Chapter 27

The morning passed quickly as they sparred and trained, each exchange sharpening their skills. By the time they finished, both were exhausted yet exhilarated, a newfound respect between them.

As they walked back together, Sara met up with them, her eyes bright with curiosity. “So, how was it?” she asked, glancing between them with a knowing look.

Zoe couldn’t help but smile. “Challenging, but worth it.”

Dominic gave her a slight nudge. “Just wait. The next few weeks are only going to get more intense. That tournament won’t know what hit it.”

After training, Zoe made her way to the next class on her schedule: Magical History of the Realms. She glanced at the directions on her map, leading her through winding corridors and stone staircases until she arrived at a heavy, arched door engraved with intricate scenes of magical battles, long-forgotten creatures, and legendary mages.

Pushing it open, she stepped into a dimly lit, expansive room with towering bookshelves reaching up to the ceil