The training ground was empty at this hour.
Nexus Mairis preferred it that way. Fewer witnesses meant fewer interruptions, and what he was about to teach his daughter required focus that spectators would only compromise.
Ava stood across from him, black hair tied back in a practical knot, black eyes sharp with anticipation. She wore training clothes instead of her usual elaborate combat outfit—practical decision, given what was coming. Her fingers twitched slightly. Not nervousness. Impatience.
"You're vibrating," Nexus observed.
"I'm excited," Ava corrected. Her voice had that edge it always carried before something interesting happened. "You've been dodging this lesson for three months. Now you finally commit, and you picked the most boring time possible. Dawn. Really?"
