Dot's heart pounded with a mix of excitement and nervousness as she stood across from Mira on the sparring field. The late afternoon sun cast long shadows over the ground, a fitting backdrop for the spectacle that was about to unfold. Around them, the murmurs of the other children filled the air, their excitement palpable.
"Are you ready?" Mira asked, a playful grin on her face as she stretched her arms. The shadow bear, Nyx, loomed nearby, its presence adding an extra layer of intensity to the scene.
Dot nodded, tightening her grip on her bow. She could feel the eyes of the other children on her, some curious, others skeptical. But she was determined. She had seen so much in the Sanctuary that day—children sparring with weapons and magic, their skills far beyond anything she had imagined. Now, she wanted to prove herself, to show that she could be just as strong.
Mira crouched slightly, her eyes focused on Dot. "Let's see what you've got."
