Chapter 15: Beyond the last lap.
Elysia exited the Training Center, steam still rising faintly from her damp hair, the night air cool against her flushed skin.
She could’ve gone home after having completed her training for the day.
But instead, her path veered naturally—almost instinctively—toward the open-air Training Grounds.
(He should be there!)
Her footsteps were light as she followed the stone path through the academy gardens.
Mana-lamps flickered faintly under the twilight sky.
Most of the campus was silent, the buzz of the day long faded.
But not the Training Grounds.
Even from afar, she could hear the soft rhythm of footsteps on dirt, labored breathing, and the sharp voice of Sylvia—stern and uncompromising.
The punishment laps were still going.
Elysia approached quietly, hidden behind a hedge that bordered the field.