The persistent knocking had Ren's mind racing through possibilities as he approached the door.
His enhanced senses picked up multiple heartbeats; three distinct rhythms beating in near-perfect synchronization.
That ruled out most of the people he knew, and the coordinated timing suggested either trained warriors or siblings who had spent their lives in close proximity.
"Definitely not Lia," he muttered to himself, though doubt crept into his voice. She would have called out by now, wouldn't she? And why would she bring companions to interrupt his training session?
The sweat from his intensive practice still beaded on his forehead, and his training clothes clung uncomfortably to his skin.
He had been pushing himself harder than ever these past few days, and it showed in every line of his posture.
But whoever waited outside had already heard him moving around, so there was no point in trying to freshen up.
