The morning sunlight spilled through the tall windows in dappled patterns, gilding the floor in shifting gold.
Elysia stood at the edge of a plush exercise mat, one hand resting lightly on the back of a chair Faelira had placed there for balance.
Her hair was tied in a loose braid, silver strands catching the light like woven starlight, and a faint sheen of sweat glistened along her collarbones.
Her legs trembled just slightly as she bent one knee and leaned forward, stretching her hips.
"You're doing well," Faelira said, standing beside her with a calm, measured gaze. "Don't push too far. Your body's still realigning."
"I'm not made of glass," Elysia muttered through gritted teeth.
Faelira arched an eyebrow. "You say that, but if you strain your pelvic floor too soon, I'll be the one casting binding magic on your backside to keep you from getting out of bed."
Elysia groaned and straightened slowly. "That's disturbingly specific."
