Page 7 of Daughter of Shadows and Ash

As I stepped inside with Maël following close behind, the familiar perfume of dried herbs wrapped around me, sweet as mercy. My grandmother stood by the hearth, hands on her hips as she eyed me suspiciously.

"Where have you been?" she asked sharply, noticing my disheveled appearance.

"Just gathering your herbs." I fumbled for the small pouch slung across my shoulder and handed it over.

"You reek like a tavern after a brawl."

Shame turned my silver tongue to lead, my usual wit deserting me like shadows at dawn. Pride and guilt tangled in my throat, strangling any defense I might have made.

"Go sleep it off, you're no use to anyone all hungover," she commanded gently yet firmly, waving me away before turning her attention back to her herbs.

With a growl that was more wounded animal than human, I dragged myself upstairs, leaving Maël at the threshold, his concern a weight heavier than my hangover.

Each step brought fresh waves of nausea, accompanied by echoes of disappointment - my grandmother's words, Maël's worried eyes.

Something fragile in my chest begged me to turn back, to let down my walls for him. But the fortress I'd built around my heart stood firm.

It was easier to be alone than to risk the pain of rejection, even if that loneliness cut deeper than any blade.

I wokeup to the sun creeping through the cracks in my window, the harsh light piercing my throbbing skull. The memory of my grandmother's voice echoed in my mind, her stern tone from earlier lingering like an unwanted guest.

With a grunt, I rolled out of bed and stumbled toward the kitchen. My grandmother stood at the hearth, stirring a pot. I gravitated toward its savory aroma like a moth to a flame.

"You're alive," she said without looking up. "How's your head?"

I rubbed my temples, letting out a noncommittal grunt. "It's fine."

She paused, finally glancing at me with that look only grandmothers seem to possess. "You're not the best liar, ya know. Why don't you do something to fix that?"

I leaned against the doorframe, crossing my arms defensively. "What do you suggest? A walk? A little tea?"

"Training with the guards," she said simply, stirring the pot with renewed vigor.

"Training?" I frowned. The thought of swinging swords while feeling like I'd been run over by a cart didn't sound appealing.

"Did I stutter? Yes, training," she snapped back, waving her hand dismissively. "It'll help you work out whatever's eating at you."

I let out a weary breath but knew better than to argue. After a quick change into my fighting leathers, I trudged outside, where the training ring loomed ahead on the village outskirts.

The sun beat down mercilessly overhead as I entered the training ring, forcing me to shield my eyes. Steel rang against steel, punctuated by shouts of encouragement that made my head pound.

I scanned the familiar faces of villagers as they trained, their movements watched by stern-eyed instructors.

Then I saw him. Maël. His skin glistened with sweat as he sparred with a village guard, each movement showcasing his skill.

His movements were swift and sure, each strike purposeful. A knot formed in my stomach as I watched him effortlessly disarm his opponent, awakening emotions I refused to name.

Frustration churned beneath my skin like a storm waiting to break as I strode over to the pile of discarded weapons. I chose a shorter blade from the pile, knowing my speed would have to compensate for what I lacked in brute strength.

"Alora!" a guard called out as he wiped his brow with his forearm. "Over here!"

I clenched my jaw, forcing a sharp nod as I stalked towards the guards. The guards encircled me, their eyes alight with the promise of violence.

The guards quickly paired off, and adrenaline surged through my veins as I sparred with a young villager called Finn.

Steel met steel as Finn pressed forward with surprising grace, forcing me back until raw instinct claimed control.

My body moved on its own, unleashing a storm of strikes that caught even me off guard, muscle memory taking command where conscious thought failed.

---