On the outskirts of the academy's training grounds, where the neat rows of buildings gave way to open fields and scattered trees.
Elowyn walked at the front of her team. The morning light cast long shadows across the grass, and the distant hum of the city beyond the walls was faint, almost soothing.
A cool breeze carried the scent of freshly cut grass and the faint hint of rain that had fallen earlier in the day.
Lyra, Selene, and Cassian followed behind her, their footsteps crunching against the gravel path.
They had been walking for several minutes, heading toward Elowyn's usual training spot, a secluded clearing she had claimed months ago and rarely shared with anyone outside her team.
The clearing was surrounded by thick trees, hidden from view, and the ground was soft from years of use.
Today, they had asked her to train them for the selections.
The Grand Summit Trials were approaching, and none of them wanted to be left behind.
