The warrior ran a few laps as Kael had instructed, sweat already forming on his brow, but the moment he slowed even slightly, Kael's voice cut through the air like steel.
"Straighten up!" Kael commanded, calm but sharp.
The warrior snapped into position instantly, shoulders back, chest forward, every muscle taut. His obedience was immediate, but it was clear his heart was racing.
"Your stance is sloppy," Kael told the warrior as he walked slowly toward him, his eyes narrowed slightly. "Keep your feet aligned. Back straighter. Eyes focused. Do it again."
"Yes, Alpha," the warrior replied and did as told, moving with precision, but the tiniest shake in his legs betrayed how tense he was, and Kael's gaze followed every movement, judging, correcting, and noting mistakes the warrior didn
