But I see them.
I see every strike telegraphed a heartbeat before it lands, every shift of weight revealing intention. I flow between their attacks like water. Mybokkensails in arcs and circles, defending and countering, faster than thought.
My body feels different, looks different, too. Lean muscle cords my arms and shoulders. My movements are fluid and effortless. There is no hesitation, no doubt.
This was what I can be, what I should be.
Laughter bubbles up from my chest, genuine and free, a sound I have not made in so long I have nearly forgotten the feeling of joy.
I am strong.
Finally.
After all the struggle and pain and failure, I am—
Another laugh joins mine.
It is deeper, resonant, also joyous.
I turn.
Prince Haru stands at the edge of the training yard, akatana—a real blade—rests casually over one shoulder. He wearstraining clothes but carries himself with the easy confidence of someone who has never doubted his right to exist in the world—or to rule it.
He grins at me, wide and toothy and full of warmth.
Beside him stands another man. Esumi. He’s pointing at me, saying something I cannot hear over the rush of blood in my ears.
He’s grinning, too.
The Prince and his consort were watching me, approving of me, seeing me as something worthy to catch their eyes.
I open my mouth to respond—
And wake to protesting muscles and the dark stillness of my chamber.
Chapter 25
Kaneko
Sakurai was late.
He wasneverlate.
I sat in my chamber in the pre-dawn darkness, waiting. Our training sessions began with mechanical precision—the same time, the same quiet knock, the same controlled entrance.
But on this day, there was only silence.
I shifted on my mat, uneasy now.
Had something happened? Had he been discovered? Was he coming at all?
Then—footsteps in the corridor.
Too fast. Too heavy. Not his usual silent approach.
The door slid open with more force than necessary.
Sakurai stood in the doorway, his posture wrong. His jaw was tight, his hands clenched at his sides. Even in the dim light, I could see the stress radiating from him.
