_Serena's POV_
The next morning, Luca invited me to train with the other pack members. I was nervous. Back in the Fullmoon Pack, I had never been allowed to train with others. As an omega, my role had always been to obey and stay out of the way. But here, Luca treated me like I was no different from anyone else.
The training grounds were massive, surrounded by tall trees that swayed gently in the morning breeze. There was a large open field with patches of dirt and grass, and training dummies stood in rows. Some pack members were already there, sparring and practicing their moves. They moved so fast and with such precision that it made my stomach churn.
Luca smiled at me. "Don't worry, Serena. Everyone starts somewhere. You'll get the hang of it."
I nodded, though I wasn't sure I believed him. "Thank you, Luca."
He handed me a wooden staff and gestured toward a training dummy. "Let's start with something simple. Focus on your stance and balance. If you can control your movements, your speed will improve with time."
I did as he said, gripping the staff tightly. Luca showed me the correct way to stand and how to strike. His instructions were clear, and his patience made me feel less anxious.
"You're doing great," he said after a few tries.
I gave him a small smile. "I feel slow compared to the others."
"They have been training for years," he said, his voice kind. "You just need time and practice. Don't compare yourself to them. You are doing fine."
His words comforted me, and I kept trying. The more I practiced, the more I started to understand the movements. Luca occasionally corrected my stance, but he never made me feel bad about my mistakes.
After a while, he said, "I need to check on the others. Keep practicing, and I'll be back soon."
I nodded and watched as he walked off, leaving me alone. I was focused on perfecting a strike when a woman approached me. She had fiery red hair that seemed to glow in the sunlight, and her sharp green eyes bore into me.
"Let's see what you've got," she said, her voice challenging. "Fight me."
I froze, unsure of what to say. "I'm not ready for that. I'm just learning."
She smirked, crossing her arms. "Afraid you'll lose?"
"It's not that," I said quietly. "I just don't want to fight."
But she didn't care. Before I could react, she swung her fist and hit me square in the face. Pain exploded through my cheek, and I stumbled back, landing hard on the ground.
I gasped, clutching my face. "What are you doing?"
The woman sneered. "So, you are Serena. The rogue Marcus allowed to stay in the pack."
I blinked, confused. "I'm not a rogue."
"Don't lie to me," she snapped. "I know your type. You're here to cause trouble."
I shook my head, my voice trembling. "You're mistaken. I don't have any evil plans."
She crouched down, glaring at me. "Oh, I know what your plan is. You want to seduce Marcus and become the next Luna."
My heart raced, and I quickly shook my head again. "No! That's not true. I don't have any intentions like that."
She laughed bitterly. "Then explain why Marcus invited you to breakfast. He never does that. He always eats alone. But for you, he made an exception. Why?"
"I don't know," I said honestly. "But there's nothing between Marcus and me. I swear."
Her eyes narrowed, and I could tell she didn't believe me. Without warning, she grabbed my hair and yanked me to my feet. I cried out as she dragged me across the dirt, my scalp burning from the pain.
"You think you can fool me?" she hissed. "I won't let you take my place."
Tears stung my eyes, but I managed to say, "I'm not trying to take anything from you!"
She didn't listen. The humiliation and pain were unbearable, and I felt helpless.
Then, I heard a familiar voice.
"Let her go, Susan. What are you doing?"
It was Luca.
I turned my head toward him, my heart pounding. His voice was sharp and filled with anger.