The forge room was still glowing with warmth when Axelius stepped out, his new katana sheathed across his back. The hallway was quiet, the whole mansion still asleep. Even the birds outside hadn't started singing. The sky was dim, touched only by the soft colors of dawn.
He walked through the side path of the estate, boots quiet on the stone tiles, then stepped out into the wide training ground behind the mansion.
It was empty.
No knights. No maids. No sound.
Just the cool morning air, dew on the grass, and a large open space made for fighting. Axelius smirked and dropped his black cloak near a bench, stretching his shoulders.
Then a soft squish echoed beside him.
"Alright," Owen said, bouncing beside him with excitement.
He moved toward the training gear rack and stared at one of the tall wooden puppets — practice dummies shaped like human outlines. With a wiggle, Owen jumped onto it and suddenly… ate it whole.
Chomp.
Pop.
