The Truth.

Two: There's more?!

Sweat dripped down my face as my arms shook to get myself up off the floor. Lucian's feet came into view just as my arms gave out. We had been training both, magical and physical, for a total of seven hours and despite my lycanthropy, I could still be pushed past my limits. Lucian had tested my skills with a variety of wandless magic that used up most of magical core, he tested out my resistance training was with Protego; the shield spell, the Imperius curse and hand to hand combat for my defensive. I had grown weak and pathetic in the past month even though I wouldn't change the amount of time I've had with Bella, I knew it had to get serious until everything was over. I had too much responsibility that I had pushed aside in favour of my own selfishness. My lack of training in both aspects showed over the course of the four hours, whereas before I could keep up with Lucian with little issue. Yet here I lay on the floor, struggling to go toe to toe with my mentor. Embarrassment flooded through my body. I've become so weak.

Lucian snapped out, "That's enough for today. " Immediately defensive I couldn't help but say "No! I can keep going!" even though I already knew his answer. "Enough Hermione." His voice was stern and my jaw snapped shut, stopping my protest. Knowing that he did not snap at me often and respecting his wishes, I obeyed. Managing to sit up with some struggle, he sighed stating, "Young one, there is something I wish to speak to you about. Go clean yourself up and join me in the library." With a lot of effort, I pushed myself off the floor, I could tell that whatever Lucian had to say was serious so I didn't push or ask questions. My wolf whined out in worry and I couldn't help but agree that something was worrying him as his behaviour over the past few weeks had become more irritable; which was not like Lucian at all. And we didn't like it. I also knew that with my enhanced senses and body it wouldn't take too long to train back to where I was. By the time I got up to my room, my legs no longer ached.

The distinctive smell of Bellatrix enveloped my senses instantly relaxed my mind. Looking around our room, I smiled at the magic of it all. In a literal sense too. The room itself was a large size, a beautiful colour scheme of black and dark green an obvious nod to Slytherin colours of course. The king sized bed was a still messy from this morning as neither me or Bella bothered to make it. Waving my hand over the bed it was made in a blink. Lazy but I didn't have time to make it. A beautiful antique desk was opposite the bed which had some papers full of research scattered all over, beside the papers an ink pot and a feathered pen that was enchanted to keep writing up my research for Mythics. Glancing over the headline of this page was 'Wyvern' a beast that I hadn't ever come across yet. Ignoring my urge to read, I quickly headed for the bathroom. I know I could cast 'Aguamneti' but I felt too drained to focus.

I let out a sigh of relief as the hot water hit my body, relaxing me. 'ooh putting on a show for me my pretty?' I couldn't help the blush that crept up on my face but I wasn't ashamed. I responded back in my mind. 'Don't you know its rude to intrude on one's private thoughts?' She let out a chuckle and responded, 'mmm but I am very much enjoying the show. I love it when you think about me.' Suddenly unbidden thoughts entered my mind. 'Enjoy my pretty.' I knew my face was flushed bright red as images that Bella sent me flooded through my mind. 'BELLA!' Her cackle rang throughout my mind as she disappeared, knowing she was busy. I huffed out in frustration knowing she loved to tease. I let out a growl of frustration trying desperately not to think of my mate in such a state but it was pointless.

Twenty minutes later I was dressed in some dark blue jeans, plain t-shirt, and black boots. My dark red curls tied up to keep out of my face. I know that I was fond of this hairstyle because Bellatrix loved my hair like this. After getting rid of my frustrations in the shower, finally besides Lucian who didn't look too annoyed at the delay. His office, which was normally neat, was in complete disarray. My attention snapped back to him as he said, "I do apologise for being harsh on you Hermione, but as you already know there is a lot at stake and there cannot be any room for error. Not while we are so close." 

I shook my head as I replied, "There is no need to apologise, I know that I have been lazy and ignoring the things I should have been focusing on. What is it that you wish to discuss with me?" He seemed relieved with my response but I could see the worry in his eyes. "There is this trials that an Alpha must go through to become a Protector. A true Guardian of the Mythics. I do not know the future Hermione, but I know that you will face many trials, ones that feel as though they may break you. You will be tested and pushed further than you ever have been before. I can do my best to prepare you but these trials are meant for you and you alone. It will be hard but I know you will be ready. This also means that you will have to learn to control your Primal Alpha."

I sat up straighter in my chair as he voiced this. Primal alpha? What in Merlin... Worry gnawed in my gut. "What does that mean? Will we have time? I know that we still have to track Harry down, with Tom trying to gain over the ministry, and with the Mythics?" He looked at me with a serious look on his face. "That is for you to discover, not even I know what it is; each has been different to each protector; bloodlust was something that they all had to deal with but their Primal Alpha is something that only you can figure it out within yourself through your trials." Pausing briefly before continuing.  

"You will have to make time and train harder than ever before. Each trial with bring you closer to your true self, three steps to unlock that power inside you. This is no time for mistakes young one. If you do, you may die. " Not quite a shock because even I knew that it would take a lot to become the true Guardian of the Mythics. I wouldn't expecting anything less. The threat of death did not scare me. "What do you need me to do?" Suddenly Lucian's face broke out into a smug look as he said one word that brought my alpha to the forefront of my mind. "Hunt." My wolf howled in delight. 

I thought the 'Break rules' photo was pretty funny considering all that happened...

Hope you enjoyed!