The next day arrived in the blink of an eye. Sorayah had woken up early, already dressed in another set of shirt and trousers, layered with burnished copper armor. It wasn't as though she'd gotten any sleep after the nightmare, she'd stayed up all night, sitting by the window, listening to the distant clashing of blades as soldiers trained. Dimitri's deep voice had echoed through the still air, sharp and commanding as he gave instructions.
Now, the soldiers were assembled in strict formation, standing in straight lines, each one armed with a weapon gleaming under the early sun. The tension was thick, anticipation vibrating through the ranks like a drumbeat.
Dimitri stood before them, expression unreadable, his presence alone commanding silence. He didn't need to give another speech. His soldiers had already been thoroughly briefed. Their mind, body, and soul sharpened for war.
