The Systems Prince (DISCONTINUED)

[2.16]

Three weeks passed. Three weeks of brutal training that left Cyrus utterly exhausted. Carolyn was there to guide him the whole time, and point out his weaknesses. She didn't go easy on him in the slightest. If he was hungry, he had to run for it. If he was thirsty, he had to lift the 10,000 pound boulder Carolyn found deep in the woods. Over time, his training got a little easier. His trust with his wolf had increased by handfuls. His wolf had began to speak to him more and more, mostly about what he wanted and what angered him. His wolf didn't appreciate how he had neglected his mate in this time. He whined and whined, but Cyrus told him everytime that this was for his own safety.

He still slept in the same room as Lance, and in the same room, of course. It would be suspicious if he suddenly moved rooms. Only, he brushed off Lance's advances claiming he was too tired. That wasn't completely a lie. Still, he felt bad dismissing Lance like this. Their love language was touch, after all, and all he would allow him was cuddling.

Lance at first assumed his mate's sudden interest in training had to do with his plan of defeating Drake. So, he supported Cyrus as much as he could. Helping with training, helping to cook his meals, and letting him rest when he came home. He believed when the time came they would defeat Drake and then have all the time in the world to spend together, and Cyrus wouldn't have to worry about any of this anymore. He was hopeful for the future, so he was content in the present.

But, as they got closer and closer to the night of the red moon, he could sense Cyrus becoming more and more restless. He tossed and turned in his sleep. He exterted his body during training, and ignored his injuries. He seemed desperate to become strong. He seemed scared. Lance became more and more worried. He sensed something was wrong. He also knew Ethan was hiding something from him. He knew from the look in his eyes he sometimes caught; when Cyrus wasn't smiling or bickering with him. That look, it was torment to his heart. Those brown eyes were always far away, but lately they were alarmingly aware, of everything. Of everyone. It was almost as if he were trying to capture everything in his memory as if he would lose it the next morning. Those eyes roamed his face and studied each detail with extreme desperation, and then took a screenshot. Before Lance could question him on it, the look would be gone, and Cyrus would be back to his usual self. Lance couldn't continue to ignore this, especially when it caused his mate, and his heart, so much torment.

It was like every other day when Cyrus got up early for training. Lance asked to join him, and the pair started on the jog up and down the mountain. Cyrus seemed too absorbed in his training to notice Lance's frequent glances. Lance's eyes focused on the number of injuries he had surmounted. No matter how many times Lance would treat his injuries, the next time he saw him, he would have new ones. Cuts and bruises, and blisters on his hands and feet. Of course they would heal, but the bandages just moved to a different part of his body. Lance sighed. He knew this training was brutal, but he wished Cyrus wouldn't be so reckless with his health.

Lance smiles, running backwards ahead of Cyrus, "How about after this, we just lounge around all day? That sounds fun, right?"

Cyrus locks eyes with Lance, his smile sloppy, "We just started. Don't tell me you're tired already."

"Huh? Of course not. Do you I need to remind you who I am?"

"Yes, Alpha, sir," Cyrus chuckles, pushing past him, "C'mon, first lap is almost done."

Lance is running at his side again, picking up his pace to match Cyrus, "You've been working really hard these past few weeks, we can all see that. I just think you deserve a day off, you know?"

"If you're worried about my legs falling off, don't. I'm the big bad wolf, I can handle it."

"That's not what I mean," Lance sighs, catching Cyrus's shoulder and bringing him to a stop. Cyrus turns and frowns as Lance's brows pull together, "I'm worried about you!"