They eventually found an empty hall on the eastern side of the academy, one of the smaller practice halls meant for light sparring, movement drills, and controlled demonstrations rather than large-scale combat.
It was spacious enough for two people to move freely without feeling cramped, with polished stone flooring, reinforced walls, and a slightly elevated platform at the center that stood only a few inches above the rest of the room. Tall windows lined one side of the hall, allowing sunlight to pour across the floor in long pale bands, while training markings had been engraved into the platform's surface to help students keep distance and positioning during practice.
Liam stepped onto the platform first and moved toward the center without any particular urgency. Gabby followed him with far more energy, her dark eyes fixed on him as if she were afraid he might change his mind if she looked away for even a second.
