training grounds were quieter than usual, the crisp morning air carrying only the sound of footsteps against the packed earth. Celeste stood in the center, her muscles tense as she faced Rafael. He circled her slowly, his expression unreadable.
• "Again," Rafael ordered.
• Celeste lunged forward, aiming a precise strike toward his chest. Rafael dodged with ease, his hand shooting out to catch her wrist. In an instant, she found herself flipped onto the ground, the impact knocking the breath from her lungs.