Shadow Pride

Chapter 11 - Margo The Absence of Female Fighters

We approach the training grounds next, and the sound of grunts and thuds crescendos. I scan the area, expecting to see warriors of all genders honing their abilities like we have on the island, yet there's a glaring absence. No women. Only men engaged in what seems less like training and more like brawling—fists flying without discipline, kicks landing with clumsy force. It's a mess of violence with no purpose I can discern.

"Where are the female fighters?" I question, watching a particularly large man toss another to the ground.

"Nonexistent here," Gabriel responds, his gaze never leaving the chaotic scene. "Aiden doesn't believe in strong women."

"Clearly, he's never met one then." My words are edged with derision. The sight before me stirs a restlessness within, an urge to leap into the fray and teach these brutes about strength and respect. But my role is observer, not warrior—not yet.

"Let's move on," Gabriel urges, leading us away from the spectacle.

"Later," I promise myself. Later, there will be a reckoning.

The scent of sweat and testosterone pollutes the air, mingling with the metallic tang of blood. My fists clench at my sides as I watch two bulky forms collide, a low growl rumbling in my chest. Gabriel's hand on my arm is a silent plea for restraint, his touch featherlight yet imploring.

"Easy," he murmurs, his eyes scanning the perimeter, ever watchful.

I exhale slowly, forcing calm into my coiled muscles. This isn't the time or place to reveal my strength, not when every shadow could harbor an enemy. The pride needs to see Margo, the observer, not the agent primed for battle.

"Observing," I remind myself, even as my mountain lion snarls within, itching to pounce. I study the fighters, noting the sloppy footwork, the unprotected flanks. Weaknesses cataloged, allies yet to be found.

"Let's keep moving." Gabriel's voice is soft but insistent, guiding me away from the raw display of power and aggression.

"Right behind you," I affirm, stealing one last glance at the training grounds. There's work to be done here, a pride to save. And I will save them. Somehow. I follow him into the shadows of the trees, where the air is cooler and the sounds of the pride fade into a hush.

Leaves crunch underfoot as we veer off the beaten path, Gabriel guiding me through the dappled sunlight of the woods. The air is thick with the musk of damp earth and wild greenery; a stark contrast to the oppressive atmosphere we've left behind.

"Gabriel," I begin cautiously, my words laced with an urgency I can't suppress. "Back there, in the office... I felt it. The pull."

His steps falter, and he turns to face me, eyes wide with a mix of fear and something more profound. "Margo, you can’t... Not here, not now." His voice is urgent, a whisper lost amidst the rustle of leaves.

I chuckle, low and without humor. "You think I'm afraid? I can handle myself." I square my shoulders, confident in my training, in the power that courses through my veins.

He studies me, the intensity in his gaze unsettling. "It's not about fear," he says. "It's about survival. Yours, mine."

I search his eyes for something, I’m not sure what. But I must find it because next thing I know, I’m blurting out the one thing I wasn’t supposed to. “I was sent here from the Westwood Island Supernatural Enforcement Agency to find the weaknesses of this pride so we can save as many as we can.”

His eyes widen in surprise, turning his head to look both ways, gripping my arm lightly and pulling me further into the trees. “Enforcement Agency?” He asks and I nod. “Do you know a girl named Lacy?” His grip on my arm tightens and I see the desperation in his eyes.

I nod. “She’s safe at the Westwood Academy.”

He breathes out a sigh, turning and beginning to pace. “Safe.” He mutters to himself, the ghost of a smile pulling at the corners of his mouth.

I place my hand on his arm. “Yes, she’s safe.”

“And you were sent here to save the rest? There were more sent…” He says and I nod.

“We intercepted three and they are currently being brought to the island to safety.”

“Really?” He asks, his eyes lighting with hope.

“Really. We will get through this together.” I declare but he shakes his head.

“No, you need to stay as far away from me as possible if you hope to complete your mission.”

I want to argue, to tell him that together we're stronger, but the haunted look in his eyes holds me back. Instead, I listen as he pours out the darkness that has seeped into the pride like poison.

"Alpha Aiden..." He spits out the name like it's a curse. "He rules with iron claws, Margo. The men, they revel in their dominance, but the women..." His voice trails off, a silent testament to the bruises we saw marring delicate skin.

"My father..." Gabriel's fists clench at his sides, knuckles whitening. "He was alpha before Aiden. There was an honorable challenge, and my father... he submitted. But Aiden, he showed no mercy."

My heart clenches painfully, fury simmering just below the surface. "No mercy," I echo, my voice a growl.

"None," he confirms, his eyes dark pools of regret. And I know what he’s saying without the words. His father submitted and despite it, Aiden killed him.