The tension from last night still clung to Celine. She had barely slept, her mind full of the things she had heard, the things she had seen, and mostly, the things Damian had kept to himself. Every moment of waiting made her angry. Every instinct inside her screamed that she should attack first, before her enemies could make their next move. But Damian wanted to wait and that made her even more frustrated.
Celine walked through the palace with clear purpose. She ignored the curious looks from passing nobles and guards. Let them stare and wonder what she knew. She would not appear as a frightened girl who had just escaped another attempt on her life.
Her feet carried her to the training grounds, where her muscles ached for action. She needed to hit something hard, anything to prove to herself that she was strong and not weak. Just as she picked up her sword and took a practice swing, she felt a small shift in the air. Someone was watching her.
