Rue’s POV

The training grounds smelled of iron, sweat, and dust. It was a scent I had grown familiar with over the past few months. Soldiers trained under the open sky, their boots striking the earth in steady rhythm, their shouts echoing against the surrounding cliffs.

I stood at the edge of the field, my hands clasped behind my back.

From here I could see everything.

Rows of young warriors sparring with wooden blades. Veterans supervising drills with stern voices. Wolves shifting briefly ...