Chapter 84 Chapter 84
Chapter 84 Chapter 84
E L A R A
"Feel the weight," he said. "From here, swing forward, hips first, then shoulders, arm last." Together, we pivoted, his fingers firm over mine as the blade cut through the air in a smooth arc.
I tried to concentrate, to ignore the way his hips brushed mine in the motion, the subtle strength in his hold that made my pulse thrum.
"Very good," Hunter said as we completed the swing, his praise simple and genuine, lingering in the space between us.
He didn't pull away immediately, letting the moment settle, his breath still warm on my skin.
Hunter finally stepped back, the absence of his warmth leaving a cool draft in its wake. I exhaled shakily, my skin still tingling where his hands had guided mine.
He bent down to retrieve his wooden sword from the dirt, the motion smooth and unhurried, as if the intimacy of the lesson was just another part of the drill.
"Now," he said, straightening up and facing me with the blade at the ready, "you're going to strike at me. Use the stance and swing I just showed you."
I nodded, heart pounding harder now that it was my turn alone. The sword felt heavier in my grip, the balance precarious without his steadying touch. But I planted my feet as he'd taught, knees bending, hips squared. "I don't wanna hurt you," I blurted out, the words tumbling free before I could stop them.
Hunter's chuckle rolled out again, deeper this time, his eyes crinkling at the corners with amusement. "I didn't know you cared so much about me."
Heat surged to my face, flushing my cheeks in a rush that had nothing to do with the exertion. I shifted my weight, the leather of my training gear creaking softly. "That's not what I mean," I stammered, avoiding his gaze as I adjusted my hold on the hilt.
He tilted his head, that teasing glint still in his eyes, but his voice softened just a touch. "Well, don't go easy on me. Give me your best swing."
I swallowed, forcing my focus back to the task. The training ground's clamor faded around us, the grunts of sparring, the thud of boots as I drew the sword back, pivoting from my hips like he'd shown.
The blade whistled through the air toward him, clumsy but committed, and he parried it effortlessly with a light tap of his own weapon, the wood clacking sharply.
Hunter nodded approvingly, his grip on the wooden sword loosening as he reset his stance. "Good. Go again."
I took a deep breath, the wood in my hands feeling a little less foreign now. My muscles remembered the motion from the first try, pivot, swing, commit.
I lunged forward, blade cutting through the air with more confidence this time. But my foot caught on a loose patch of gravel, the ground shifting under me unexpectedly.
The world tilted, my balance crumbling as I pitched sideways.
Strong arms wrapped around my waist in an instant, yanking me upright before I could hit the dirt.
I gasped, the sudden jolt sending a rush through my veins. Hunter's hands were firm against my sides, his body close enough that I could feel the heat radiating from him.
My eyes snapped up to meet his, locked in place as he stared down at me, his hold unyielding.
Time stretched, the noise of the training ground blurring into a distant hum, leaving only the steady thrum of my pulse and the intensity in his gaze.
"Alpha."
The word sliced through the moment like a blade, stunning me into motion. I whipped my head around, spotting Kane striding into the yard, Sera at his side.
His presence filled the space, broad shoulders cutting a path through the scattering warriors who paused to nod in deference. Sera's sharp eyes flicked toward us, her expression unreadable.
Heat flooded my face again, but this time it burned with something sharper than embarrassment. I straightened quickly, pulling free from Hunter's grasp, the absence of his touch leaving my skin prickling.
Kane's gaze swept over the training ground, landing on us with an intensity that made my stomach twist.
His eyes narrowed slightly, dark and unreadable, pinning Hunter and me in place even from across the yard.
Beside him, Sera's lips curved into a subtle smile, her posture relaxed as if she relished the moment, pleased, almost, that he'd caught us in such close proximity. .
The way her eyes lingered on us, sharp and knowing, sent a flicker of unease through me. What did she see? What did she think Kane saw?
He didn't break stride, his voice cutting through the murmurs like a command from the throne. "Carry on," he said to the warriors, his tone even but laced with authority.
The men nodded, resuming their drills with renewed vigor, the clash of wood on wood echoing once more. Kane and Sera moved past, heading toward the far end of the grounds, but I felt his attention linger on my skin like a brand, even as he turned away.
I exhaled shakily, my heart still pounding from the near-fall and the weight of that stare. Hunter shifted beside me, his presence a solid wall now that the moment had shattered.
Before I could say a word, one of the guards approached, his boots crunching over the gravel. He stopped a respectful distance away, dipping his head. "Luna."
The word hung in the air, simple and direct. It wasn't a question or a greeting, it was an order to leave this ground and head back to my chambers.
I nodded to the guard, handing my wooden sword to Hunter without a word. His fingers brushed mine as he took it, a brief contact that sparked nothing now but a weary resignation.
"We'll pick this up later," he said, his voice low, eyes flicking toward Kane's retreating form but I wasn't sure we would, not with the way Kane had just looked at us. If anything he would probably make it that I never step foot here again and I wasn't sure if I liked the idea of that.