Kael stepped off the bench, brushing imaginary dust from his uniform as he eyed the girl he had been meaning to approach Elira Morvayne.
She was standing near one of the practice circles, calm and still like a statue carved from moonlight, her sword hanging loosely in her grip. He could feel the quiet storm of her aura even from a distance. He knew sparring her would be the perfect test.
He took a step forward.
And felt a gentle tug on the sleeve of his uniform.
He turned, blinking in surprise.
Standing behind him, eyes downcast and cheeks slightly pink, was Samantha Solaris.
Her long, golden hair shimmered under the lights of the training hall, and her slender fingers nervously tugged at the edge of her sleeve. Her blue eyes flickered up to meet his briefly before darting away again.
"Um… Kael," she said, voice soft as a whisper, "Would you… spar with me?"
Kael blinked again. She looked genuinely nervous. Shy.
And he realized she must have mustered every bit of her confidence just to ask.
He glanced back at Elira… then gave Samantha a small smile.
"Sure. Let's spar."
Her eyes widened, and she nodded quickly, almost too fast, like she hadn't expected a yes.
Around them, more students were filtering into the center of the room. The warm-ups were over. It was time to spar.
Instructor Caelis Drayven crossed his arms and looked out over the growing line of matchups.
His eyes settled on Kael and Samantha as they stepped into the circle.
"Hmph, Caelis thought. That kid's going to have a tough time."
His eyes narrowed.
"Samantha Solaris… trained by me since she could walk. She's no ordinary noble's daughter. She might act shy, but when her blade's in her hand, she's a beast. Her technique, her control it's breathtaking. That boy better be ready."
Then his thoughts drifted slightly.
"Kael Vernier… the little brother of Belle Vernier. She's strong. A warrior with a sharp instinct and loyalty that made her a top-tier battle comrade. If he's anything like her, maybe he won't get completely crushed."
Back in the circle, Kael stepped forward, sword in hand, and took his stance low, grounded, and fluid.
Samantha followed, raising her own blade with both hands, her expression shifting nerves fading as she stepped into the space where only swords mattered.
The moment their swords were raised, her aura shifted completely.
She was no longer the shy girl with rosy cheeks.
She was a Solaris.
A princess of the Empire.
A warrior.
Kael felt the pressure rise, and the edges of his lips curved into a faint smile.
"This just got interesting."
Instructor Caelis raised a hand, then dropped it.
"Begin!"
Steel met steel.