Arlene's POV
Niall had spent years training alongside the royal guard. I cannot pinpoint exactly when, but it was centuries ago, back when knights wore armor and mages carried ancient staffs. People probably did not understand what silverbacks were then, but they recognized she was extraordinary. One of Niall's cherished memories involved sparring sessions with the prince regent.
Gripping this bamboo staff sends waves of electricity through her consciousness, and I feel overwhelmingly energized because of her connection to it. She yearns for him and misses how they pushed each other to excel. Whether they trained in secret, away from watchful court eyes, or competed openly on the training grounds. During public competitions, she would deliberately hold back, allowing him victory.
These moments blur the lines between past and present because I swear it feels like stepping into another era entirely. Her memories ache with the same intensity as my own experiences.
