The heavy iron-bound doors of the training grounds swung open with a deep, echoing creak.

Conversations died instantly.

The rhythmic clank of practice swords faltered. One by one, heads turned until every gaze in the vast arena settled on the pair standing at the entrance.

Ethan stepped in first, his presence hitting the room like a physical weight, dark, unyielding, and absolute.

But today, it was the woman beside him who stole the breath from every chest in the room.

Arielle.

A subtle, ...