The morning started off peacefully enough. The sun shone brightly over the castle, bathing the grounds in a golden hue. Birds chirped melodically, the scent of freshly baked bread wafted through the air, and for a fleeting moment, I thought, Maybe today will actually be normal.
That hope lasted all of five minutes.
"LIRIA!" Enara's voice echoed down the hallway, sharp enough to make me spill my cup of tea. I barely had time to set it down before she burst into my room, her dark eyes blazing.
"Good morning to you too," I said dryly, brushing crumbs off my lap. "To what do I owe the pleasure of your gentle intrusion?"
"You," she said, pointing a dramatic finger at me, "are coming with me to the courtyard. Now."
I frowned. "Why? Did Seraphis decide I'm not suffering enough?"
"No," Enara said, grabbing my wrist and dragging me to my feet. "The training yard's occupied, so she's moved today's lesson to the courtyard. Something about 'dynamic environmental challenges.'"
