Chapter 32: Selena in trouble
Training Field – Afternoon
After hours of sparring, Selena and Zara finally sat down beneath a tree, their breathing still heavy from the intensity. The scent of sweat and earth lingered in the air.
Selena wiped her sword with a cloth, her gaze drifting to Zara.
"Why did you want to learn the sword?" she asked, her tone curious but calm.
Zara looked down at her wooden practice blade, fingers tightening around the grip. "Because... during the duel, I realized something," she murmured. "Magic alone won’t win every fight. Not when the enemy is up close. I need something more."
Selena gave a faint nod, her expression thoughtful as she continued cleaning her blade. "Yeah. A magician without a knight’s protection is always vulnerable in close combat. I learned that early when training with my mother, Ishara." Her eyes softened for a moment. "She told me, ’If you don’t love the sword, the sword will never love you.’ That’s why I train every day. Not just for power—but for connection."
Zara looked at her own sword again.Love the sword... huh?
Before she could dwell further, a cold wind swept the field. A wave of oppressive darkness crept up behind them like a phantom.
Selena’s instincts flared. She stood, eyes narrowing. "Someone’s behind us."
Zara turned sharply—and froze.
A figure cloaked in shadow stood at the edge of the field, face obscured beneath a dark hood. His voice was deep and cold, like the echo of a crypt.