The walk from the classroom to the training grounds was quiet, though Cain could still feel the lingering weight of stares from the hallways. The rumor that had started yesterday had only intensified after Maris had dozed off on his shoulder. Students whispered about her being one of the four women in his supposed harem, and the idea seemed to excite them beyond reason. Cain ignored it. Maris, as usual, was completely unbothered.
When they reached the training grounds, the wide stone courtyard greeted them. Dust rose lightly from the packed earth underfoot. Wooden dummies, scarred from countless strikes, lined one side of the field, while a rack of training weapons gleamed in the sunlight. A few students were scattered around, practicing or watching, their murmurs rising as Cain and Maris entered.
Maris's golden eyes lit up. She immediately dropped into a ready stance, her white hair catching the sunlight. Her wooden spear spun in her hands, the shaft humming softly as she moved.
