Chapter 106: Hallucinations

Lena

Hermes' sharp voice cracked through the training yard. "Again!"

I gritted my teeth and raised my sword, exhausted muscles screaming in protest. Across from me, Scar assumed a ready stance, his larger blade glinting in the morning sun.

Hermes' training had grown relentlessly brutal. I barely blocked Scar's first crushing blow before his second disarmed me completely. My sword clattered across the stones as I fell to my knees, gasping.

"Pathetic!" Hermes snarled. "Your enemies will show no mercy. Now get up and go again!"

Scar stepped forward, expression thunderous. "Enough! Can you not see she is spent?" He gently helped me to my feet, steadying me as I swayed.

Hermes looked poised to argue, but Scar silenced him with a piercing glare. Supporting me firmly, Scar led me back inside to my chambers.

"Rest now. No more training today." Gingerly he helped me sit on the bed and knelt to remove my battered boots. His fingers worked gently, barely brushing my skin, but that light contact