Scarlett

The wind howled across the training grounds, carrying the scent of damp earth and sweat.

My muscles screamed in protest, my breaths coming in desperate, ragged gasps, but I refused, refused, to stop.

I had always been weak in the past, trapped, humiliated, cast aside. But not anymore. Never again.

Finn’s voice filled the air as he shouted, “Again.”

I swallowed down my exhaustion and lunged forward, aiming at him.

He dodged with infuriating grace, but those deep blue eyes gleamed with something I craved more than air—approval.

“Faster,” he commanded. “Faster.”

I gritted my teeth and pushed harder. I threw another punch, pouring my rage and pain into...