Episode 14: A Glimpse in the Shadows — Part 1

Morning — Lara’s Home

Bobby arrives near Lara’s home to check if Garron is there. As he quietly approaches, he sees something unexpected — Lara and Ryn are sparring with one another in the yard.

Ryn stands calmly with her arms folded, a slight flame flickering across her fingertips, while Lara’s stance is more aggressive, lightning crackling faintly at her palms.

Ryn: "Focus, Lara. Your strikes are fast, but your rhythm’s off."

Lara (gritting her teeth): "I know! Again."

Lara lunges forward, a sharp Blaze Fang Strike aimed at Ryn’s side. Ryn pivots gracefully, catching the momentum and redirecting Lara’s strike to the ground with a circular sweep of Ember Heart Pulse.

Ryn: "Don’t waste energy overpowering me. Use your speed — anticipate."

Lara spins, countering with a low sweeping kick infused with a burst of Ashen Waltz. Ryn leaps over it and retaliates with a spiraling Flame Blossom Strike that stops just inches from Lara’s shoulder.

Lara (panting): "You’re holding back."

Ryn (smiling): "Maybe. Maybe I’m testing you."

Intrigued, Bobby hides behind a tree and watches in silence.

Soon after, Lara’s uncle arrives and walks toward the two.

Rael: "Hey, sister — sparring again?"

Ryn (smiling faintly): "Not that much. Just warming up."

Rael: "Lara, come on. Let’s go."

This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it

Lara: "One minute, I’ll go change my clothes."

Ryn: "How’s Father?"

Rael: "He’s fine. Holding up strong as always."

Rael: "By the way, Ryn... there’s a boy watching you two from a distance."

Ryn (calmly): "Yes, I know. That’s Bobby — Lara’s classmate."

Rael (raising an eyebrow): "You mean the one who attacked the village leader’s son?"

Ryn: "Yes, it’s him."

Rael: "What’s he doing here then?"

Ryn: "I’ll tell you later."

Lara (returning): "Uncle, let’s go."

Ryn (quietly to her brother): "Don’t tell Lara about the boy."

Rael (nodding): "Alright."

As they leave, Ryn casts a glance in Bobby’s direction.

Ryn: "I know you’re there. You can come out now."

Bobby steps out slowly from behind the tree.

Bobby (softly): "I wasn’t trying to spy. I just came to check if Mr. Garron was around."

Ryn: "Okay, it’s fine. But Garron isn’t here."

Bobby: "Oh… can I ask you something?"

Ryn: "What’s the matter? Tell me. You don’t have to hide it from me."

Bobby: "If you don’t mind… will you spar with me?"

Ryn (raising an eyebrow): "Oh? I think you forgot — I told you to come for training five days ago. And now you’re asking this?"

Bobby (scratching his head): "I’m sorry I didn’t come then."

Ryn (smiling): "It’s fine. Okay then, listen — come at me with everything you’ve got. Don’t hold back."