#Chapter 40: The Spar

Kayla & Nicholas Kayla The morning sun seeped through the canopy of trees as I jogged along the forest trail, golden shafts spilling across the ground. Leaves crunched under my feet, and the cold morning air filled my lungs. I stretched my arms above my head, feeling the satisfying pull of muscles awakening after a restful night. Today was the day. Returning to the clearing near the training grounds, I slowed my pace. Sweat glistened on my skin, and I took a moment to relish the cool breeze against my flushed cheeks. I hadn’t felt this invigorated in a while. Maybe it was the prospect of putting Nora in her place that added an extra spring to my step. As I approached the training area, I noticed Nicholas leaning against a wooden post, his gaze fixed in my direction. His eyes traveled unabashedly over me, lingering on the sheen of sweat coating my arms and neck. He didn’t look away, not even when I met his gaze and shot him a withering glare. Damn w