Chapter 24

I was supposed to be working.

There were reports piled on my desk, patrol routes to approve, border inspections to schedule, and updates on rogue activity waiting for my attention.

Yet for the third morning in a row, I stood by the same window, watching Emily train.

She moved quickly around the sparring ring, dodging attacks with ease. Every day, she got better at avoiding hits. But fighting back was another matter. Her punches were weak, her stance was unsteady, and she depended too much on her speed.

“I could teach her better.” The thought came so naturally it caught me off guard.

I wanted to stand behind her, help her with her posture, and guide her movements. I wanted to show her how to use her hips for power instead of her shoulders, and how to tighten her core before she struck.

“Then go teach her,” Liam said from the doorway.

I turned around. My brother was leaning against the frame, chewing on an apple.