Chapter 7 The Ruthless Beginning

Chapter 7: The Ruthless Beginning The scent of blood, sweat, and damp earth filled Lena’s lungs as she jolted awake. Her body throbbed in protest, muscles aching from the test fight that had nearly torn her apart. The sky above was still cloaked in gray, the forest shadows looming like watchful predators. She tried to sit up, groaning as pain lanced through her ribs.