Amara woke to the faint glow of dawn streaming through the small window of her room. The night's events felt like a distant nightmare, but the stiffness in her muscles and the faint ache in her head were proof enough that it had all been real. She sat up slowly, her thoughts heavy with everything she had seen and experienced. She was in Lucian's world now—a world of strength, danger, and power where she was undeniably the odd one out.
The room was quiet, the only sound the distant clanging of swords and growls from the training grounds below. She moved to the window, pulling the curtain aside to see the bustling activity of the pack. Wolves sparred with each other, some fully shifted and others in their human forms. Their movements were sharp and precise, every action speaking of discipline and purpose.
Her gaze shifted, searching for Lucian, but he was nowhere to be seen. Her chest tightened slightly at the thought of him out there, possibly still fighting for her. For them.
A knock on the door startled her. Before she could answer, the door creaked open, and Elena stepped in, her sharp blue eyes immediately locking onto Amara.
"You're awake," Elena said, her tone clipped. She crossed her arms, her presence dominating the small room. "Lucian sent me to check on you."
Amara raised an eyebrow. "Lucian sent you?"
Elena's lips twitched into a humorless smile. "Don't flatter yourself. He's busy preparing for the inevitable retaliation from Selene. Someone had to make sure you didn't wander off and get yourself killed."
Amara bit back a retort, instead forcing herself to stand straighter. "Well, as you can see, I'm alive. You can report back to him now."
Elena tilted her head, studying her. "You're tougher than you look. I'll give you that. Most humans wouldn't have survived a night like last night."
Amara didn't respond, unsure if it was a compliment or a veiled insult.
"But toughness isn't enough here," Elena continued, stepping closer. "You're Lucian's mate, whether you want to be or not. That makes you part of this pack now. And if you're going to survive, you need to understand what that means."
Amara's heart pounded. "What does it mean?"
"It means loyalty," Elena said, her voice firm. "It means strength. It means putting the pack above all else—your fears, your doubts, even your life. Lucian's position as Alpha depends on his strength, and that strength comes from you now. If you falter, so does he."
The weight of Elena's words settled heavily on Amara's shoulders. She hadn't asked for this bond, but it was hers nonetheless. And the more she thought about it, the more she realized that Elena was right. She couldn't afford to be weak, not if it meant putting Lucian or the pack at risk.
"I won't falter," Amara said, her voice steady.
Elena studied her for a moment longer before nodding. "Good. Then let's see what you're made of."
Amara blinked. "What?"
"You're coming with me to the training grounds," Elena said, a smirk tugging at her lips. "If you're going to survive here, you need to learn how to fight."
The training grounds were even more intimidating up close. Wolves of all sizes sparred with each other, their growls and snarls echoing through the air. The ground was worn and dusty, a testament to years of rigorous training.
Elena led Amara to an empty section of the grounds, tossing her a wooden practice sword. Amara caught it awkwardly, the weight of it unfamiliar in her hands.
"We'll start with the basics," Elena said, taking a stance. "Let's see how you handle yourself."
Amara tightened her grip on the sword, trying to mimic Elena's stance. But as soon as Elena moved, Amara realized just how out of her depth she was. Elena's strikes were quick and precise, and Amara struggled to keep up, her movements clumsy in comparison.
"Focus," Elena snapped, her strikes becoming more forceful. "You're not just swinging a stick. Every move should have purpose."
Amara gritted her teeth, frustration building as she blocked another strike. "I'm trying."
"Try harder," Elena growled. She swept Amara's legs out from under her, sending her sprawling to the ground. "Out there, no one's going to hold back. If you fall, you die."
Amara pushed herself up, her chest heaving. "I get it, okay? But I'm not like you. I'm not a wolf."
"Doesn't mean you can't fight like one," Elena said, her expression softening slightly. "You have fire in you, Amara. I saw it last night when you threw that dagger at Selene. Use that."
Amara stared at her for a moment before nodding. She adjusted her grip on the sword, her stance more stable this time. When Elena moved again, Amara met her strike with more confidence. It wasn't perfect, but it was progress.
They continued for what felt like hours, and by the end of it, Amara was drenched in sweat, her arms trembling from exhaustion. But she had held her own, and that was something.
Elena lowered her sword, a hint of approval in her eyes. "Not bad. For a human."
Amara managed a tired smile. "Thanks. I think."
Before Elena could respond, a familiar voice interrupted them.
"Training already?"
Amara turned to see Lucian approaching, his golden eyes scanning her with a mix of curiosity and concern. He was shirtless, his torso still marred by the healing wounds from the night before. The sight of him made her heart skip a beat, though she quickly pushed the feeling aside.
"She needed it," Elena said, stepping back. "If she's going to survive here, she has to be ready."
Lucian nodded, his gaze shifting to Amara. "How do you feel?"
"Exhausted," she admitted, wiping sweat from her brow. "But… stronger."
A small smile tugged at Lucian's lips. "Good. You'll need that strength."
Amara frowned. "Why? What's happening?"
Lucian's expression darkened. "Selene isn't going to stop. She's gathering more rogues, preparing for an all-out assault. We don't have much time."
The weight of his words settled over her like a storm cloud. She had known that Selene was dangerous, but the thought of another attack—one even worse than the last—sent a chill down her spine.
"What do we do?" she asked, her voice steady despite her fear.
Lucian stepped closer, his golden eyes locking onto hers. "We fight. And we win."
His words were simple, but they carried a power that sent a spark of determination through her. For the first time since this nightmare began, Amara felt like she belonged. Not just to Lucian, but to this pack, to this fight.
She nodded, her grip tightening on the practice sword. "Then let's get to it."
Lucian's smile widened, pride flickering in his eyes. "That's my mate."
The words warmed her, and for a brief moment, the weight of the world didn't feel so heavy. Together, they would face whatever came next. And together, they would survive.