The heavy wooden door to Gon's chambers creaked shut behind him, the sound echoing faintly in the expansive room as he leaned against it for a moment, catching his breath.
His muscles ached with the satisfying burn of a long, grueling training session in the courtyard, hours spent swinging a sword, sparring with seasoned knights, and pushing his body to its limits.
Sweat still clung to his skin, his dark hair plastered to his forehead, and his olive-toned chest glistened faintly in the warm glow of the candles scattered across the room.
Despite the dull throb in his shoulders and thighs, a faint smirk tugged at his lips.
The ache was a small price to pay for the strength he'd gained, and for what awaited him now.
The room itself was a sanctuary of luxury, a stark contrast to the dusty training grounds he'd left behind.
The massive four-poster bed dominated the space, its dark mahogany frame draped with crimson silk curtains that shimmered in the candlelight.
