Kaelen stood under the pale moonlight, his expression tight as the night wind brushed past his cloak. He had almost given up. His fingers tapped against his sword hilt, impatience creeping in. The tenth minute was nearly over when soft footsteps broke the silence.

Selene appeared at the edge of the courtyard, her breathing faint but steady. Her silver hair fell loosely over her shoulders, her night robe replaced with simple training clothes.

Kaelen turned slightly, his eyes cold. “You’re ...