The sound of wooden swords clashing echoed through the training grounds as young warriors sparred, their movements sharp and disciplined. The scent of sweat and dirt mixed with the crisp air as the midday sun shone over Polis.

Madi and Aden stood at the center of the circle, facing each other with practice blades in hand. Both were breathing hard, but Madi had a triumphant glint in her eyes, while Aden looked frustrated.

“But it was supposed to be our turn to hunt this time!”

Aden protested, wiping sweat from his brow. His pride was clearly wounded.

Madi smirked, rolling her shoulders as she tightened her grip on the wooden sword.

“It’s not our fault if you two are becoming too slow,”

she teased, flicking her gaze toward Aden and his sparring partner, who had lost their last match against her and another warrior-in-training.

Aden scowled.

“We are not too slow!”

he insisted, stepping forward as if to prove himself.

Madi grinned, twirling her practice sword effortlessly.

“Prove it, loser!”

she challenged, her voice dripping with playful confidence.

Lexa, who had been silently observing from the sidelines, tensed slightly at the exchange. Before she could say anything, you placed a hand on her arm, sensing her instinct to intervene.

Then, Madi lunged.

The sparring resumed, fast and intense. Aden, fueled by determination, swung first, but Madi was quicker. She ducked, sidestepped, and with a precise strike, knocked his blade from his hands, sending it skidding across the dirt.

Aden froze, chest rising and falling with exertion. The training grounds fell silent.

“Madi!”

Lexa called out, her voice firm but laced with something close to pride.

Madi turned, eyes bright with triumph, her breathing still steady. You, watching from the sidelines, crossed your arms and smirked.

“That’s my girl,”

You said with a satisfied nod.

Madi grinned wider, basking in the moment. Aden, though defeated, exhaled a deep breath before shaking his head with a small smile.