CHAPTER 005
Sigrid's Point of View
Solveig possessed excellent fighting skills yet I demonstrated equal competence. Next to me, she stood much taller since she reached five feet seven inches. My 5'1" stature couldn’t quite compare. Our similar body builds helped me master the new fighting moves. She wore black sports attire which showcased her tanned skin and defined muscles. She had curves that would turn any supermodel green with envy.
I possess defined muscles but choose to keep my skin covered. It helps hide my injuries. I look heavier because I wear baggy sweatpants and loose T-shirts. I keep a tank top underneath my shirt. Through my experiences in matches, I realized scars and bruises on my body show through if I neglect to wear layered clothing. I don't want others to witness my scars or feel sorry for me and pretend they want to help me. I know it seems weird but my wolf and I discussed it extensively. I refuse to accept assistance from individuals who ignored my distress during the initial injury period. The simple act of giving help makes those people feel good about themselves when they say “I just have to ask,” yet in reality they ignore problems because they prioritize self-preservation over what is morally right. So, I keep my pain hidden.
I find comfort in remaining unseen yet I thoroughly enjoy engaging in combat practice. I usually position myself at the rear of the training group and then pair up with warriors who support Delta Kjetil's training. He understands my need for space and probably knows why.
He maintains a warrior presence to work alongside me as my partner.
Either I am alone in this feeling or it's my Beta blood that makes every good fight make me feel happier. Despite letting Kari and her crew overpower me I am a very talented fighter. I prefer when they attack me alone because I can handle it better than others who would struggle. I don’t fight back. Through experience, I found that battles end more quickly when my attackers lose interest. I face no consequences when I manage to avoid landing any hits.
The hits from those videos appear permanently as marks.
Kari suffered with a black eye for seven days after I received my wolf. I accepted their theory that my Beta blood caused her injury and that it was a mere coincidence. But the punishment was brutal. The headmaster suspended me for seven days while my father confined me to my room and instructed Maren to neither speak to nor feed me. She didn’t, of course. She took my assignments to school each day to ensure they were submitted on time. I took care to avoid any behavior that would lead to further punishment.
Delta Kjetil, together with several advanced pack warriors, roamed the area to correct forms and deliver feedback. “Nice job, ladies. As he moved closer he told us "You both showed excellent understanding of today's lesson." The young Alphas and Betas were slow to understand and continued to face difficulties. “But don’t tell them I said that.”
We laughed together as we prepared to perform the move once more.
“Delta, you nailed it,” I declared as a smile started to form on my face. He understood that teasing my brother would elicit a smile from me. He witnessed my tireless effort but never had an opportunity to assist me beyond our training sessions. I suspect my father prioritizes my brother and prospective leaders, but I cannot confirm this with certainty.
Delta Kjetil demonstrates brotherly behavior more than Sindre does. Delta Kjetil assisted me in concealing several serious injuries that I received from ongoing bullying. He never asks too many questions about my life or passes judgment on me. The information about my wolf remains known only to Luna Ingrid and him. Wolves usually do not receive their wolf form at such an early stage in life. Ranked wolves sometimes receive their wolf powers early when they show exceptional strength. I believe the Moon Goddess granted me my wolf to empower me through everything. While I treasure and value my wolf, I hope the Moon Goddess will end the bullying.
Luna Ingrid assists me in both shifting and developing our pack link. The concept of invisibility has its own merits. Kjetil interrupts my inner monologue and deliberately makes me visible with his forthcoming words.
“I think a demonstration is in order. With his voice reaching everyone, Solveig and Sigrid should demonstrate the new defensive move for all to see, he said before smiling at me with a wink. My sole wish at that moment was to deliver a punch straight to his teeth.
My mind link transmission clearly stated my dislike for him.
I understand, but someone besides me needs to evaluate your fighting skills. A lesson in humility would benefit your brother and his friends. They’ve been given too much time to themselves without anyone to guide them. Humor me for five minutes.”
I huffed as I moved to confront Solveig with the words "You get two." Her smile showed pure delight as if she had stepped into her favorite candy store and learned she could pick whatever she wished. Great, she enjoys the attention.
Kjetil’s deep voice boomed our question to the group now surrounding us. We took our positions.
“Solveig, you’re on the attack. Sigrid executes the latest defensive technique to see if she can pin Solveig within thirty seconds this time.
The group responded with puzzled whispers asking “What?” followed by doubts about completing the task in thirty seconds and some light laughter. That set me and my wolf off. Screw trying to be invisible.
These arrogant fools believe they're exceptional but fail to defeat each other using fundamental techniques.
“Shall we?” I asked her.
She responded with a laugh, "I thought you'd never ask me that question." The faintest trace of her energy started to flow into my muscles. I didn’t want to cause Solveig any pain, yet the guys who needed this lesson were about to experience it.
Amidst the crowd’s laughter and doubtful whispers, my attention remained with Solveig. My warrior instinct activated, and protecting the laughing i***t dropped out of my priorities.
A voice with a high pitch declared that not even anyone could finish that move in under thirty seconds and certainly not her for everyone to hear. A low chorus of agreement followed. Now my blood was boiling. So was my wolf’s.
She declared with fierce determination that they would defeat her in under ten seconds and the person who insulted them would face consequences too.
I felt my muscles vibrate with anticipation.
“Just watch,” Kjetil replied dryly. “Set…GO!”
The instant Kjetil yelled “Go,” my body sprang to action. I acted too fast for Solveig to make her move toward me. She was quick, though. She attempted to fake a leftward movement while ducking to strike me with her shoulder. But I was too fast. When she began to duck, I launched my knee upward into her chest and face, which caused her to lose her breath. When she came up from her fall, my momentum carried me to hit an elbow strike against her back.
She stretched forward to grab my waist with both arms in an attempt to push me down. I surrendered to the momentum and shifted my body so I landed on top of her. I positioned myself so that one of my knees pressed against her throat to the ground while my other arm trapped hers in an unbreakable hold.
My eyes locked with Solveig’s. Hers were wide in amazement. Surprise, maybe? I wasn’t sure. The silence around me was the first thing I became aware of. No one even breathed. A hand then came out and patted me on my back. I glanced upward and noticed Kjetil smiling at me while making an effort to suppress his laughter. I didn’t understand what was so funny.
“Less than ten seconds, damn. “Sverre, you got crushed on your best takedown time... She beat it by a lot!” Kjetil blurted out with volume while he shrugged in his son’s direction as he fought to suppress his laughter.
I helped Solveig up after I stood to my feet. “Sh*t, you’re fast. She said I needed to teach her how to react with that speed as her eyes lit up with mischief.
I just nodded. What else was there to do? She'll reject me once she learns my position in the high school hierarchy.
The crowd showed unusual silence at the training's conclusion, yet it left me completely indifferent. I was able to take her down before ten seconds had passed. I struggled to conceal my smile, although it proved very difficult. Smiling could get me beat up. My abilities should not produce any results of excellence.
As I reached for my belongings, I suddenly felt someone standing next to me. Solveig moved alongside me without saying anything. The sensation was unfamiliar, but I chose to remain silent. I began walking towards the locker room.
I felt peculiar because someone willingly chose to walk next to me. Maybe I have finally found someone who wants to be my friend. Perhaps she wanted to learn who the genuine me was.