★Nuel's Pov★
My mind reeled with too many thoughts as I walked away from the training arena, the warriors' laughter and mockery of my poor performance fading with each step I took.
A shaky breath escaped me. Part relief for finally getting out of that place and part anxiety from the storm still clawing at my chest.
I had to survive here. I had to endure until I could find a way to escape. I kept whispering those words to myself like a prayer. I need to live. Yet the events of the day replayed mercilessly in my mind, each one cutting deeper than the last.
There was no one to seek counsel from, not that there had ever been anyone in my life I could turn to before. Still, a small, foolish part of me hoped for a suggestion, perhaps even a word from that voice I always used to hear in my head.
