ie's

lungs burned, my wrists throbbed from the endless hours of wielding heavy iron swords, but I refused to lower my weapon. Over the past fe

is dark eyes watching every breath I took. "A trained wolf

h, wiping sweat from my forehead with the back of

impact sent a solid jolt through his guard t

ce flat yet carrying a faint trace of genuine respect. "Ke

reated me like a useless parasite. Cruel whispers followed me down every hallway, sharp remarks were spat behind my back by servants, and the high-ranking nobility made no effort to hide their disgust towa

give them tha

d knuckles hidden beneath delicate lace cuffs. Walking into the grand dining hall, the atmosphere turned co

a's wife, remarked loudly from across the table, her smile dripping with false, sweet v

drills every morning, Vanya," Brian responded smoothly, his

ssing servant with a quick flick of her wrist. "Yet, a true Luna m

r hand purposely knocking into the server's elbow with a sudden, forceful push. The entire bow

re, turning my hands bright red as the

ral of them leaning back to watch my reaction, waiting for t

ng pain. Opening my eyes, I did not flinch, nor did I shed a single tear. I picked up a linen n

steady and clear as I met her triumphant gaze with a cool smile. "Though I assure you, my hands survived

ders staring at me in utter disbe

cold, distant expression he usually wore was gone, replaced by an

the trembling servant, his eyes never leaving

red, bowing quickly and clearing

," Brian murmured softly under his brea

back, taking a sip from my water glass

my direction. The elders spoke in muted tones, occasionally glancing up at me

my hands throbbing with a dull, constant ache from the burns. I closed the heavy oak door behind me, letting

where I always kept my twin silver training da

completely empty, with b

the polished floorboards beside the bed, my heart dropping into my stomach as I spotted a fresh