Ivy's POV
The morning ritual repeated itself with predictable precision. My father's knock jolted me from sleep, and we silently made our way to the forest clearing. As always, he nudged me forward, leaving me alone by the stump. When I glanced back, he had already vanished like a ghost among the trees.
"What the hell am I supposed to be accomplishing here?" I muttered to myself, frustration building in my chest. Following my instincts, I removed my shoes and placed my bare feet firmly on the ground. Taking a deep cleansing breath, I closed my eyes and attempted to focus as my father had vaguely instructed.
The gentle breeze caressed my skin with delicate fingers, playing mischievously with my curls. Morning sunlight began filtering through the treetops, warming my face with golden light. I wiggled my toes, feeling the tickle of grass blades against my soles. Placing my hands palm-up on my knees, I settled more firmly onto the stump.
