The training wasn't a game anymore. Alistair had moved from basic drills to things that made my muscles ache before the sun was even fully up. We were in the basement gym again, the air smelling of rubber mats and sweat."Again," Alistair said.He stepped in close, swinging a padded training bar toward my ribs. I moved too slow. The pad thudded against my side, knocking the wind out of me. I stumbled back, gasping."You're watching my hands," he said, stepping into my space. "Watch my shoulders. They'll tell you where the hit is coming from before the hand even moves."He moved behind me to reset my stance. He placed his hands on my waist, turning my hips just a few inches. His touch was firm, and even through my leggings, I could feel the heat of his palms. He didn't move away. He leaned down, his chin almost resting on my shoulder, his voice dropping to a low murmur."Balance, Clara. If you lose your center, you lose the fight."I could smell the mint on his breath and the faint sce
Last Updated : 2026-02-28 Read more