Mira’s POV.

I stood at the edge of the training yard, watching the children stretch and fidget. Their chatter filled the morning air, but I tuned it out, focusing on the lines of energy they needed to read, how to move, when to step, how to protect instead of strike.

“Line up,” I called, my voice firm but calm. “No pushing. Eyes forward.”

The older children groaned but obeyed. I gestured for the youngest to stay on the sidelines. “Today, we work on protection. Not attacks. Not ...