Fate betrayal

CHAPTER 21

Chapter 21: Into the Fire

ARIA POV

As I stood at the edge of the training fields, the cool early air pricked my skin. I could see warriors all around me moving with lethal fluidity and trained accuracy. The sound of fists hitting training dummies and swords clanging reverberated over the field.

Killian was standing close by, his arms folded, his keen eyes on me. Aria, you wanted to be involved in this. Let's check to see whether you can cope.

His challenge weighed heavily on my chest as I gulped. These fighters had spent their whole lives preparing for combat. I was an outsider, someone who was too mysterious and untrustworthy. I would need to demonstrate my belonging here if I wanted to earn their respect and allegiance.

---

The first exercise, hand-to-hand fighting, was surprisingly easy. Jace, a tall fighter with biceps the size of my skull, was my opponent. He obviously didn't take me seriously since he grinned.

"Little Luna, are you certain you're prepared for this?" His tone was brimming with laughter as he teased.

I didn't respond. Rather, I adjusted my weight, my inner wolf waking up uneasily.

The sparring session got underway swiftly. Jace swung his huge arms in my direction. I dodged, just escaping his blow, and retaliated with a s***h to his ribs. He gave a startled groan as my punch made contact.

He circled me and said, "Not bad." However, we'll see how you respond to this.

This time, he moved more quickly and used more deliberate blows. Even though I parried and evaded, his might was too much. He surprised me by sweeping his leg, and I was knocked out cold as I struck the ground.

"Enough!" As Killian's words echoed, I pushed myself to get up and shook my head.

I looked directly into Jace's eyes and stated, "I'm not done."

He raised an eyebrow and then gave a nod. I didn't wait for him to attack this time. I took the initiative and took advantage of my tiny stature. I kicked him in the side, sending him reeling after feinting left and then spinning right. I got closer, locked his arm, and pushed him on the ground before he could get back up.

The ensuing hush was deafening.

With a little grin pulling at his lips, Killian took a step forward. "Very impressive."

---

It was a tiring remainder of the day. The warriors pushed me to the utmost without holding back. My knuckles were raw and every muscle in my body stiffened by the time the sun set. However, I had gained their respect, which was much more significant than their acceptance.

Killian came toward me, his face blank as the warriors scattered.

He said, "You're stronger than I anticipated."

"I've had to be," I said, dabbing at my perspiration.

After a little time of softening his eyes, he nodded. "Take a nap. It will be more difficult tomorrow.

---

I sat by the fire pit outside the packhouse that evening, the shadows on my face dancing from the flames. Lucas joined me, a rare expression of worry replacing his typical smile.

He handed me a cup of tea and said, "You're pushing yourself too hard."

"I have no other option," I said. "I will never be prepared for what lies ahead if I don't prove myself."

After a period of silence, Lucas leaned forward. Aria, you performed well today. Jace acknowledged it as well.

I chuckled quietly. "Jace doesn't seem to be the kind to come clean."

"He isn't. This is why it has significance.

For a moment, the crackling fire was the only sound as we sat in friendly stillness. However, I couldn't get rid of the nagging sensation that I was missing a vital component that connected everything.

---

The training took a more sinister turn the next morning.

Killian took me to a group of warriors who were waiting in the forest on the outside of the area. With their guns drawn and gloomy expressions, they stood in a circle.

Killian whispered softly, "This isn't just about strength or skill." It has to do with surviving. You must understand what it's like to fight for your life if you want to stand by our side.

With my pulse racing, I nodded.

When the soldiers moved aside, a renegade wolf in chains was seen. With its fangs bared in a snarl, its eyes glowed with untamed fury.

"Last night, we caught him," Killian said. "You're going to fight him." By themselves.

With my stomach in knots, I gazed at the outlaw. This was not a bout of sparring. It was either this or death.

Killian said in a chilly tone. Aria, this is the way things are in our world. In combat, there are no second chances.

With horrifying speed, the rogue surged for me once the warriors let it go. As its claws cut through the air, I rolled out of its path before I could respond.

I gained power and speed as my wolf sprang to the surface. I countered and ducked, delivering blows where I could, but the rogue persisted.

With its jaws snapping only inches from my face, it pinned me to a tree. I pushed back the panic that tried to overwhelm me, forcing my knee into its stomach and escaping.

The battle dissolved into a flurry of activity, and my instincts took control. I eventually located a gap and stabbed the rogue in the side. It howled in anguish and then fell to the ground at my feet.

My labored breathing was the only sound in the jungle.

Killian came over, his face inscrutable. He said, "You hesitated."

I said, "I didn't want to kill him."

Slowly, he nodded. That's what sets you apart. But you might die if you hesitate.

---

The day's events repeated in my head as I lay in bed that night. Once again, I had proved myself, but at what price? I felt as if I had crossed a boundary that I would never be able to uncross, and the weight of the rogue's death weighed heavy on my chest.

I was about to fall asleep when I heard someone knock on my door.

When I opened it, I saw one of Killian's fighters with a pallid face.

"You must arrive immediately," he said. "Killian is here."

I followed him into the packhouse, fear tearing at my throat. When we arrived to Killian's office, I was astounded by what I saw.

Killian was slouched over his desk, his face pallid and sweaty, his breathing shallow. Lucas was already there, looking serious.

"What took place?" I insisted.

Lucas's voice was thick as he glanced at me. "Toxin." We were deceived by one of the pack members.

The revelation came to me with icy clarity as the words struck me like a blow.

The pack was at risk if Killian became debilitated, and whomever was responsible was just beginning.