The Huntress Luna

Chapter 16 Rumours and Rivals

Arya's POV

Weeks passed after my encounter with Kyle. I took some time off to breath and allow myself heal from my injury, my feelings and Rodrick's errand.

It was time for me to resume training. The morning drills were stricter today as the cold ran through the training yard like a warning.

Warriors trained in their wolf forms, in turns and in pairs. Claws scrapping earth, metallic clashes of swords in the air.

Kyle had not arrived yet. And because of that, Jagger decided to make me his personal entertainment in front of everyone.

"Rogues like her should be chained outside the walls. Don't you think so?" he loudy, giving me a side eye as he passed the other warriors.

My hands gripped firmly on my knife, but I kept my head low, pretending like I didn't hear what he said.

Especially when Rodrick's message still lingered in my head and I was too busy healing to deliver.

Not when Kyle practically kept eyes around his back on me.

I needed to be calm. I needed to blend in and listen. But then another voice shot through the air.

“What's going on between her and the Alpha?”

"Don't you think she seduced the Alpha?"

“A rogue can never be out Luna, if that's what's she's thinking.”

"He's obsessed with her. He spends more time looking out for her than leading us."

"She probably put charm in his drink."

"Nah. She's hiding something. She's well trained for an ordinary rogue."

Laughter and mockery followed, sharp and biting. My chest tightened. I kept walking, ignoring them, but their whispers crawled under my skin like poison.

I was an alien and a threat. I was the enemy that was welcomed into their base. In fact, it was better this way. That made my plan easier. But still, a strange pain filled my throat. One I didn't want to name.

"Hey. Eyes up, Arya."

Kaden appeared from behind me, throwing a wooden sword at me.

"Ignore all of them," he said. "Their voices matter, but they don't define you."

I could feel hear his good intentions. But sadly, he had no idea of who I really was. Before I could respond, a presence moved across the field.

It was Kyle. Warriors straightened immediately, arranging themselves in order like there was a secret command. His gaze searched and found me. Even from across the yard, the intensity was choking.

The alpha moved closer and that was when Jagger decided to make his move.

"Alpha," Jagger began, stepping forward, "I was thinking, maybe the outsider should watch instead of train. We don't want her shifting mid-fight and accidentally killing one of—"

Kyle cut him off with a cold stare. "Pair her with me."

Jagger froze and so did I.

"Again? The Alpha spar with the her?" someone whispered behind me.

"It's not fair at all," another hissed.

Kyle ignored them, stepping onto the practice platform. "What do you think Arya?”

“No, thank you, Alpha. I'll just pair with another person.”

“And why is that? Are you afraid you'll lose?”

I folded my palms, my fingers digging.I walked towards him, lifting my chin. "Not a chance."

The pack murmured loudly. They loved drama, especially when I was the target. Kyle circled me, his wooden sword lowered at his side, never blinking.

"You're afraid of what they'll say?" he asked softly?

"It's my business. Not yours" I snapped back.

"No, it's also mine. Everything about you is my business."

He didn't wait for me to reply before he attacked me in a swift strike. I blocked with my sword, stepping away and twisting the way Rodrick taught me years ago. A move designed to kill.

Kyle noticed. He smiled, dark and knowing.

Our swords clashed again. His strength was powerful. My ribs ached, reminding me of the wound freshly healed. He saw it and that made him annoyed.

"You should have told me that it was this bad," he said.

"You never asked," I panted, trying to catch my breath.

He pushed harder, pushing me backward. "I shouldn't have to ask."

Our swords locked at the hilt. His breath brushed mine.

"For once Arya, let me protect you."

Something stirred in me. His eyes fell, not to my sword but my lips. My heart raced. My wolf howled. But before I could collapse into the moment, a loud scoff came through the warriors.

“You're supposed to be training, not flirting," Lyria said with a scorn.

Kyle stepped back immediately, his jaw clenching like he was holding himself from reacting. Lyria's blue eyes narrowed like she wanted to rip me apart in front of everyone.

"I didn't see you last night, Kyle," she said softly. "I searched everywhere. I was scared something had happened to you." She walked towards him, placing her hand on his chest.

I swallowed hard. She went to his chambers to look for him?

Kyle carefully pulled her hand. "I didn't ask you to."

Her smile twitched. A feeling of satisfaction crept in me. Then she turned her attention to me.

"So tell us Arya... what exactly are you hoping to gain by staying."

"I'm hoping to survive," I answered, raising a brow.

Lyria laughed. "Well, you'll need more than your little rogue tricks for that."

Before I could answer, Kyle stepped between us, voice cold.

"Another word from you, Lyria and you'll be dismissed from the yard again."

Gasps spread through the group. Lyria froze, betrayal swimming through her face.

She nodded stiffly and stepped back, but her eyes stayed on me, promising revenge.

Kyle dismissed the training shortly after, blowing the whistle without warning. Warriors scattered away, whispering fresh gossip.

I grabbed my things to leave, but a hand closed around my wrist.

"I meant what I said," Kyle whispered. "Stay close to me. Don't give anyone the chance to tear you down."

His thumb brushed my pulse before adding, "And don't listen to them."

"I won't," I declared, lifting my chin high.

He smiled for a moment, a rare softness breaking through. Then the softness faded.

"And Arya?" he whispered, "don't make me regret ever trusting you."

As Kyle walked away to speak with Ezra, Lyria watched. Jealousy burning in her stare like acid. She wasn't the only one. All around the yard... suspicious eyes followed me. Curious and hateful eyes.

I swallowed hard. They were already turning against me. And soon... they would have every reason to.

Because I was going to fulfill my mission. I was going to return to the palace library and find the map.