Rivera – POV
Before my intense training could begin, Master Jerome shot me a disappointed look.
"Rivera," he said coldly, "I told you not to let Lady Leora get into danger."
I stayed silent—my mistake was serious, and I'd let my guard down.
"I take full responsibility," I whispered.
"Then train harder. Your enemies should never win," he said, still cold.
"Yes, Master Jerome," I replied.
He stepped closer, his expression sharp. "Now that you're here, I can train at full strength. Even if you try to fool me by disguising Leora with shapeshifting—don't bother. I know she's not you."
"There's no fooling you," I said. "My hands were tied behind my back."
"I know. That's the only reason you're not running laps around this arena," he said. I gulped, instantly reminded of his brutal punishment drills.
"Get in stance," he ordered as we entered the arena.
