*Isla*My place. The cripple. The disappointment. The healer who should remain at home, tending to herbs instead of chasing dreams.But then, something ignites within me… cold, pure rage. It burns hotter than the pain, brighter than the humiliation. With a snarl that feels more animal than human, I push myself up. My leg protests, a fire of screaming nerves, but I force weight onto it. I ignore Ian. I ignore the crowd. I lurch forward, my gait a lopsided run, but it’s a run. One foot in front of the other. Each stride is defiance.The distance closes: ten yards. Five. I don’t slow. I crash through the finish line, a muddy, stumbling wreck, but I’m through. I collapse to my knees, chest heaving, body trembling with exhaustion and pain. I did it. The first part is done.The wiry girl and the ginger stand nearby, clutching water skins, their expressions unreadable. Master Goran is nowhere to be seen, but I feel his presence like a cold wind. He witnessed it all.The whispers start again,
最終更新日 : 2026-07-02 続きを読む