nzo'

lled my nostrils as I breathed in deeply, my wolf stirring beneath my skin. A heavy mist clung to

d to remind her of the training ahead but som

enly flew open. I barely had time to process what was happening before she emerged, nearly crashing into me.

ing directly into her face - noticing details I'd never seen before. The way

physically and mentally. I cleared my throat, attempting to regain my composure while fighting the warmth threatening to rise in my cheeks.

you," I managed to say, my

dn't help my composure. "Looks

hallway felt. The air seemed thicker somehow, charged

focus on training." I said fo

he morning sun made its way through the trees. Taking

ing today. I couldn't help but notice the fire in Her ey

had known. No, this lady looked like she was prepa

in a firm voice, sweep

cheek, a continual reminder of the atrocities she had experi

's start with th

e course of the following few hours, observing a

nkled in concentration and that her muscles flex

s unable to ignore the mounting tension between us-a ch

ed, and she sprang at me with strong, fluid motions. Despite my attempt

lding back

ared. Knowing that she was correct, I clenched my

on and threw my full might into the fray, tackling her onslaught with equal vigor. The sound o

on realizing the full scope of my abilities. But then, it was gone, replaced by a f

for a chance to gain an advantage. My muscles were strained from trying to

h lightning speed, her fist hitting my ribs just as I thought I had the advantage. I growled in

xpertise that were simmering beneath the surface. I was aware that I couldn't continue

ith me was nothing like the Lyla that I had heard about. She was strong - very too. Too

and each caught our breath. The ferocious resolve persisted, but i

barely audible. I opened my mouth to reply, but a sharp p

ts of a world cloaked in terror and darkness from a long time ago. An old and strong curse that devo

his new information seemed to overwhelm me as I collapsed to the ground,

than I could have ever guessed.