Chapter 5 5

The first rays of the sun pierced through the curtains of my room when I woke up. The events of the previous days still revolved in my mind, but a renewed determination encouraged me to get up. Today marked the start of my struggle for my place in the pack, and I knew that I had to prepare for everything.

After a quick breakfast, I headed for the clearing, an isolated place where I could train in secret. My sessions with Damian had shown me how crucial it was to strengthen not only my mind, but also my body. I needed to become stronger, faster, and more agile if I wanted to have a chance against Kael and Luna.

When I arrived, I took a deep inspiration, feeling the fresh air fill my lungs. I started with basic exercises, warming each muscle in my body. Stretching, squats, pumps ... I knew that the road would be long, but each effort counted. Soon, I started to run around the clearing, gradually increasing the speed. My body was burning, but it was a pain that I welcomed. She reminded me that I was progressing.

After an hour of intense training, I stopped to catch my breath. That's when I heard a noise behind me. I turned around quickly, ready to defend myself, but what I saw left me speechless.

- Lex? I whispered, recognizing the former member of the pack.

Lex had left a few years ago, disillusioned with the direction the pack was taking under my father's leadership and Kael's growing influence. It was an imposing wolf, with silver hair and icy blue eyes. He had always seemed mysterious and wise to me, and his passing had left a void.

- Hi, Everly, he replied calmly. I see you're training seriously.

- Yes, I... I need to get stronger, I admitted. A lot has changed since you left.

He nodded, a slight smile on his lips.

- I heard about the tensions within the pack. And I see that you are at the center of it all.

I sighed, feeling the weight of the situation on my shoulders.

- Kael and Luna are plotting against me, and I'm sure they want to overthrow our father too. I have to be ready to fight, to defend my place.

Lex came closer, placing a reassuring hand on my shoulder.

- I can help you, Everly. I've learned a lot since I left the pack. Combat techniques, strategies. If you are willing to train hard, I will pass on everything I know to you.

- I'm ready, Lex. I am ready to do anything to protect my family and my place in the pack.

We spent the next few hours training together. Lex showed me advanced fighting moves, defense and attack techniques. He taught me to use my environment to my advantage, to anticipate my opponent's movements. Each lesson was a step closer to mastering my abilities.

- Never forget, Everly, the key to combat is not only brute force, but also intelligence. Use your head as much as your fists, he advised me while we were taking a break.

I was drinking his words, aware of the value of his advice. The days passed, and our training became more and more intense. My body adapted, became more resistant, stronger. The pain of the early days gave way to new agility, to increasing confidence.

One evening, after a particularly trying session, I went home to find Luna waiting for me in front of my door. His expression was cold, his eyes shiny with contempt.

- Everly, she said in an icy voice. We have to talk.

I stiffen, feeling that this confrontation was inevitable.

- What do you want, Luna?

She approached, crossing her arms on her chest.

- I know what you are doing. You are in secret yourself, aren't you? Do you really think you can challenge us, Kael and me?

I support his gaze, refusing to show the slightest fear.

- I prepare to defend my place in the pack, Luna. I know what you plot, and I won't let you do.

She laughed, a cold sound and devoid of joy.

- You are pathetic, Every. You have no chance against us. Why not give up now and save you shame?

- I never replied firmly. I won't let you take my place without fighting.

Luna clenched her fists, her face hardening.

- Very well, then. Show me what you learned.

Without warning, she threw herself on me. I defended myself as best I could, using the techniques that Lex had taught me. But Luna was fast, her precise and ruthless movements. Our bodies struck violently, and I felt the pain burst several times when his blows found their target.

- Is that all you have? she sneered, hitting me hard in the face.

I wavered, but refused to fall. Anger and determination boiled inside me. I counterattacked, managing to hit her a few times, but Luna was relentless. She grabbed me by the hair and threw me to the ground, holding me in place with crushing force.

- You see, Everly, you are weak. You will never measure up.

I struggled to free myself, but its claws dug into my skin, pinning me to the ground. The pain was unbearable, but I refused to scream.

- It's not over yet, Luna, I panted, my eyes burning with defiance.

She gritted her teeth, slapping me hard.

- Yes, it is. You will never be a match for us.

Finally, she released me, leaving me lying on the ground. My body was sore, covered in bruises, but my spirit remained steadfast. As Luna walked away, a victorious smile on her lips, I promised myself I would keep fighting, no matter the cost.

I lay there for a while, barely catching my breath. Tears of pain and frustration ran down my cheeks, but I quickly wiped them away. This defeat was a lesson, an experience that I had to learn from.

When I finally stood up, every movement was torture, but I refused to show any weakness. As I returned to the clearing, I felt a familiar presence.

- Lex, I whispered as I saw him appear through the trees.

He approached, his face marked with concern.

- I saw everything. You resisted well, but Luna is formidable. You have to keep training, getting stronger.

I nodded, determined.

- I know. I won't let this defeat stop me. I will rise again, stronger than before.

Lex placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder.

- You have the heart of a true warrior, Everly. With time and perseverance, you will be able to overcome all obstacles.

We continued to train, day after day. Each session with Lex strengthened my skills, but also my mind. I felt the transformation within me, the birth of a new strength. The road would still be long, but I was ready to face everything.

Every morning, I woke up with renewed determination, ready to fight for my place in the pack. The confrontation with Luna was only the beginning, and I knew that other trials awaited me. But I would stop at nothing to prove my worth and protect those I loved.

As the sun set on another day of training, I looked to the horizon with hope. The battle was just beginning, and I was ready to face each challenge, one step at a time. For my pack, for my family, and most importantly, for myself.