RYLIE
The morning air was crisp and cool, carrying with it the scents of the forest. It was barely dawn and I stood at the edge of a bridge neighbouring the training ground, reflecting on the intensity of the previous day's session with Orion. My body still ached, but it was my mind that bore the brunt of the exhaustion.
Silas joined me, I had never been here before him before. "You're up early," he remarked, handing me a cup of what looked like herbal tea; he loved those.
I took the cup gratefully, savoring the warmth. "Couldn't really sleep. Too much on my mind."
He nodded, understanding etched in his features. "You've been pushing yourself hard. It's okay to take a moment to breathe."
I sighed, looking out over the bridges, the sun was rising and it cast a beautiful glow over the quiet environment. "There's so much at stake. I can't afford to slow down."
