The second morning of Combat & Defense began before the sun had fully broken over the shrine walls. A hush still blanketed the city beyond the gates, but the training field was already alive with motion—blades clashing, shields ringing, commands echoing beneath the pale dawn.

I stood once more among the lightmaidens, my grip more sure on the wooden sword, my feet steadier upon the packed earth. The soreness from yesterday lingered like a shadow on my limbs, but it no longer held me down.

"Begin your stances!" barked Patron Feliphe, his voice as sharp as steel.

We moved in sync—side step, block, forward thrust, retreat. The rhythm of the drills had begun to settle into my bones, no longer foreign, no longer feared. I could feel the strength in my spine now, my breath controlled, my strikes precise.

By midday, I no longer stumbled.

By afternoon, I was striking down mock enemies with such speed that even Rio’s brow lifted in surprise.

"You’re picking this up faster than expected," he said during our break, handing me a flask of cool water.

"Am I?" I asked between gulps, wiping sweat from my brow.

"Most noble girls faint halfway through their second day. You’re out here outmatching half the paladins."

"I suppose I had a good teacher," I teased lightly, nudging his arm.

Rio chuckled, the sound warm and genuine. We found shade beneath the same ash tree from yesterday, and for a moment, silence stretched comfortably between us. I studied him—his sun-darkened skin, the way the wind tousled his hair, how his eyes always seemed alert even when resting.

"I never asked," I said, turning to him. "How did you end up here, training with the paladins?"

He glanced at me, then back toward the field. "I wasn’t meant to be here. Not exactly."

"What do you mean?"

He leaned back, resting against the bark behind him. "The Duke and Duchess Delvaux sent me. To guard you."

My breath hitched. "What?"

"After your adoption was finalized, they were worried you’d be alone in the capital, among strangers and politics. They asked me to keep an eye on you. Quietly." He shrugged. "But shrine rules didn’t allow a personal guard inside Hue. Only approved paladins and temple guards. So…" He gestured to the training ground. "I joined them instead."

"You’re here because of me," I said, voice barely above a whisper.

"Yes," he said simply. "I would’ve come even if they hadn’t asked."

My heart thudded.

He continued, his voice lower now. "I know I wasn’t raised for this—nobility, politics, temples. But I know how to fight, and I know how to protect. That’s enough."

I looked at him for a long moment. "You’re not just protecting me with a sword, Rio."

He raised an eyebrow. "Oh?"

"You’re… grounding me. I don’t feel as lost when you’re around."

A slow smile spread across his face. "Then I’ll stay close."

Before I could respond, the bell rang, signaling the end of break. We rose, returned to the field—and I carried his words with me, like armor.

---

The rest of the day passed in a blur of exertion. We were assigned to partner drills, one-on-one sparring. I was paired with a senior trainee—older, taller, stronger. But by the third round, I had disarmed him twice. Gasps echoed from nearby maidens and a few watching paladins.

"She’s blessed with more than light magic," one whispered. "She’s swift like flame."

"Like fire sent from the gods," another said.

Patron Feliphe merely nodded, as if he had expected it all along. "Saintess Seraphina," he said after the final bout, "you’re ready for advanced forms tomorrow."

My muscles trembled with exhaustion, but my spirit soared. For the first time, I believed I could be more than the girl chosen by prophecy. I could be *worthy* of the title Saintess.

---

As twilight draped its violet hues over the sky, I stood alone in the field, the wind catching the edge of my robe. My sword rested at my side, and sweat still clung to my skin, but I felt… at peace.

Rio approached quietly, his voice softer now.

"You stayed."

"I wanted to feel this a little longer," I murmured. "The stillness after the storm."

He nodded, then offered his hand. "Come. You need to rest."

I took it.

And as we walked back toward the shrine, side by side in the fading light, I wondered if perhaps fate was not only a chain—but also a path. One I could walk on my own feet, sword in hand, and heart guarded by more than divine light.