Chapter 49

At the palace courtyard, Jovie prepares to train while Acker confers with the commanding officer. Despite Hallis advising sword practice first, Jovie joins the battalion’s run, battling depleted strength from her awakening. As they pass the palace gates, Hallis explains a man is condemned to die for hiding abilities, while his family weeps outside the bars, hardening Jovie’s disgust at the king’s policies.

After relentless laps and conditioning, Jovie nearly collapses. Acker urges restraint and gives her water, but she insists on rejoining. During sparring assignments, the commander pointedly overlooks Jovie, dismissing the battalion without granting her a match, inflaming her pride.

Jovie seizes Acker’s sword and challenges for a bout. Acker refuses to risk her after the morning’s exertion, but when Talon volunteers, Acker steps in himself. Their duel begins with Acker testing Jovie, whose fatigue causes repeated misses; she adapts by closing distance, exploiting reach and footwork learned from past training.

Pressing Acker to the ring’s edge, Jovie times a counter-cut and opens a thin line of blood on his forearm, proving her capability before her strength finally flags. Acker ends the match, orders a chilled bath for Jovie, and departs, while Hallis quietly wonders whether Acker’s oath or restraint limited him—leaving questions about protection versus Jovie’s autonomy unresolved.