KADE’S POV
The pain came in waves now, and today's was worse than yesterday's.
I pressed my palm against my ribs where the ache had settled like something alive, gnawing its way through me. I forced my breathing even as I walked the corridor toward the training yard, listening to my brothers' voices carry from inside — Roman's low laugh, Vance barking orders. I didn't go in. I hadn't gone in for three weeks now, always some excuse ready on my tongue. Extra study session. Errand for the Elders. Not feeling up to it today— though that last one was the only true thing I ever said, and I never said it the way I meant it.
If they saw me fight now, they'd know. My brothers had trained beside me my whole life; they'd know the half-second delay before I moved, the way my wolf no longer rose to
