Chapter 184: Duel
Adeline exhaled heavily, trying to keep her frustration in check. She adjusted her grip, focusing on her movements. Her father circled her like a hawk, catching her every flaw leaving her no chance for respite.
Meanwhile, Aaron’s voice carried across the field. "Come on, Captain! Give me a break!"
The Captain’s response was a sharp bark of laughter, followed by the clash of wooden swords as he pushed Aaron harder.
Adeline could not help but smirk, despite her own misery. At least she wasn’t the only one suffering.
"Do not get distracted," her father snapped, drawing her attention back to him. "You will be fighting your brother tomorrow."
"What?!"
"You heard me," he said, his tone casual as if he hadn’t just dropped a bombshell. "You will spar with Aaron. It’s time to test what you have learned."
"But—"
"No buts, Adeline. You’ll face him, and you’ll do your best. If you can’t hold your own against your brother, you’ll have no hope against a real opponent."
Her stomach churned at the thought. Sparring with Aaron was the last thing she wanted. He was stronger, faster, and had years of training under his belt. The idea of going up against him was daunting, to say the least.
"But he’s—he is better than me!" she protested, gripping the staff tightly.