The training yard was a circular arena behind the observatory, open to the sky. Stone walls ringed the perimeter, scarred from countless sparring matches. Wards hummed faintly along the edges: damage-dampening enchantments, similar to the TCA facility but older, more weathered.
Celestial Peak members had begun to gather around the edges, drawn by the promise of watching new recruits get tested. A dozen or so Climbers of varying ranks lined the walls, expressions ranging from curious to skeptical.
Helena stood near the arena's edge, her Thunderbird still nowhere in sight. Garrett, Dillon, and Elise waited near the sidelines. Garrett chewed his lip. Dillon was already taking bets with a nearby Climber. Elise watched Valerie with a focused intensity.
Valerie faced Nathan across the arena. Still barefoot. She cracked her neck once, then twice.
