The fourth date

Two weeks have passed since I received the letter and sent one to Zephara. I was still in the training center fighting Ava as usual but the difference was that now I could match Ava but didn't have enough stamina to finish her off. 

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting the training center in a warm, amber glow, me and Ava sparred amidst the swirling dust of the arena. Our movements were fluid yet fierce, each strike and parry a testament to our skill and determination.

My muscles burned with exertion as I lunged forward, my sword meeting Ava's with a resounding clash. Sweat trickled down my brow, mingling with the dirt on my skin as I pushed myself to keep up with Ava's relentless assault.

But despite my best efforts, I found herself faltering, my strikes losing their precision as fatigue set in. With a final, decisive blow, Ava disarmed me, sending my sword clattering to the ground.