Elias was at his limit. A week had passed since his grueling training began, and every muscle in his body screamed for mercy.
Each morning, he was dragged to the temple's training grounds, where the cloaked figure's cold instructions pushed him harder than he thought possible.
His nights were restless, haunted by the constant ache of his overworked body and the strange dreams that occasionally clawed at the edges of his memory.
He had just finished another punishing session when a guard approached him, his expression unreadable.
"Prince Aedric has sent for you," the guard said curtly.
Relief washed over Elias. Any excuse to escape the relentless cycle of training was welcome, and he jumped at the chance.
Without hesitation, he followed the guard, his weary legs stumbling slightly as they left the temple grounds and headed toward the royal palace.
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