Ondina was led to the training grounds by one of the estate staff, the morning air crisp as she stepped onto the wide expanse. Her heart pounded slightly, a mix of anticipation and nerves. She had heard the name Sawyer whispered even in passing—one of Kiernan's closest allies and the man who had once trained Kiernan himself. The thought of learning from someone so skilled was intimidating, but Ondina pushed those feelings aside. She couldn't afford to be weak, not now.

As she approached the centre of the field, a tall figure stood waiting. Sawyer. He was lean but muscled, his posture relaxed yet exuding a quiet, controlled strength. His hair was dark, streaked with silver at the temples, and his sharp eyes scanned her as she approached. His smile was thin, more professional than warm, but there was a flicker of something in his gaze that Ondina couldn't place.

"You must be Ondina," Sawyer said, his voice calm and steady. He extended his hand, and she took it cautiously. "Kiernan speaks highly of your potential."

Ondina felt a flicker of pride at the mention of Kiernan's praise, but she masked it quickly, nodding. "I'm ready to begin."

Sawyer gave a curt nod, stepping back to survey her. "Good. Today, we'll push you further than you've gone before. You need to learn control—over your abilities, and over yourself."

As they began, Sawyer's training methods were strict but effective. He had her channel her energy, focusing on precision and discipline, pushing her harder with each exercise. Ondina's powers, usually volatile, slowly became more focused under his guidance. Every time she sent a surge of power through her fingers or manipulated the elements around her, it felt more natural—stronger.

What she didn't notice, however, was that Sawyer was watching her with more than just the intent of making her stronger. His gaze lingered a little too long when she showed signs of fatigue, his sharp eyes calculating her weaknesses. There was something in the way he subtly tested her limits, as if he was probing for more than just strength. 

As the hours passed, Ondina felt herself growing more confident. The staff that had gathered around the training grounds clapped and cheered her on with every successful move, their enthusiasm pushing her to do better. Her focus sharpened, her movements fluid and precise as Sawyer barked commands and corrections.

Finally, with one last surge of energy, she struck the target dead-on, sending a wave of power crackling through the air. The onlookers erupted into cheers, their applause ringing out across the training grounds. Ondina's cheeks flushed as she tried to catch her breath, a mixture of pride and disbelief washing over her. She had done it. She was getting better.

In the midst of the excitement, she glanced up—instinctively—and her eyes locked with Kiernan's.

He was standing on the balcony of his study, watching her with an unreadable expression. His arms were crossed, his posture as relaxed as ever, but there was something in the way his gaze lingered on her that made Ondina's heart race. The intensity of the moment—the charged silence between them—felt heavier than before.

There was tension there, something unspoken.

For a brief moment, the sounds of the cheering staff, the murmurs of conversation around her, all faded. It was just her and Kiernan, locked in a silent exchange. His eyes, dark and intense, held her in place, and though he was far away, she could feel the weight of his attention.

But just as quickly as the moment had arrived, it was gone. Kiernan's gaze shifted, his expression returning to its usual composed indifference, and he disappeared back into his study.

Ondina blinked, snapping back to reality, her breath catching in her throat. She shook off the feeling, though her pulse still raced from the strange connection they had shared. Focus, she told herself. This is about your training, not Kiernan.

Sawyer's voice interrupted her thoughts. "You're improving. But you still have a long way to go."

Ondina nodded, though her mind was elsewhere. She couldn't shake the feeling that, despite the progress she had made today, there were layers to this world—Kiernan's world—that she still didn't understand.

And somewhere, beneath it all, she could feel the weight of everyone's eyes on her.

As the days passed, Ondina's skills grew sharper. Under Sawyer's strict yet insightful guidance, she began to master the nuances of her powers. The once-wild bursts of energy now became controlled, her strikes more precise, her focus unshakable. Sawyer pushed her, but in a way that made her stronger with each passing day. The constant presence of the staff cheering her on helped too, their encouragement filling her with a sense of belonging she hadn't expected to find in this place.

Sawyer seemed to recognize her progress as well. "You're starting to handle yourself out there," he remarked after a particularly tough session. "But there's more to combat than raw power."

Ondina raised an eyebrow, wiping the sweat from her brow. "Oh? Like what?"

"Strategy," he replied, a smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "Power's good, but if someone gets close to you, it won't help much unless you know how to protect yourself."

He stepped forward and gestured for her to come closer. "Let's work on a basic disarm technique. In case things get... personal."

Ondina nodded, eager to learn. She watched as Sawyer demonstrated the move, showing her how to redirect an attacker's strike, twist their arm, and disarm them in one fluid motion. It looked simple enough, but when she tried to execute it herself, her timing was off.

"Like this," Sawyer said, stepping closer and taking her wrist, guiding her through the motion again. "Twist your body at the right moment, and the weapon will come free easily. Here, now try."

Ondina gave it another go, focusing on his instructions. But as she moved to disarm Sawyer, she hesitated, and before she knew it, Sawyer had flipped the move on her, smoothly disarming her instead. The wooden staff she was holding clattered to the ground as Sawyer stepped back with a mischievous grin.

"Well, that didn't go quite as planned," he teased.

Ondina blinked, then broke into a laugh, the tension easing between them. "Okay, maybe I need a bit more practice."

Sawyer chuckled, handing her the staff back. "Just a little. But don't worry, you'll get it."

The brief moment of levity made Ondina realize something: she was starting to trust these people. Sawyer's good-natured ribbing and his patient guidance were a far cry from the hostility she had expected from humans. Even the staff who cheered her on from the sidelines, encouraging her with their smiles and applause, made her feel like she was part of something. She no longer felt the need to hide her abilities from them; instead, she was beginning to feel pride in her growth.

And Kiernan—though still as enigmatic as ever—had played a role in her transformation too. Whether it was his unwavering belief in her potential or the quiet way he watched over her from the balcony, his presence was always there, nudging her toward improvement. Every time their eyes met, like during training, she could feel the unspoken challenge behind his gaze, pushing her to rise higher.

She was starting to trust him, too. Slowly. Carefully. But there was no denying the shift within her. Kiernan's world, once so foreign and filled with uncertainty, was starting to feel less like a trap and more like an opportunity. Maybe, just maybe, she had a place here.

After another long training session, where she managed to land a perfect disarm on Sawyer, sending his staff tumbling to the ground this time, the staff clapped and cheered her on with even more enthusiasm than before.

"Well done, Ondina!" one of the maids called out, her voice filled with pride.

Ondina blushed at the attention but couldn't help the small smile that crept onto her face. She had earned this. She was getting better, becoming stronger with each passing day.

Sawyer gave her an approving nod. "Told you you'd get it."

Ondina shrugged playfully. "I had a good teacher."

Sawyer chuckled but didn't respond, his gaze lingering on her for a moment longer than usual. She didn't notice, too caught up in the thrill of her progress. 

As Ondina collected her things and turned to leave the training grounds, she cast a glance back toward Kiernan's study. He was there again, watching her from his balcony. Their eyes met, and for a brief second, the world seemed to still around them.

There was tension again, but this time, it wasn't uncomfortable. It was... something else. Something she didn't quite understand.

With a final nod, Kiernan disappeared back inside, and Ondina felt a strange sense of accomplishment. She wasn't just surviving in this world anymore. She was thriving. And for the first time in a long time, she felt like she was exactly where she needed to be.

After the intense training session, Ondina made her way across the estate when Caroline appeared at her side, her usual bright smile in place.

"Well, if it isn't the estate's newest star," Caroline teased, nudging Ondina playfully. "Sawyer couldn't stop praising you. Soon enough, they'll have you training him."

Ondina chuckled, still basking in the pride of her progress. "I doubt that. I almost lost a staff to my own clumsiness."

Caroline waved it off with a grin. "Small details. All part of the charm." She looped her arm through Ondina's, guiding her toward her room. "Come on, you've earned a good laugh and some much-needed pampering after all that hard work."

As they walked through the corridors, their laughter echoed, filled with playful banter and inside jokes.

"Do you think Kiernan ever takes off his gloves?" Ondina asked, recalling their joke from the other night.

Caroline burst out laughing. "I swear, the man probably sleeps in them. Imagine him sipping tea and taking off a glove like it's some grand ceremony."

Ondina giggled, the tension from earlier melting away with each shared joke. "Maybe that's his secret power. The gloves are where all the charm is stored."

They were still laughing by the time they reached Ondina's room. Caroline, always the thoughtful caretaker, immediately began preparing a bath for her.

"Alright, now sit back, and let me take care of you," Caroline said, guiding Ondina to the tub. The warm water and fragrant oils instantly soothed Ondina's tired muscles, easing away the aches from training.

Ondina sighed in contentment, her eyes fluttering closed as Caroline hummed softly, helping her wash away the day. "This is heaven," she murmured, feeling the last of her tension melt away.

Caroline chuckled. "I think you've earned it, my lady. By the time you're done with this place, they'll be bowing to you for real."

Ondina opened one eye and smirked. "You mean, they're not already?"

They both dissolved into laughter again, the warmth of the bath and Caroline's easy-going presence putting Ondina completely at ease.

By the time she stepped out, dried off, and slipped into bed, Ondina felt more relaxed than she had in ages. Caroline gave her one last reassuring smile before heading for the door.

"Sleep well, Ondina. Tomorrow's another big day."

Ondina smiled, feeling a quiet sense of peace settle over her. "Thanks, Caroline. Goodnight."

Ondina hesitated outside her door after Caroline left, the feeling of restlessness creeping back into her chest. Despite the comfort of the bath and the ease of laughter with Caroline, something stirred inside her, urging her to confront the curiosity lingering in her mind. Kiernan had been watching her all day, and though he'd been supportive, she couldn't shake the tension that always simmered just beneath the surface when he was near.

Deciding to pay him a visit, she quietly slipped out of her room and padded down the long, dimly lit corridor. The estate at night felt different—quieter, yet more alive in its silence. The walls seemed to press in, shadowed figures flickering in the corners of her vision. She shook off the unease and pressed forward.

As she neared Kiernan's study, the familiar amber glow of his lantern spilled from beneath the door. She was about to knock when she froze, her hand hovering just inches from the wood.

Voices.

No—shouting.

Ondina's pulse quickened as she recognized the low, firm tones of Kiernan, contrasted sharply by another voice—Sawyer's. The usually calm and composed trainer was clearly upset, his voice rising with frustration. Intrigued and slightly unnerved, Ondina hesitated, then carefully leaned closer, peeking through a thin gap in the slightly ajar door.

Inside, Sawyer stood rigid, his broad shoulders squared, his hands clenched at his sides. His face was contorted with frustration, while Kiernan remained seated behind his desk, appearing emotionless on the surface—too calm. But his eyes... they burned with a quiet, simmering rage that sent a shiver down her spine.

"This wasn't part of the deal, Kiernan," Sawyer hissed through gritted teeth. "You said you needed her trained—stronger—to fulfil her potential, not to—" he cut himself off, glancing away as if struggling to control his anger.

Kiernan's voice, cold and cutting, interrupted. "What did you think this was, Sawyer? A favour? A simple task? I don't remember asking for your opinion on how I should proceed."

Sawyer slammed his fist against the desk, causing the papers to rattle. Ondina flinched at the sudden aggression, instinctively taking a step back, her heart pounding.

"She's not just a tool, Kiernan! You can't—" Sawyer began, but Kiernan stood abruptly, his chair scraping against the floor. His movements were slow, deliberate, but there was no denying the fury behind them.

"I will do whatever it takes," Kiernan said quietly, though the dangerous edge in his voice was impossible to miss. "You, of all people, should know that."

There was a long pause. Sawyer looked at Kiernan with a mix of frustration and something that almost seemed like... fear. His next words were spoken more quietly, though no less intensely. "I trusted you, Kiernan. But this... this isn't what I signed up for."

Ondina's breath caught in her throat as the weight of their words began to sink in. What were they talking about? What deal? Was this about her? Her fingers trembled slightly as she clutched the edge of the door, the shadows in the dimly lit hall now feeling even darker, more oppressive.

Kiernan leaned forward across the desk, his voice low but seething. "You signed up to follow my orders, Sawyer. Don't forget your place."

Sawyer stood still, his jaw clenched tightly, and Ondina could see the internal battle warring behind his eyes. But he said nothing more.

The silence stretched on, heavy and suffocating, until finally, Sawyer turned on his heel and stormed toward the door. Ondina's heart leaped into her throat as she scrambled to back away quietly, slipping into the shadows of the corridor just as the door creaked open.

Sawyer stormed past, his footsteps heavy with frustration, but he didn't notice her. Ondina remained in the darkness, pressing her back against the cold stone wall as she waited for the sound of his retreating footsteps to disappear.

Ondina's heart raced in her chest as she pressed herself against the cold stone wall, her breath shallow and her pulse loud in her ears. She waited, frozen in place, until Sawyer's heavy footsteps finally faded into the distance. Her mind whirled with what she'd overheard—what deal had they been discussing? What wasn't Sawyer willing to do?

Just as she exhaled a breath she didn't realize she had been holding, Kiernan's voice sliced through the silence, smooth and calm, as if he'd known she was there all along.

"You can come out now, Ondina. I know you're there."

She stiffened, her heart lurching in her chest. For a moment, she considered fleeing, retreating back to her room where she could pretend none of this had happened. But she knew that was impossible. Taking a deep breath, she stepped out of the shadows and into the dim light spilling from Kiernan's study.

He stood near the door, his tall frame illuminated by the warm glow of the lanterns, his face unreadable but his eyes watching her with that intense, unwavering focus. He didn't look surprised to see her. If anything, his expression was calm—too calm. It unsettled her, made her feel small in comparison to the control he always seemed to wield so effortlessly.

"I—" Ondina began, unsure of how to start, her thoughts jumbled and her nerves on edge. "I didn't mean to eavesdrop."

Kiernan arched an eyebrow, his lips curving into the slightest smirk. "Didn't you? You seemed quite interested in what you overheard."

Ondina bristled at his tone, but she pushed down her discomfort. She had questions—needed answers—and she wasn't going to let his cool demeanour deter her. "What were you and Sawyer arguing about?" Her voice was more confident than she felt. "You mentioned me. What is this 'deal' you made?"

Kiernan's gaze didn't waver, but he took a step closer, his expression softening slightly. "Sawyer's concern is misplaced. I asked him to push you harder, to prepare you better—and he's having trouble seeing the bigger picture. He's loyal, but he's cautious."

Ondina crossed her arms, unconvinced. "That's not what it sounded like. He didn't just sound cautious—he sounded... afraid. Of you."

Kiernan's smile faltered, his eyes narrowing just slightly. But when he spoke, his voice was smooth and soothing, as if he were speaking to a child with a bad dream. "People often fear what they don't fully understand, Ondina. Sawyer is... protective. He doesn't want to see you pushed too hard, too fast. But you and I both know you're capable of much more than he gives you credit for."

Ondina hesitated, her mind still racing, trying to piece together the fragments of the conversation she had overheard. Something still didn't sit right with her, but Kiernan's words were so convincing, so reasonable that it was hard to argue. His confidence was infectious, and as he stepped even closer, she found herself drawn into the web of his calm assurance.

"I won't let anything happen to you," Kiernan added softly, his voice lowering to a near whisper. "You're important, Ondina. More than you know. I need you to trust me."

His words sent a strange thrill through her, a mixture of both reassurance and unease. She had always been wary of him—his charm, his control—but now, standing so close to him, she found it harder to hold onto that wariness. His presence was overwhelming, like he knew exactly what to say to make her doubts dissolve, to make her feel like she was the centre of his world.

She swallowed, her voice small as she asked, "Why didn't you tell me about this?"

Kiernan smiled softly, his eyes flickering with something that felt dangerously close to tenderness. "Because I didn't want to burden you. You've already been through so much, and you deserve to focus on your own growth, not on the politics behind it."

Ondina's lips parted, but she found herself at a loss for words. His explanation was smooth, calculated—yet, it made sense. He was protecting her. Maybe Sawyer was overreacting, and maybe she had misinterpreted things.

Kiernan took her silence as agreement and reached out, his hand gently brushing her arm. The touch was light, almost comforting, but it sent a shiver down her spine. "From now on, I'll be overseeing your training personally," he said, his voice like velvet. "I think we'll accomplish far more this way."

Ondina blinked, startled by his words. "You'll be... training me?"

"Yes," Kiernan confirmed, his eyes locking onto hers. "I want to ensure you reach your full potential. And I'll be there to guide you every step of the way." 

There was something in his tone, in the way he looked at her, that made Ondina's heart skip a beat. She felt a strange mix of apprehension and excitement. But deep down, a small part of her still wondered—was she truly in control of this, or was she just another pawn in Kiernan's game?

Ondina gave a hesitant nod, unsure of what else to say. Kiernan's gaze lingered on her for a moment longer before he smiled once more, that same confident, knowing smile that always left her questioning everything.

Kiernan's smile softened as he took a step closer, his voice barely above a whisper. "Goodnight, Ondina," he said gently, his words almost caressing her name. There was something in the way he said it—so soft, so sweet—that sent a strange flutter through her chest.

His gaze never wavered, locked onto hers with an intensity that made her stomach twist. Ondina felt rooted to the spot, unable to look away, the closeness of his presence overwhelming her senses.

"Rest well," Kiernan added, his voice holding that same gentle warmth. It felt almost... intimate.

Ondina swallowed, her heart hammering in her chest. She managed a small nod, though her mind was spinning. "Goodnight," she murmured back, her voice quieter than she intended.

Kiernan's eyes lingered on hers for a second longer, something unreadable flickering behind them. And then, with a final knowing smile, he turned and walked away, leaving Ondina standing in the corridor, her pulse racing and her thoughts tangled in confusion.

As his figure disappeared into the shadows, Ondina stood frozen, her heart still pounding from the strange, unspoken tension that seemed to linger in the air long after he had gone. She took a deep breath, trying to steady herself, but the warmth of his gaze, the softness of his voice, stayed with her, making her feel as though she was caught in something far more dangerous than she had realized.

She wasn't sure what unnerved her more—the feeling that Kiernan was drawing her in deeper or the fact that part of her wanted him to.

As Ondina slowly turned and made her way back to her room, the echo of Kiernan's voice still lingered in her ears, soft but potent. She tried to push away the conflicted emotions swirling inside her, but the pull he had on her was undeniable. Each step felt heavier, as if with every breath, she was slipping further into something she couldn't control. And despite the danger, a part of her couldn't help but wonder what it would feel like to fall completely.