The Measure of Intent

As Kael dusted off his hands and prepared to leave the training grounds, Lumia's gaze followed him.

He was always like this—calm, driven, and relentless in his pursuit of improvement.

Her violet eyes flickered with an emotion she couldn't quite name as she stood up, brushing the dirt from her clothes.

"Wait," she called out, her voice soft yet firm.

"I'm heading out too."

Kael turned slightly, his emerald-green eyes meeting hers.

He nodded without a word, adjusting his posture.

Lumia fell in step beside him, her strides matching his as they walked across the dimly lit training field.

The cold night air wrapped around them, but Lumia hardly noticed.

Her thoughts were elsewhere.

I wasn't supposed to stay this late, she mused, glancing sideways at him.

She'd planned to finish her training by 11:00 p.m., sticking to the strict schedule she always maintained.