Freya's POV
All around us, chaos broke out. I knew there was no way out of this battle as Kade's warriors advanced quickly, encircling Finnick's pack members. I looked at Finnick at my side for a second. He had a determined, angry look on his face.
He spoke steadily despite the confusion, saying, "Freya, we must cooperate."
I hesitated as I looked into his eyes. Even now, could I trust him? He nodded slightly, almost frantically, sensing my uncertainty.
To my surprise, he said, "Please, if we fight together, we'll have a better chance."
I nodded back, taking a long breath. "All right. But I won't hold back if you stand in my way.
A little grin appeared on his face. "I wouldn't expect anything less."
The first warrior sprang at us, and suddenly Finnick and I were on the move, shoulder to shoulder. As I confronted my opponent, I concentrated and felt the force stirring inside of me. He swung a blow, but I sidestepped and retaliated with more force than I had thought I was capable of.
"Freya!" Finnick shouted, glancing at me. "Behind you!"
I turned just as another fighter closed in, his eyes full of wrath. My instincts kicked in, and I responded fast, intercepting his punch with my forearm before forcing him back with a hard shove.
Finnick fought beside me, and I couldn't help but notice his talent and strength. He moved with a smoothness that spoke of years of training, yet there was something different now. Despite everything, it seemed perfect as we moved in unison, each of us covering the other.
I mumbled, "Not bad," and kicked a warrior in the right spot, sending him flying backwards.
With a heavy breath, Finnick smiled. "I could say that about you, too."
All around us, the conflict raged, and the night was alive with the sounds of snarls and colliding bodies. Knowing that now was the moment to let loose, I allowed my power to flow freely as I could feel it growing, simmering just beneath the surface.
I held out my hand, letting a burst of energy burst from my palm as another warrior charged at me. I took advantage of the warrior's stumble back and knocked him to the ground, his eyes wide with amazement.
"Watch out, Freya! I turned just in time to see another warrior swinging a blade in my direction after Finnick's voice jolted me back to reality. As the blade slashed through the air above me, I dove and rolled to the side.
"Thanks," I muttered, gasping for air as I steadied myself.
He nodded while giving me a respectful look. "I never realized how strong you are."
Our gazes briefly locked, and I noticed a glimmer of adoration, possibly even remorse. But before I could think about it, Kade's men surrounded us once more.
"Remain near," I murmured, standing next to him. "We'll overcome this."
He nodded firmly, and we battled together, each of us exerting more effort than the last. I sensed an odd bond developing between us with each swing and each block, an understanding that was beyond words.
The fight appeared to turn in our favour, and as we advanced, I could feel my abilities growing stronger, like a fire burning within me. It appears the battle's energy fueled my strength, increasing my speed, sharpness, and strength. Feeling the raw energy rushing through my veins, I tightened my hands and sent them outward.
"Freya! I hardly noticed Finnick when his words reached me. With a force I had never felt before, my power was alive and pulsing. I lifted my palm and sent out a surge of energy that startled and knocked back multiple soldiers at once.
The others paused, looking uncertainly at one another. They had arrived to overwhelm us, but they were suddenly confronted with a new challenge for which they were unprepared.
Finnick's eyes were full of wonder as he gazed at me. "What are you, Freya?"
I looked him in the eye, feeling both proud and defiant. "I'm more resilient than you ever realized."
His countenance was opaque as he nodded slowly. "Now I see that."
But explanations were out of the question. Another surge of warriors surged forward, and I redirected the energy and braced myself. It was thrilling, as though I was at last accessing a part of myself that had always existed but had been buried.
I could feel Finnick's respect building as he battled next to me, his actions more purposeful than before. We were invincible together, and Kade's warriors were forced to back down by our united might.
With excitement still pumping through me, I paused to regain my breath as the final assailants fell back. Finnick was standing close by, watching me with an almost uneasy expression of astonishment.
He moved closer and whispered, "Freya, I never realized… I never knew you were capable of this."
I looked him in the eye, the betrayal and rage I had experienced rising to the surface once more. You never bothered to look at it. You believed me to be weak, therefore you pushed me away.
His face flashed with remorse as he turned away. "I was mistaken," he acknowledged. "I now recognize that. However, Freya, I had no idea what you were hiding or what you were capable of.
I stepped back and spoke in a chilly tone. "Finnick, it wasn't hidden. You simply didn't want to witness it.
He started to reply, but before he could say anything, we heard a loud noise. My heart fell when I turned to see Kade standing at the edge of the battlefield, staring at me with a deadly intensity.
"So," he muttered, a grin teasing his lips. "Freya, this is who you've become."
Finnick took a defensive stance and stepped forward to shield me. "Kade, you don't belong here."
Kade chuckled and paid no attention to Finnick. He had me in the centre of his dark, possessive gaze. "Freya, I see how powerful you are. It is stunning. But you are still mine.
"I belong to no one," I thought, feeling a wave of rage wash over me.
Kade's eyes hardened and his smile vanished. "Is that correct? We'll take care of that." He held up his hand, indicating his warriors, who started to encircle us again.
Beside me, Finnick stiffened, looking at me. "We're not done yet, Freya."
I nodded, feeling my inner strength come alive again. There was still a long way to go. And I was confident of one thing as I readied myself to confront Kade and his warriors once more: I was prepared.
The air crackled with tension as Kade's warriors circled us, their eyes filled with determination. Finnick and I stood side by side, our strength united, but I couldn't shake the feeling that this was just the beginning.