The following morning, Arteja awoke to the sound of Corliss's booming voice. "Up! Training starts in ten minutes!"
Groaning, Arteja sat up, her muscles protesting with every movement. She glanced at Lirael, who was already pulling on her gear.
"Another day in paradise," Lirael muttered, flashing a wry smile.
Arteja chuckled softly, slipping on her boots. The two of them joined the other wardens-in-training as they filed into the courtyard, the morning sun casting long shadows across the stone walls.
Corliss stood at the center, her piercing gaze sweeping over the group. "Today's training will separate the strong from the weak. Pair up."
Arteja and Lirael exchanged a glance before stepping toward each other.
"Not so fast," Corliss said, her voice cutting through the crowd. "You two are too comfortable with each other. Arteja, you're with Rowyn."
Arteja felt her stomach twist as Rowyn smirked, stepping forward.
"Let's see if you've learned anything," Rowyn said, her tone mocking.
The sparring session was brutal. Rowyn was relentless, her attacks swift and calculated, but Arteja refused to back down. She blocked, dodged, and countered with precision, her movements growing more fluid with each strike.
"Good," Corliss said, watching from the sidelines. "Arteja, you're finally starting to fight like a Warden."
Rowyn scowled, but Arteja felt a flicker of pride at the praise.
As the session ended, Arteja collapsed onto the ground, her chest heaving. Lirael rushed over, offering her a hand.
"You okay?" Lirael asked, concern evident in her voice.
Arteja nodded, though her body ached with exhaustion. "I'll live."
Rowyn passed by, muttering under her breath, "Barely."