I somehow find Lucian's presence comforting.
We retreat to a secluded spot nestled within the dense foliage of the forest, away from the prying eyes and overwhelming stimuli of the outside world. Here, the air is cool and the sounds of nature provide a soothing backdrop to our training session.
Sitting cross-legged on the forest floor, I take deep breaths, willing myself to calm the turbulent storm of emotions raging within me. Lucian sits opposite me, his expression stiff.
"Take your time," he says softly. "Adjusting to your senses takes time and practice. But remember, you are always in control."
I nod, focusing on his words as I center myself, letting go of the fear. Slowly, the cacophony of noises and scents begins to fade into the background, replaced by a sense of calm.
"Are you better?" He asks after some time.
"Absolutely," I reply.
"Good," Lucian nods in approval. "Now, let's start with the basics. As a Nightwalker, you possess enhanced strength, speed, hearing, sight, and agility. But to fully harness these abilities, you must learn to channel your inner strength and focus your mind."
"Now close your eyes," he says, and I do as he commands.
"Feel the power within you," Lucian. "You are not just a predator, Aria. You are a force to be reckoned with…your main fortitude? You stomp on any prey that stands in your way. See yourself as the best…the Apex."
I close my eyes, allowing myself to sink deeper into the sensation, to tap into the reservoir of power that lies dormant within me.
"Now tell me, what do you sense?"
All I can hear again. The soft rustle of leaves in the breeze, the earthy scent of the forest floor, and the distant trickle of a stream nearby all merge into a tranquil symphony.
I open my eyes and my vision becomes clear. I catch something else, deep in the woods about five miles away, a mongoose roaming freely. A lump forms in my throat, and the thirst surges.
"A prey…up ahead…a prey," I forcefully reply. I take deep breaths as I try to calm myself from the instinct taking over me.
All I need is the instruction from Lucian, I can't act selfish.
"Then lead me to it," Lucian signals, and like a shot fired from a bullet, I move with unflinching speed, Lucian tailing behind me. Everywhere blurs around as I enjoy the exhilarating feeling.
As Lucian and I venture into the forest, a quick sense of competition sparks within me, and all I want at that moment is to outshine Lucian.
We dash through the thick undergrowth. Adrenaline courses through me, sharpening my senses to an acute level. I glimpse Lucian's imposing figure in my peripheral vision, moving gracefully despite his size. Yet, I refuse to be outmatched, pushing myself to match his speed and agility stride for stride.
Branches blur past us as we continually move through the dense woodland, the ground beneath us a flurry of earth and foliage. The rush of wind in my ears is everything to me...so much excitement, and I smile.
In the distance, I spot the mongoose darting through the foliage, its fleeting presence a challenge. Instinct takes over, propelling me forward with focus.
But Lucian remains in close pursuit. He closes the gap between us with a burst of speed, his breath on my neck as we race towards our quarry.
Hunger gnaws at me, driving me onward with a primal urge, and I push myself harder, striving to surpass Lucian. The mongoose is almost within reach, its frantic squeaks echoing through the air.
I refuse to let it slip away…
"Wait," Lucian's voice cuts through the air.
Behind me, I hear Lucian falter, his breath labored.
As I pause, adrenaline coursing through me, I am alive with the thrill of the chase. Meeting Lucian's gaze, I see a glimmer of respect—a silent acknowledgment.
"Watch and learn." I see Lucian crouch, then leaps.
With a powerful leap, Lucian surges forward, closing the distance between himself and the fleeing mongoose in a single bound. His movements are fluid and precise.
In a blur of motion, Lucian catches the mongoose mid-air, his powerful grip securing the struggling creature with ease. He lands gracefully, his expression calm and composed as he holds the captured prey in his hand, forcing it to the ground.
I watch in awe, admiring the skill and precision with which Lucian executes the hunt. There's a sense of reverence in his demeanor, a deep respect I suddenly have for him.
Lucian meets my gaze with a knowing look. "It's not just about speed and strength, Aria. It's about finesse, strategy, and control. Remember that."
I listen to the mongoose whimper as Lucian bares his fang, hisses, and sinks it deep into its meaty flesh. I see the dread in the creature's eyes as it takes its last breaths.
On one hand, there's a primal satisfaction in witnessing the hunt, in seeing Lucian's prowess in action. But on the other hand, there's a twinge of guilt, a reminder of the life that was taken to satiate our hunger.
Lucian finishes feeding, wiping his mouth clean with the back of his hand. His gaze meets mine once more, a silent communication passing between us.
As he rises to his feet, a sense of reverence washes over me. In that moment, I see Lucian not just as a mentor, but as a master of his craft—a true predator in every sense of the word.
"Now it's your turn," he says, gesturing for me to approach. "Prove yourself to us…show what you can do…and take your place among the ranks."
"Close your eyes once more, tell me what you see," Lucian instructs.
I open my eyes and the world surrounding us shifts.
Everything opens up in red pulsing hues, and I start off to a run, my eyes searching with speed. The air becomes charged and electrifying as I leap in bounds. I can sense Lucian is hot on my tail once more, but I ignore him this time, and at that exact time, I see it up the hill—I see a stag. But it immediately darts away. It has seen me, but that's no chance of giving up.
It's my catch.