Scarlett's POV
I kicked off my sandals, stepping onto the thick training mat with bare feet. Leo smiled, a genuine, happy smile that I hadn't seen in five years. He picked up two wooden practice swords from the rack, tossing one toward me. I caught it smoothly by the hilt, testing its weight.
"Don't hold back, Scar," Leo teased, taking a low fighting stance. "I want to see what you learned while you were away."
"You shouldn't have asked for that," I muttered.
We began to circle each other. Leo lunged first, testing my reflexes with a quick strike to my left. I parried it easily, the wooden blades clashing with a loud crack. He spun, aiming for my waist, but I ducked under his arm, using his own momentum to slide behind him and deliver a sharp tap to his shoulder blade.
Leo chuckled, spinning back around. "Nice. You've gotten faster."
