Chapter 2: A New Bond

Training with Yohan became their secret. He admired her determination and the fire in her spirit. For Elliana, learning to fight wasn’t just about defying expectations—it was about reclaiming control over her life.

As they sparred beneath the moonlight, their bond deepened. Each strike and counter brought them closer, not just as teacher and student, but as two hearts beginning to intertwine.

...-Shadows of the Past-...

Elliana’s training with Yohan became the highlight of her days. Each evening, she would sneak to the secluded grove where he awaited her, a wooden sword in hand. His patience surprised her; he didn’t treat her like a fragile girl but as a student eager to learn.

“You’re improving,” Yohan said one evening after she managed to block his strike. His praise made her heart soar.

But as Elliana grew stronger, so did the whispers among the castle staff. Her late-night disappearances didn’t go unnoticed. One day, her governess confronted her.

“Elliana, where do you go every evening?” she demanded.

Elliana hesitated. For years, she had followed the rules, stayed within the confines of expectations. But now, she realized she couldn’t let fear hold her back.

“I’ve been training,” she admitted, her chin lifted in defiance.

“Training?” Her governess’s voice was sharp with disapproval. “Do you think your father would have wanted this?”

The mention of her father was like a dagger to Elliana’s heart. She clenched her fists, refusing to let the pain show. “My father taught me to be brave, to follow my heart. And this is what I want.”

The governess sighed, her expression softening. “The world is not kind to women who step out of line, Elliana. Be careful.”

...-The Challenge-...

Word of Elliana’s secret training spread beyond the castle. One day, a group of knights approached her during Yohan’s absence. Their leader, a burly man named Sir Alaric, sneered as he held out a wooden sword.

“So, the little lady thinks she can fight,” he mocked. “Care to prove it?”

Elliana hesitated, her grip tightening around her practice sword. She knew this was a trap, a chance for them to humiliate her. But as she glanced at Yohan’s empty training ground, she remembered his words: Strength is about what you choose to fight for.

Raising her sword, she stepped forward. “I accept.”

The duel was grueling. Alaric’s strikes were heavy and relentless, but Elliana held her ground. She recalled Yohan’s lessons—focus, precision, and agility. Though she stumbled and took several hits, she refused to give up.

When the duel ended, Elliana stood battered but unbroken. The knights, though reluctant, couldn’t hide their admiration.

“She’s tougher than she looks,” one of them muttered.

Yohan returned just as the knights were dispersing. His eyes narrowed as he saw Elliana’s bruises. “What happened?”

“I proved myself,” she said simply, a small smile playing on her lips.

...T-T-T-To be continue-...

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