The Luna's Second Chance

Chapter 11: Proving Her Strength

**Isla's POV **

The academy was a sprawling fortress of stone and glass, nestled deep in the mountains, far from the eyes of the human world. It was where creatures of all kinds-wolves, witches, vampires, and more-came to train, to harness their abilities, and to find their place within the supernatural hierarchy.

The moment I stepped inside, I could feel the eyes on me, watching, judging. The weight of their stares settled heavily on my shoulders as I walked through the halls, heading toward the training grounds where Vivienne had told me to meet her.

I had only been at the academy for a few days, but it was clear that word had already spread about who I was-or at least, who I was supposed to be. The whispers followed me everywhere.

"She's Damian Blackwood's second mate? How is that even possible?"

"She doesn't even have a wolf. What kind of Luna is that?"

"She's not fit to be beside an Alpha like him."

Each comment stung more than I wanted to admit, but I pushed it down, determined not to let their words get to me. I wasn't here to prove myself to them-I was here to learn, to grow stronger, and to protect the people I cared about.

But as I stepped onto the training field, I couldn't help but feel the pressure weighing on me. Vivienne stood near the sparring ring, her arms crossed as she watched a group of students practicing their techniques. She spotted me and waved me over, a small smile tugging at her lips.

"Ready for your first real lesson?" she asked, her tone teasing but with an edge of seriousness.

I nodded, trying to steady my racing heart. "As ready as I'll ever be."

Vivienne motioned for one of the other students-a tall, muscular wolf named Dorian-to step forward. He looked me over with a smirk, his eyes filled with the same doubt I had seen in so many others.

"This should be interesting," Dorian muttered under his breath as he stepped into the ring with me.

The other students gathered around, their eyes gleaming with anticipation. They all wanted to see how the "wolfless Luna" would fare in a real fight.

Vivienne stood at the edge of the ring, her arms crossed. "This isn't about brute strength, Isla. It's about control. Focus on your power, on the energy inside you. That's where your strength lies."

I took a deep breath, my eyes locking onto Dorian's. He moved first, lunging at me with the speed and power of a wolf trained in battle. But I was ready.

I called on the energy within me, the same power that had surged to life when I protected Marcus's sister. It pulsed through me, a warm, electric current that hummed beneath my skin. Just as Dorian's fist swung toward me, I raised my hand, and a shimmering barrier of light erupted between us.

Dorian's fist collided with the barrier, his eyes widening in shock as he stumbled back.

The crowd murmured in surprise, but I didn't stop. I pushed forward, the energy flowing freely now, amplifying my movements. I darted toward Dorian, using the power to enhance my speed, my reflexes sharper than they had ever been. Before he could react, I swept his legs out from under him, sending him crashing to the ground.

For a moment, there was silence.

Then, Dorian growled and leapt to his feet, his eyes flashing with anger. He lunged at me again, but this time, I didn't bother with the barrier. Instead, I focused the energy into my hands, and when he got close, I unleashed it in a burst of raw power. It slammed into him like a tidal wave, sending him flying out of the ring and landing hard on the ground several feet away.

The crowd gasped, and I could feel their shock ripple through the air. The whispers started again, but this time, they were different.

"She's... strong."

"That wasn't just wolf power... That was something else."

"She might actually be worthy of the title."

Vivienne stepped forward, her smile widening. "Not bad, Isla. Not bad at all."

I stood there, breathing heavily, the adrenaline still pumping through my veins. But beneath the exhaustion, there was a sense of pride. I had done it. I had proven to them that I wasn't just a weak, wolfless girl. I was Damian's mate, and I was strong enough to stand beside him.

But as the crowd began to disperse, I noticed a figure standing near the entrance to the training grounds. It was Damian. His eyes met mine, and for a brief moment, I saw something flicker in his gaze-pride, perhaps, or maybe something more.

He crossed the training field, his presence drawing the attention of everyone around us. When he reached me, he didn't say anything at first. He just looked at me, his golden eyes intense, and then he spoke, his voice low.

"We need to talk."

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**Damian's POV **

I had heard about Isla's training, but seeing her in action was something else entirely. She wasn't just capable-she was powerful. And watching her command that power, watching her take control, stirred something deep inside me.

But as proud as I was, there was something else that needed my attention.

An invitation had arrived that morning-an invitation from the Alpha King himself.

I had been summoned to the palace for a ball, a formal gathering of the most powerful Alphas in the region. And the invitation made it clear that I was to attend with my Luna.

Isla.

I watched her catch her breath, the adrenaline from her fight still lingering in the air between us. She looked up at me, her eyes searching mine, and I knew I couldn't put this off any longer.

"We've been invited to a ball," I said, my voice measured.

"A ball?" Isla blinked, clearly caught off guard. "Why?"

"It's a formal event at the Alpha King's palace," I explained. "He's gathering all the Alphas and their Lunas. It's political, mostly. But it's important."

She frowned, clearly uncertain. "And you want me to go with you?"

I nodded, watching her carefully. "You're my Luna, Isla. This is where you belong."

Her expression softened, but I could still see the doubt flickering in her eyes. "I've never been to anything like that. I wouldn't know how to act, how to-"

"You'll be fine," I interrupted, my voice firm but gentle. "You're stronger than you think. You've already proven that."

She looked at me for a long moment, her lips pressing into a thin line. Finally, she nodded. "Okay. I'll go."

The tension between us shifted, and for a brief second, the weight of everything seemed to settle. Isla was powerful, and she was starting to realize that. But this ball-this event-would test us both in ways we hadn't yet faced.

And I wasn't sure if we were ready for what was coming.

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