The dagger in Rael's grip felt like an extension of himself, but Selene's strikes left no room for hesitation. The moment he found his footing, she attacked again, her blade a blur of silver in the cold morning light.
Rael barely dodged, rolling to the side. He tried countering, lunging forward with a quick slash—only to find his dagger knocked clean from his grip.
Selene's boot slammed into his chest, sending him sprawling into the dirt.
"Pathetic." She sheathed her sword and looked down at him. "You're relying too much on instinct. That's how beasts fight."
Rael coughed, spitting out dust as he pushed himself up. "Then tell me what I'm doing wrong."
Selene tilted her head. "You have speed, but your form is weak. Your footing is unstable, your reactions sluggish. And worst of all…" She leaned down, meeting his eyes. "You're holding back."
Rael's breath caught.
She knew.
She knew about the abyss clawing at him, whispering for release.
Selene stood straight. "You think restraint alone is enough? That suppressing your power makes you human?" She crossed her arms. "You need to master it, not ignore it."
Rael clenched his fists. The Black Star pulsed on his hand.
"Again," Selene commanded.
And so, the training continued.