Maxine's POV

Days turned into weeks, and the relentless training continued. Each session was more grueling than the last. My muscles ached constantly, and my limbs felt like they were on fire. Despite my efforts, I couldn't keep up with the others. I was always lagging, always struggling to lift the heavy weapons and keep up with the intense drills. The warrior who supervised me showed no mercy.

“Faster, Maxine!” he barked. “Do you want to remain a weakling forever?”

I pushed myself ...