After the long, exhausting training session had finally ended, Esteria trudged back toward her room, her body sore but her heart still fluttering with excitement. She had successfully learned a new element, a significant milestone that left her both thrilled and overwhelmed. Her limbs felt heavy, and every step she took seemed to drag more than the last, but she walked with a sense of pride. Leon, always silent yet dependable, walked a few paces behind her, his presence comforting but unobtrusive.
The halls of the palace were quiet, illuminated by soft, glowing lanterns that lined the walls. The stillness in the air contrasted sharply with the whirlwind of emotions inside Esteria. She paused for a moment when she reached her door and turned to face Leon. The corner of her lips curled into a soft, tired smile.
"Thank you," she whispered, her voice barely above a murmur, but filled with genuine gratitude.
