CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED - BREAKING HOUSE RULES

The crisp autumn air held a bite as dawn painted the sky in hues of pink and orange. Karina stood by the arched doorway leading out to the training field, watching John and Zaya prepare for their session. John, in a simple training tunic, stretched his muscles, his movements fluid and powerful. Zaya, in similar attire, bounced on the balls of her feet, a vibrant energy radiating from her. A pang of sadness, a familiar ache, twisted in Karina's gut. She forced a smile onto her lips, waving despite the knot in her throat. "Good luck," she called out. John turned, offering a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. Zaya, however, seemed to notice the melancholy clinging to Karina. "Hey," Zaya said, walking over. "Why don't you join us today?" Karina blinked, surprised. "Me? I thought Lady Becky—" "About that," Zaya interrupted, her gaze dropping slightly. "It was actually me who asked her to… discourage your presence." John's head snapped up, a frown furrowing his brow. "What? Why