Aria dragged the back of her hand across her forehead, wiping away the sweat that had gathered there. Liora was in the middle of throwing a punch, her fist stopping just an inch from Aria's open palm. She held it there, waiting.
"Better?" Liora asked.
Aria nodded, a small smile tugging at her lips. "Much better. Just keep your elbow in."
Liora grinned wide, bouncing on her toes like she couldn't stand still. "You're bossy today, Little Luna."
A few steps away, Kaelan stood with his arms crossed over his chest. He had been watching them both, showing them how to shift their weight properly for balance. His corrections came quiet and patient, never harsh. Now he stepped forward, his expression focused.
"Try again," he said.
Liora pulled her fist back and threw the punch again. This time it came faster, more confident. Aria caught it cleanly, the impact solid against her palm.
"Got it!" Liora whooped, pumping her fist in the air.
