Unveiling the Shadows

Esteria caught her breath, still feeling the remnants of her recent trials. The tension in her muscles began to ease as she looked up to see Roland stepping out of the shadows with a smirk on his face. He nodded to her, his tone lighter than usual.

"Well done, Esteria," he praised, giving her an approving look. "You really held your own back there. I'm impressed."

She felt a flush of pride at the compliment. "Thank you, Roland," she replied, catching his eye with a small smile. It wasn't often that she received such acknowledgment, especially after the intensity of everything they'd just been through.

Adrian, standing close by, let out a half-laugh. "It's not like we were expecting anything less. She's got more in her than most," he said, nudging her lightly with a hint of brotherly affection.