ARES’ POV A strange, buzzing energy coursed through my body, making me feel more alert than I had in a long time. I sat up, running a hand through my hair. This was… odd. Yesterday, after using my time-freeze ability during the game, I had been completely drained. That power always came with a price—crippling weakness, exhaustion that left me barely able to move. The last time I used it, I couldn’t even leave my suite in the castle for three days. It was the reason I rarely used it. As an Alpha, showing that kind of vulnerability was a disaster. But now? I felt fine. No, not just fine, better than fine. What the hell happened? I tried to piece things together, but my memory was hazy. I remembered being weak, barely able to stand. But how had I even gotten home? I didn’t remember mind-

