TRIAL BY FIRE

As the early morning sunlight bathed the training field, I stood in the front row of the punching bags, determination etched on my face. I arrived early, eager to hone my skills and push myself further. The memory of my previous training session, where I struggled to keep up with Alex, fuelled my frustration and igniting a burning desire to prove my worth.

With each strike against the punching bag, my frustration found an outlet. My punches landed with a mix of power and desperation, as if trying to physically vent my emotions. However, deep within the recesses of my being, a lingering feeling of being dismissed by Lucian clawed at my thoughts. The memory of offering my assistance, only to be met with his curt words, "Haven't you helped enough?" played on an endless loop in my mind.

It served as a reminder of the consequences of my initial summoning, binding him to me against his will. Had I overstepped my bounds in offering my assistance? Were my efforts in helping him break the curs