Chapter 53: New beginnings.

Months went on, and the defenders kept getting stronger. Two years had passed since Nila and Cyrus got married, and a lot of things changed between them but only for good.

The courtyard echoed with the sharp clang of blades as Victor sparred with Sera.

"Come on, Victor. I know you can do better than that," Sera taunted, a playful smirk on her lips.

Victor wiped the sweat off his brow, his breaths laboured but determined. "You talk a lot for someone who can't land a clean strike."

Sera's smirk widened. "Oh, you think so?" With a swift move, she disarmed him, her dagger pressed lightly against his chest.

Victor laughed, raising his hands in mock surrender. "Fine. You win this one."

"That's what I thought," Sera replied, though her tone was lighter now, almost approving. "You've come a long way, Victor."

"And you've gotten... patient," Victor teased.

"I've learned a thing or two," she admitted, a rare softness in her voice.