Chapter 64

**Collaborative Training**

The fresh smell of dew-soaked grass filled the cold morning air. I made myself concentrate even though my muscles hurt a little from the turmoil of the previous few days. The rogue strike served as a clear reminder that having strength was essential rather than optional.

Although I was not excited to spend time with Inna, Kai had urged that we put in twice as much work during training, and his expertise was indisputable. Even though it hurt my pride, I had to learn from him in order to polish every edge I had if I wanted to lead with authority.

I tightened the straps of my gloves and positioned them on my hands. Inna was waiting on the training field, his towering form radiating cool assurance. He did not seem to be a guy who had before almost cost me everything. No, he seemed to be a strong ally today.

"Are you certain you are prepared for this?" With a smile pulling at the edges of his lips, he cried out.

I looked him in the eyes and rolled my shoulders. "Are you?"

He laughed and moved inside the circle we had sketched on the floor. "Just so you know, I am not kind to anybody."

I said steadily, "I am banking on it."

Tension was high as we started to circle one another. I saw how he moved, how his muscles tensed like a predator about to attack. He made the initial swift, purposeful lunge, hoping to surprise me.

However, I was not the Luna he had previously turned down. I ducked and retaliated with a punch that sliced his side.

"Not bad," he replied in a tone that was almost playful.

I said, "You have not seen anything yet."

We each tested one other's boundaries as our sparring became more intense. Inna moved more quickly than I had expected, and his blows were accurate and well-timed. However, I had developed the capacity to adjust, to forecast, and to draw power from the unpredictable nature of combat.

He once swooped low with the intention of knocking me off my feet. I sprang just in time and kicked him hard in the chest, sending him reeling back.

Wiping a drop of perspiration from his forehead, he smiled. "Very impressive. You have made great progress.

I was too preoccupied with keeping my balance to reply.

\### The Moment of Change

Something changed as the session went on. As Inna's assaults became increasingly violent, it became more difficult to stop them. He was pressuring me, making me use more of my reserves.

His voice was forceful as he replied, "Come on, Luna." "Prove to me your true nature."

It sparked something within me. I threw myself at him, my fists flying with a fury I did not realize I had. For a while, it was more than simply training; it was a struggle for control, respect, and closure.

I was able to pin him to the ground when we collided and struggled violently. As I held him down, my hands shook a little and my breath came in my thick pants.

His voice was low as he continued, "You have proved your point."

I let him go, taking a step back as he stood up.

With a softer tone now, he said, "Where was that fire when we first met?"

I gave him a scowl. It has always existed. You just did not care to search.

Inna's face softened as he nodded. "All OK. Luna, you are more powerful than I realized. more powerful than the majority of wolves I know.

I concentrated on collecting my breath since I was unsure of how to react. The dull pain of effort was beginning to take the place of the exhilaration.

He pointed to a shady area close to the field's edge and said, "Let us take a rest."

I reluctantly went with him. For a long time, the only noises we could hear were the rustling of leaves and the distant chatter of other wolves as we sat in stillness.

After some time, Inna said, "You know, I did not come back to make things tougher for you."

I looked at him doubtfully. "Could have tricked me."

With a groan, he combed through his hair. "I returned to observe what you are constructing here. I never imagined that you and Kai could do it. Pack unity, genuine strength through collaboration... It is motivating.

I was surprised by what he said. His tone was devoid of the haughtiness and maybe even condescension I had anticipated.

I acknowledged, "It is not easy." "I feel like I have to show myself every day—that I belong here."

"You do," he asserted. "And a person is blind if they cannot perceive that."

A sharp howl rang out across the jungle before I could reply. It was an urgent, fear-filled cry for assistance.

In a flash, our instincts took control and Inna and I were standing.

As we ran in the direction of the sound, he urged, "Stay close."

The situation we arrived at was pandemonium. A young wolf lay hurt on the ground, blood covering the earth around him. Two elder wolves waited close, their hackles rose as they hissed at an unknown menace.

"What took place?" I knelt down next to the wounded wolf and inquired.

One of the elder wolves muttered, "Rogues," in a tight tone. The ambush occurred when we were on patrol.

Inna took a step forward, looking around the woodland. "How many?"

"Four," said the wolf. "However, they vanished into the forest."

I looked at the wounded wolf, evaluating his injuries. They were not deadly, but they were deep. I responded, "We must return him to the healers."

Inna squatted down to hoist the little wolf onto his back and added, "I will take care of it."

I looked toward the tree line and nodded. The rogues had temporarily left, but their lingering presence made the air heavy.

My mind was racing as we headed back to the camp. The frequency and strategy of assaults were increasing. The person behind them was not only attempting to frighten us; they were also testing us and searching for our vulnerabilities.

I think Inna might feel my discomfort. "We will work this out," he said. "With each other."

Even while his comments were comforting, they did not really ease the mental turmoil.

When we arrived at the camp, Kai was waiting for us by the main fire, and the wounded wolf had been moved to the healer's tent.

With a somber attitude, he said, "We need to discuss."

"What is it?" I asked, feeling my heart race.

Kai paused, looking at Inna and then at me. "There was a message from the outlaws.

My heart fell. "What kind of message is it?"

Taking a piece of paper from a fire, he gave it to me, its edges charred. Simple but eerie were the words written on it:

We are on our way to getting her.

My blood froze a

s I gazed at the message. The pack was not their aim. Kai was not their aim.

I was the target of their attacks.