Moonbound

Chapter 6: Glimpse of Strength

I rise early the next morning, stretching my sore muscles before making my way to the training grounds. The air is thick with anticipation; today, Alpha Killian mentioned we'd be tackling live combat scenarios. I feel Athena's excitement simmering within me, ready to push the limits.

Killian's voice greets me as I approach, and I catch the scent of fresh earth and the faint tang of metal—tools of our training scattered around the clearing.

"Freya, today we're going to push you further," he says, a steely edge in his tone. "You've shown skill with the weapons, but in a real-life situation, you may not always have one. Today, you'll face a wolf in human form."

I nod, letting the challenge settle in my bones. I steady my breathing, centering myself as I feel Killian's Beta, Max, step up beside me. His energy is sharp, a current of raw power just waiting to be unleashed.

"You're going to fight me today," Max says, his voice steady, almost calm, as if this were just another day for him.

I focus on the sound of his breath, the way he shifts his weight, the nearly inaudible crackle of leaves under his boots. Every detail, every sound tells me exactly where he is, exactly how he'll move. I feel Athena growl in anticipation, our instincts sharpening.

"When I say go, you attack," Killian commands.

The world fades, and all I hear is the soft rush of wind as Max moves. I brace myself, feeling his energy build, his footsteps quickening. The moment he closes in, I drop low, spinning to avoid his first strike and countering with a swift elbow aimed at his ribs. He grunts, shifting back, but I follow, pressing forward, feeling the flow of each movement, every shift of air.

His movements are fast, but Athena and I move as one. We dodge, block, and counter, pushing him back. Each blow connects with a visceral force, and I sense Killian's approval in the way he silently watches, a constant presence on the edge of the clearing.

Suddenly, Max shifts his stance, his body coiled like a spring, and I sense the incoming attack. He charges, aiming low, and I dodge to the right, barely avoiding his grasp. But I'm ready—I strike with a sharp jab to his shoulder, throwing him off balance. The ground beneath us shifts as we circle each other, my heart pounding in rhythm with Athena's steady, focused growl.

Then, Killian calls out, "Enough!"

I stop, breathing hard, feeling the adrenaline course through my veins. Max steps back, catching his breath, and I can sense a hint of respect in the way he regards me.

"Impressive, Freya," Killian says, his voice carrying a note of satisfaction. "Your instincts are sharp, and you read your opponent well. But remember—never let your guard down. Stay alert."

I nod, letting his words sink in. This training, this relentless push to grow stronger, feels like a fire in my veins, something primal that demands to be unleashed.

As the afternoon fades, Killian instructs me to join him for a meditative exercise by the river. The sound of rushing water fills the air, blending with the gentle rustling of leaves, and I breathe in the scents of the forest, letting them wash over me.

"Close your eyes," Killian says, his tone low and steady. "Feel the world around you. Let the earth beneath your feet anchor you. Hear the river's flow, the wind's whisper. This is what grounds you."

I do as he says, focusing on each sound, each shift in the air. Slowly, I feel myself sink into a deeper awareness. The river's steady rush becomes a heartbeat, a rhythm that connects me to everything around me. I can sense the subtle movements of animals nearby, the gentle stir of leaves, even the faint presence of Killian beside me.