Chapter 9 Sparks in the Darkness

The night was silent except for the crackling fire between us. The flames danced, casting shadows across the cave walls. I sat with my arms wrapped around my knees, exhausted from training, my body sore in places I didn't even know could hurt.

Ronan sat across from me, sharpening a dagger with slow, deliberate strokes. The rhythmic scrape of metal against stone was oddly calming.

"Why do you look so angry?" His voice broke the silence.

I lifted my head and glared at him. "Maybe because you threw me into the dirt a hundred times today?"

He smirked. "A hundred? I counted at least two hundred."

I picked up a small rock and threw it at him. He caught it midair without even looking up.

Show-off.

"You said you wanted to be stronger," Ronan said, his silver eyes meeting mine. "That doesn't happen overnight, Selene. And it sure as hell doesn't happen without pain."

I sighed. He was right, but that didn't mean I had to like it.

My muscles ached as I shifted, trying to get comfortable on the hard ground. A shiver ran through me. The damp cave air was unforgiving, seeping into my bones.

Ronan noticed. Without a word, he pulled off his cloak and tossed it over my shoulders.

I hesitated. "What are you doing?"

"Keeping you from freezing to death."

I frowned but pulled the cloak tighter around me. His scent clung to the fabric-woodsmoke, earth, and something uniquely him. It was strangely comforting.

"Don't get used to this," he warned, going back to his dagger.

I rolled my eyes. "Trust me, I won't."

But the warmth spreading through me wasn't just from the cloak.

---

Morning came too soon.

Ronan wasted no time. The moment I opened my eyes, he was standing over me, arms crossed.

"Up."

I groaned. "You are the worst."

He smirked. "Flattery won't get you out of training."

I dragged myself up, every muscle screaming in protest.

This time, we didn't train in the clearing. Ronan led me deeper into the forest, where the trees grew thick and the air smelled of pine and damp earth. Sunlight barely filtered through the canopy, casting everything in a dim, golden haze.

"What are we doing here?" I asked.

Ronan stopped and turned to me. "You're too slow."

I frowned. "Excuse me?"

He stepped closer, his gaze intense. "In a real fight, if you hesitate, you die."

I swallowed hard.

Before I could react, Ronan lunged.

I barely had time to dodge before his fist shot past my face. I stumbled back, my heart pounding.

"No warning?!" I snapped.

"Your enemies won't warn you either."

I gritted my teeth. "Fine. Let's do this."

He attacked again, faster this time. I ducked, barely missing his strike, but he was relentless. I tried to counter, aiming for his ribs, but he caught my wrist and twisted.

A second later, my back hit the ground.

"Too slow," Ronan said.

I growled in frustration.

Again.

I got up, charged at him, and tried to fake a left hook before aiming for his stomach. He blocked effortlessly, his expression unreadable.

Again.

I tried everything-using my speed, predicting his movements, but it was like fighting a ghost. He was always one step ahead.

After what felt like hours, I was panting, hands on my knees, sweat dripping from my brow.

Ronan, of course, wasn't even breathing hard.

I glared at him. "Are you even just a werewolf?"

His lips twitched. "Debatable."

I groaned and flopped onto the grass. "I hate you."

"You've said that before."

I threw a fistful of dirt at him. He dodged it easily, laughing under his breath.

It was the first time I had heard that sound.

It was low and deep, like distant thunder. It sent an odd warmth through my chest.

I turned away quickly.

What was wrong with me?

---

By nightfall, I was dead on my feet.

Ronan built the fire again, the glow flickering across his sharp features. He sat beside me, the silence between us oddly comfortable.

I glanced at him, watching the way the firelight played against his skin. His silver eyes looked softer in the dim light, less dangerous.

"You're staring," he said without looking up.

I jerked back, heat rushing to my face. "I wasn't!"

He smirked. "Liar."

I scowled. "I was just-thinking."

"About what?"

I hesitated. About you.

"Nothing important," I muttered instead.

Ronan was quiet for a moment, then said, "You did better today."

It caught me off guard. "Really?"

He nodded. "You're learning. Fast."

For some reason, that made my chest tighten.

"Thanks," I murmured.

Ronan shifted, stretching out his legs. "Tomorrow will be harder."

I groaned. "Of course it will."

"Try not to die."

I rolled my eyes. "You're so encouraging."

A comfortable silence settled between us. The fire crackled, casting dancing shadows on the cave walls.

Then, without thinking, I leaned against him.

It was small, barely a touch. But I felt him tense.

For a second, I thought he'd pull away.

But he didn't.

Instead, he let out a slow breath and stayed still.

His warmth seeped into me, the steady rise and fall of his chest strangely soothing.

I closed my eyes, exhaustion pulling me under.

And for the first time in a long time, I felt safe.

Even if it was dangerous.

Even if it was with him.