Lyra's POV
Multiple times during our training session, I could swear Alaric was picking up on the heat radiating from my body. Several occasions caught him watching me intently before he'd snap his attention away and bark out the next exercise routine. Eventually, we both positioned ourselves at the starting line. The moment we took off, I drove my legs forward, determined to match Alaric's pace.
By the tenth lap, Alaric stepped aside to track my time. I lost count of my circuits but managed to hit the finish line exactly when he shouted "Stop!" My throat burned like fire. Alaric passed me a water bottle that I drained completely.
"What's my count?" I wheezed.
Alaric's mouth curved upward as he looked down at me. "Eighteen laps."
