The long dining table of Thavra's great hall shimmered under the soft glow of the hanging lanterns. Food was already being served as Jaya entered, freshly bathed, hair still damp, and wearing a flowing silk tunic lined with the crest of House Malik. Her steps were firm but composed, like a soldier trained to glide through battlefields and courtrooms alike.
At the table sat her father, Lord Adem Malik—City Lord of Thavra, regal in his dark tunic, his silver-streaked hair tied neatly. Beside him, as always, was General Rami Malik, her uncle, his face carrying the calm vigilance of a seasoned warrior. Her cousins were scattered around the table, each with a mix of admiration and rivalry dancing in their expressions.
As soon as Jaya sat, her father glanced her way with a subtle smile.
"I heard you've been pushing your uncle again," Adem said, cutting into a slab of grilled beast meat. "You want to enter the inner core of the forest now?"
Jaya didn't hesitate. "Yes, Father. I'm ready. I've wandered the periphery for years. I've trained harder than anyone in my generation. I don't want to just eat high-level beasts brought back by others—I want to hunt them myself."
One of her cousins, Leyla, scoffed lightly, setting her goblet down with a clink.
"Jaya, sometimes you need to listen to your elders," she said, her tone sharp with veiled contempt. "If they say you're not ready, you're not. There's no glory in rushing toward danger just to prove something."
Jaya didn't reply. Leyla had always been like this—ever since they were children. Jealous, perhaps. Jaya knew Leyla had eyes for Mahir, the quiet and gifted son of one of the captains, but Mahir's attention had always been drawn toward Jaya instead. Not that it mattered—Jaya had no time for hearts and longing glances. Her mind was set on her goals, not romance.
Lord Adem leaned forward, his voice steady but gentle.
"Jaya," he said, "I know you've always wanted to prove yourself. And I've always admired that fire in you. But you're a girl. You don't need to be a warrior to be worthy. You've already surpassed most of the men in Thavra. That's enough."
Jaya's jaw clenched slightly. "But it's not enough for me, Father. I can take care of myself. I won't be alone. Uncle Rami will be there. Just let me—"
Adem raised a hand, cutting her off. "You think your skill means you're ready, but readiness isn't just strength. It's understanding the weight of risk."
A pause settled over the room.
Then, in a softer voice, he added, "I made a promise to your mother before she died. She made me vow to protect you. That nothing, no beast, no man, no war—would take you from me. She died too young. I won't lose you too."
Jaya's gaze softened, but she held her ground. "I miss her every day, Father. But I'm not a child anymore. If you promised her to protect me, then protect me by trusting me. I don't want to stay behind while others walk the path I was born to tread."
Silence followed. Even Leyla didn't speak.
Adem looked at his brother. "Rami, the bandits—if their hideout is in the core, I want full reconnaissance. Leave no stone unturned. I won't have this city caught off guard."
Rami nodded, understanding the shift in topic. "We'll investigate. Carefully. The reports say the bandits have grown bold. They're not just scavengers anymore. Someone's arming them."
Jaya's eyes flickered. This wasn't just about hunting anymore. There was danger out there beyond wild beasts.
After the meal, as the family began to leave, Jaya rose from her seat. She passed behind her father, touching his shoulder briefly. He didn't look up, but he didn't move away either.
On her way out of the hall, she found Zeynep, another of her cousins, waiting by the corridor.
"Jaya," Zeynep asked, her tone laced with mischief, "Did Mahir come to see you earlier? He asked for you at the stables."
Jaya didn't stop walking. "Tell Mahir not to waste his time. I've got better things to think about."
Zeynep's mouth opened in surprise, but Jaya was already striding up the grand staircase.
Back in her chambers, she opened her wardrobe and selected a hunting outfit—sleek, flexible armor made of reinforced cloth and beast hide, perfect for movement. She laid it on her bed, adjusting the belts and armguards. Her fingers were firm, her expression focused.
She looked at her twin sabers leaning by the window. Their silver blades reflected the moonlight. Weapons that had become an extension of her body.
Tomorrow, she would ride with them. Whether she was allowed into the inner forest or not—she'd find a way.
As she pulled back the covers and lay in bed, her eyes remained open, staring at the carved ceiling above. Sleep didn't come easy. Not tonight.
She was a warrior. And warriors never slept easy before the hunt.
The next morning, Jaya awoke early.
The soft light of dawn filtered through the tall windows as the city began to stir. She sat up in bed, stretched her arms, and went to wash her face.
Her maids entered moments later, carrying a silver tray with a simple but hearty breakfast—steamed bread, roasted meat, fresh fruits, and a cup of warm spiced milk.
"Thank you," she said softly, still in thought.
She ate quickly, the anticipation already building within her.
Once dressed in her dark hunting attire, she tied her hair into a high braid and strapped the twin sabers onto her back.
Without another word, she stepped out of her chambers and walked briskly toward the training ground.
There, a group of warriors—both seasoned men and younger fighters—were assembling with their gear. Among them stood General Rami Malik, already giving orders.
The sun had yet to fully rise, and the air was crisp.
Jaya joined them without fanfare, her eyes sharp and focused.
Today, she would prove herself.