Chapter 4 Burning Glimpse

As I track Lucien across the grass moistened with dew toward the training ground, I feel cold droplets soak through my boots. His movements demonstrate silent elegance as he takes each deliberate and confident step. Beside him, I stand while my heart pounds hard against my chest, and I sense his body warmth. My mind holds fleeting glimpses of our shared laughter from soft moments in the past.

He faces the assembled pups and delivers instructions in his steady, quiet voice while demonstrating their stance. His strong back captures my attention while a nameless pull emerges in my chest. He gives me a wooden baton while nodding to show that I need to take my turn. I straighten up while disguising my nervousness with a composed facade.

Silence falls among the wolves when I move to stand in the circle's centre. I lift the baton and mirror Lucien's previous movements by performing broad sweeping arcs. My every swing discreetly reveals a hidden strength I choose not to show. My shoulders remain level as I maintain a steady breathing pattern.

Lucien stares at me with a heavy and troubled intensity. His intense gaze penetrates my skin as I recall how his eyes used to melt for me. I grab the baton more firmly to push past the deep bone pain. The juvenile wolves duplicate my position while their eyes shine with concentrated intensity.

My baton drops, and I step forward to demonstrate a basic blocking technique. Lucien moves next to me and comes close enough to graze my arm with his. Where our bodies come close to touching, I feel heat flicker across my skin. I blink to remove the spark and adjust my posture.

With little coordination, the young wolf swings, but I effortlessly block the attack. I move through each motion with purposeful steps. Lucien's jaw tightens when he observes my strength. His eyes briefly reveal a spark of pride which he quickly conceals.

Lucien calls for a break as the sun rises higher and warms the cool morning air. The wolves scatter, chattering among themselves. I stand in the middle while I watch Lucien wrap his cloak around his shoulders. My heart twists at the sight.

He moves toward me with a waterskin extended for my use. I grasp the leather of the waterskin and bring it to my lips to drink. My breath catches when his hand brushes against mine. I step back before I can falter.

He directs the group by demonstrating proper footwork techniques. I track his gaze and observe his unbroken focus on the wolves. I take a deep breath as I focus on my purpose for being here. The promise of revenge stirs my heart.

I stand by the fallen log during the break to take deep gulps of water. Lucien's blurred outline moves through the heat haze and I recall his laughter at m,y awkward fighting attempts. The waterskin slips from my fingers as I squeeze it until my knuckles turn white. I remind myself: stay cold.

A juvenile wolf dashes by me as it tosses stones over the stream that flows close by. The boy's joy makes me laugh quietly as I watch him. Lucien looks over at me and gives a slight smile tinged with sadness. Listening to myself laugh creates a painful sensation in my chest.

He moves nearer to me and inquires about my well-being. His voice is low, wrapped in concern. I nod and offer a quick smile. My heart stings at his kindness.

When Lucien goes back to the centre to continue his training, I follow him. I follow him at his side while we move together like synchronised reflections in an established routine. My breathing matches his rhythm, yet he remains oblivious. I resist the temptation to move closer to his comforting heat.

While the young wolves perform group exercises, I lead them through looping arm movements. Lucien observes my hands as I demonstrate precise control over every motion. His face briefly shows recognition before it vanishes too fast to identify. I swallow and keep moving.

As the exercise becomes more intense, one wolf loses his footing. Before he hits the floor, I grab him to stabilise his shoulders. Lucien retreats and observes us through gentle eyes. Tears sting my eyes, but I won't allow them to fall.

Upon completing the drill, Lucien summons us both forward. Lucien places his hand on my back and says, "Well done" quietly. His words cause my heart to leap even amid the burning sensation of guilt inside me. I give a nod before returning to the crowd.

The pack elder steps in to watch us and brings with him a weighty sense of judgment. I bow my head in respect as Lucien offers him a bow. The elder looks at the wolves first before holding his gaze on both Lucien and me. I stiffen under his look.

The elder gives a brief nod before leaving silently. Lucien exhales, the tension leaving his shoulders. His lips show a subtle upturn, which I notice. My chest loosens a bit.

He looks at me to ask about my feelings. I quickly blink to clear the lump in my throat before telling him, "I'm fine." He gives me a nod while his eyes continue to search mine. I force a shrug and step back.

Lucien collects the training equipment and hands my cloak to me. I wrap the dew-covered fabric around my shoulders. At my neck, he creates a knot while his fingers glide across my skin. The warmth spreads through my body where his touch lingered.

He steps back, offering a half-smile. I bow my head and whisper thanks. My voice cracks at the simple word. Lucien bends his head forward, and his eyes become filled with worry.

We move together toward the packhouse without speaking. Air currents bring woodsmoke that combines with our footfalls. His presence feels so near I can almost turn to call his name. I keep walking.

The door of the packhouse stands before us while its wooden surface bears the marks of seasonal changes. Lucien pauses and looks down at me. Overwhelmed, I whisper "Thank you" as my heart leaps to hear him softly say "You did well today."

Within the packhouse, wolves move around restlessly as they get ready for the night's meal. I walk alongside Lucien into the cosy space where the aroma of stew fills my nostrils. Lucien directs me to sit next to him, which I follow. My pulse thrums in my ears.

I fill my bowl with steaming stew before taking a mouthful, which spreads warmth throughout my body. Lucien keeps his eyes on me from the corner of his vision while remaining quiet and motionless. His eyes seem to jab against my skin with sharp, needle-like precision. I swallow hard at the intensity.

As the pack's chatter intensifies, I direct my attention to my food. As Lucien stretches his hand to grab his bowl, he brushes against mine. The touch triggers a physical reaction as memories of past sensations flood my mind. My eyes show complete bewilderment as I gaze upward toward him.

He gives a slight, forlorn grin before his face turns away from me. I feel a squeeze in my chest when he shifts his attention away. I force my gut to suppress the rolling waves of longing inside. I finish the stew in silence.

I rise to depart from the celebration while Lucien stands up beside me. He offers to guide me home with his words, "Let me walk you back." We walk into the refreshing coolness of the nighttime atmosphere.

Above us, the stars shine brightly like tiny dots of light on a dark velvet sky. Lucien moves quietly alongside me while maintaining a steady pace. His presence surrounds me with both comfort and distress. His face appears gentle when I look at him under the starlight.

Upon reaching the cabin, Lucien stops at the door. He turns to me, expression unreadable. My stomach tightens with uncertainty as I move nearer. His fingertips approach my cheek as he reaches out towards me.

My breath stops in anticipation as his touch approaches. The air shivers with promise and dread. I shut my eyes in preparation for the searing sensation of his skin against mine. The moment breaks apart as a deep growl reverberates from behind us.

The sudden noise propels us into motion while fear cuts through the silence around us. Under the moonlight, a solitary wolf appears with tense muscles and a fixed stare directed at me. The animal's hair stands on end when it moves one step ahead. I look at Lucien's face and notice his jaw clench when he sees it.

The truth hits me hard when I notice that the wolf remains still because its eyes look too much like someone I know. The truth hits me hard enough to send a chill through my bloodstream. His hand slips from the doorframe while Lucien releases a sharp gasp. The wolf approaches, and I become frozen as I stare.

As its lips contort into a snarl, I feel a bone-deep chill. The wolf locks eyes with me, and I experience a shocking revelation that illuminates who it is more intensely than any flame.