The majority of the warriors had left, and the training yard was quieter in the morning.

All that was audible was the sound of swords being slashed through the air and the squeak of footsteps on dirt.

The light illuminated Maya's dagger. She was swift, accurate, and merciless, moving like a shadow. The shock shot up my arms as my sword struck hers.

"Again," she snapped. I clench my jaw and advance. With ease, she blocked, reversed my motion, and pushed me back. In the dust, my boots ...