Author pov...
After they had taken a moment to rest and rehydrate, the training grounds were filled with a sense of calm, a brief respite before the next challenge. Esteria sat on the grass, her chest still heaving from the exertion of the race. She wiped the sweat from her brow, her thoughts racing just as fast as her heartbeat.
Lord El stood nearby, his gaze fixed on the horizon, lost in thought. Esteria couldn't help but admire the way he carried himself—an air of quiet strength and authority that commanded respect. Despite the intensity of the morning's training, he seemed as composed as ever.
Esteria's thoughts drifted back to the race. She had given it her all, pushing through the pain and fatigue to reach the finish line. The memory of Lord El's subtle smile when she crossed it brought a sense of accomplishment, though it was tempered by the knowledge that she had much to learn and improve upon.
