The tension in the air was thick enough to slice with a dagger. Amanda sat in the royal library, a stack of books piled high in front of her, though she barely skimmed through a single page. She had been reading about ancient battle tactics, magical reinforcement techniques, and, for some reason, a book about how to properly milk a cow. Elias had conveniently left that last one there, probably as a joke.
"Are you actually reading that, or just pretending to look intelligent?" Elias leaned against the doorway, his smirk as infuriating as ever.
Amanda groaned, slamming the book shut. "For your information, I now know way more about cows than I ever needed to. So, if we ever get stranded in a dairy farm, I’ll be the one saving our lives."
Elias chuckled and sauntered over, plopping into the chair across from her. "I have to admit, I admire your dedication. Even if it is misdirected."
"Says the guy who spends most of his time sharpening his sword and flexing in front of the mirror."
"First of all, that’s called preparation. Secondly, I do not—" He caught Amanda raising an eyebrow. "Okay, maybe once or twice. But that’s beside the point."
Amanda rolled her eyes and stretched. "What are you doing here anyway? Shouldn’t you be brooding dramatically in a dark corner somewhere?"
"I came to check on you. You’ve been holed up here all day." His golden eyes softened slightly. "I know you’re worried."
Amanda sighed, tracing the edge of the book’s cover. "Of course, I am. We don’t have much time before the battle starts, and I still don’t know if I’m really strong enough to make a difference."
Elias reached across the table, tapping her forehead lightly with his finger. "You’ve already made a difference. You’re the reason people have hope."
Amanda snorted. "Wow, way to make me sound like some grand legend. ‘She, who gives hope, also master of dairy farm survival.’"
Elias chuckled. "It’s a start."
Before Amanda could roll her eyes again, the door burst open, and Leo stormed in, looking breathless. "Amanda! Elias! You need to come quickly. Something’s happening in the courtyard."
Without hesitation, Amanda and Elias shot up and followed him out.
---
The castle courtyard was packed. Soldiers stood in tight formations, the sound of armor clanking filling the air. In the center, King Aldric stood tall, his expression stern as he addressed the gathered warriors.
"The enemy’s forces are moving faster than expected. They will reach our borders within two days. We must prepare for battle."
Murmurs spread through the crowd. Amanda clenched her fists. Two days? That was barely any time at all.
Aldric continued, "We have called upon our allies. Reinforcements will arrive, but we must stand strong until then. Our kingdom, our home, depends on it."
A cheer erupted from the soldiers, but Amanda could feel the unease beneath it. They were brave, but they weren’t fools. This war wasn’t just any battle—it was the final stand.
Elias stepped forward. "Then we have no choice. We make our last preparations tonight. Tomorrow, we train until we drop."
Amanda nodded. "And I want to help. Whatever it takes."
Aldric met her gaze, a rare glimmer of respect in his eyes. "Then we shall see what the hero of another world can truly do."
---
That night, the training grounds were alive with activity. Soldiers practiced formations, archers honed their aim, and mages reinforced barriers around the castle walls. Amanda stood at the sparring grounds, gripping a wooden sword as Elias circled her.
"You’re still dropping your left guard," Elias pointed out as he easily dodged her attack.
"Maybe that’s just my strategy," Amanda shot back, lunging again.
Elias deflected effortlessly, spinning her around until her back hit his chest. "If your strategy is to let the enemy stab you, then congratulations, you’re a genius."
Amanda huffed. "Fine. Teach me."
Elias smirked and stepped back. "Good. Now, again."
For hours, Amanda trained. By the time the moon hung high in the sky, she was panting, exhausted, but feeling stronger than before.
Leo walked up, handing her a water flask. "You’re improving."
Amanda took a long sip. "Yeah, well, I don’t plan on dying tomorrow."
Leo crossed his arms. "Good. Because we need you."
She met his gaze, surprised by the sincerity in his voice. "You really think I can do this?"
Leo nodded. "You’ve come this far. I don’t see you backing down now."
Amanda smiled, wiping the sweat from her brow. "You’re right. I won’t."
As she turned to head back inside, Elias caught her wrist. "Hey."
She looked up at him, noticing for the first time how serious he looked.
"No matter what happens tomorrow," he said softly, "stay close to me."
Amanda felt her heartbeat quicken. "Elias…"
He smirked, but it didn’t quite reach his eyes. "I still need someone to keep me entertained."
Amanda snorted, pushing him away. "And here I thought you were being sentimental."
Elias grinned. "I’d never give you the satisfaction."
Amanda rolled her eyes but smiled. Deep down, she knew that tomorrow, everything would change. And she was ready.
For the first time since she arrived in this world, she truly believed she could win.