The crisp morning air was sharp with the bite of cold, and the training grounds buzzed with restrained energy as villagers gathered to watch.
Wooden dummies and sparring posts stood lined along the edges, their surfaces scarred from years of use.
In the center, Lucian stood calmly, white hair falling across his shoulders as if he had not a care in the world. His presence alone, however, was enough to draw all eyes to him.
Verus followed Luna into the open clearing, his expression guarded, though his steps were steady.
He hadn't forgotten Lucian's words from yesterday—an offer that still lingered heavily in his mind.
Lucian looked up from the papers he had been scanning, and his lips curved into a faint smile.
"Welcome, Verus. I trust you've had enough time to think about what I said yesterday."
His voice carried a weight that seemed to silence the murmurs of the crowd instantly.
