Something was wrong. Ethan had known it even before they started sparring.

What had started as a simple test was quickly turning into a struggle to keep up with her.

Steel clashed loudly across the arena as Arielle’s sword came at him again.

And again.

And again.

Every strike Arielle aimed at him was faster than the last, her blade cutting through the air with deadly precision.

Ethan blocked, twisted, and stepped aside, but a deep frown had settled on his face.

Arielle should have been ...