Flora's breath came in shallow bursts as she struggled to keep up with Seraphina's relentless pace. The forest trail was rugged and unforgiving, with roots and branches threatening to trip her at every step. Seraphina didn't bother looking back, her sharp gaze fixed ahead, as if daring Flora to falter.
"Pick it up," Seraphina called over her shoulder. Her voice was as cold as the morning mist. "If you can't keep up here, you'll never survive out there."
Flora clenched her fists and forced her legs to move faster. Her muscles burned, but she wasn't about to let Seraphina see her weakness. Not again.
Maxwell had insisted she join the training sessions, saying it was the only way to prepare for what was coming. Flora had agreed, not because of Maxwell, but because she'd made a promise to herself: she wouldn't be a liability to the pack.
The trail opened into a clearing, and Seraphina turned abruptly, her piercing gaze locking onto Flora. "Take your stance."
Flora dropped her bag and assumed the defensive position Seraphina had shown her the day before. Her hands shook slightly, but she lifted her chin, meeting Seraphina's eyes with a determination she hadn't felt before.
"Good," Seraphina muttered, circling her like a predator sizing up its prey. "Now, let's see if you remember anything from yesterday."
The sparring began. Seraphina's movements were swift and precise, her strikes coming from unexpected angles. Flora dodged and blocked as best as she could, each successful deflection earning her a grunt of approval. But Seraphina wasn't holding back. A sudden sweep of her leg sent Flora tumbling to the ground.
"Get up," Seraphina barked.
Flora pushed herself up, wiping dirt from her face. She could feel her frustration bubbling under the surface, but she forced it down.
"Again," Seraphina demanded.
The cycle continued, each round more grueling than the last. By the time Seraphina called for a break, Flora's body ached, and her breathing was ragged. She collapsed onto a nearby log, grateful for the reprieve.
"You're improving," Seraphina said, leaning against a tree. The comment caught Flora off guard.
"Thanks," she managed between breaths.
"Don't thank me," Seraphina snapped. "If you don't learn to defend yourself, you'll be the first one dead when the vampires attack."
Flora's stomach tightened at the thought. The vampires were no longer a distant threat; they were real, and the pack was on edge.
Before Flora could respond, the sound of footsteps reached her ears. She turned to see Maxwell emerging from the trees, his expression unreadable.
"Flora," he said, his tone softer than usual. "We need to talk."
Seraphina rolled her eyes and walked away, muttering something about distractions. Flora wiped her hands on her jeans and stood, trying to ignore the flutter in her chest.
"What is it?" she asked, keeping her voice steady.
Maxwell hesitated, his gaze flickering to the ground before meeting hers. "I've been having the dream again."
Flora's breath caught. The dream. The one where she died.
"It's different this time," Maxwell continued. "I saw something… someone. Bianca."
Flora frowned. "Bianca? What was she doing?"
Maxwell shook his head. "I'm not sure. But it felt wrong, like she didn't belong there."
Flora's mind raced. Bianca had been acting strangely lately, but she'd chalked it up to jealousy. Could there be more to it?
"I need you to be careful," Maxwell said, stepping closer. His proximity made her heart race, but she pushed the feeling aside. "If she's involved in this somehow, I need to know."
"I will," Flora promised.
Maxwell nodded, his jaw tightening. "Good. And Flora…" He hesitated, as if searching for the right words. "You're stronger than you think. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise."
Before she could respond, he turned and walked away, leaving her with a mix of emotions she couldn't untangle.
Later that evening, Flora sat in the common area of the pack's lodge, her thoughts consumed by Maxwell's warning. Bianca was across the room, laughing with a group of friends. She looked so carefree, so normal. But Flora couldn't shake the feeling that something was off.
Luke slid into the seat beside her, his usual easygoing demeanor a welcome distraction. "You look like you've seen a ghost," he said, nudging her shoulder.
Flora forced a smile. "Just tired. Seraphina's training is brutal."
Luke chuckled. "Yeah, she's got a reputation for that. But you're holding up better than most."
"Thanks," Flora said, her smile softening. She appreciated Luke's unwavering support more than she could express.
As they talked, Flora couldn't help but notice Bianca watching them from across the room. Her gaze was sharp, her expression unreadable. A shiver ran down Flora's spine.
The next morning, Flora arrived early for training, determined to prove herself to Seraphina. But when she entered the clearing, she found Bianca waiting for her instead.
"What are you doing here?" Flora asked, her guard immediately up.
Bianca smiled sweetly, but there was an edge to it. "I thought I'd offer to help. You know, girl to girl."
Flora didn't trust her, but she didn't want to cause a scene. "Thanks, but I've got it covered."
"Nonsense," Bianca said, stepping closer. "We're all on the same side, right?"
Something in her tone made Flora's skin crawl, but she nodded. "Right."
The training began, and at first, Bianca seemed genuinely helpful. She corrected Flora's stance, offered tips, and even sparred with her. But as the session went on, her strikes grew harder, her tone sharper.
"Come on, Flora," Bianca taunted. "Is that all you've got?"
Flora gritted her teeth and pushed back, refusing to let Bianca intimidate her. But then, Bianca's foot swept out, catching Flora off guard. She hit the ground hard, the impact knocking the wind out of her.
As Flora struggled to catch her breath, Bianca leaned down, her smile replaced by a cold, calculating expression.
"Stay out of my way," Bianca hissed, her voice low and venomous.
Flora stared up at her, shock and anger swirling in her chest. Before she could respond, Bianca straightened and walked away, leaving Flora on the ground.
That evening, Flora recounted the incident to Luke, her frustration bubbling over.
"She's hiding something," Flora said, pacing the length of the room. "I don't know what, but she's not on our side."
Luke frowned, his arms crossed. "Do you want me to talk to Damian? He'll listen."
Flora shook her head. "Not yet. I need proof first. But I'm not letting her get away with this."
Luke sighed, his concern evident. "Just be careful, Flora. Whatever she's up to, you don't have to face it alone."
Flora stopped pacing and met his gaze. "I know. Thanks, Luke."
As the night wore on, Flora's determination solidified. Bianca was hiding something, and she was goi
ng to find out what it was.
But deep down, she couldn't shake the feeling that this was only the beginning.