Chapter 116 Time Marches On pt 2
Duncan
I strode across the training field, boots crunching against packed dirt, the familiar rhythm of exertion and discipline filling the air. The scent of sweat and warm earth mixed with the faint metallic tang of magic lingering from earlier drills. A glow of pride settled heavy and warm in my chest as I watched our warriors move through their exercises—bodies in motion, instincts sharp, the pack alive and strong beneath the mid-afternoon sun.
Near the front of the group, Julian stood with Kayla. He had moved her from private sessions to group training a week ago. It was a deliberate choice, but not an easy one. They had both agreed it was time. Our warriors needed to see their new Beta female in the dirt with them, needed to know she wasn’t above the work or the bruises. Kayla, for her part, had insisted. Respect was earned, not given, and she wanted to make sure the pack saw her effort.
Like Seren, she still carried scars from Blood Moon—some visible, others etched deep beneath the skin—but she was changing. Blossoming, really. Her movements were steadier now, her shoulders no longer curled inward as if bracing for a blow that never came. Julian’s care showed in the way she held herself, in the quiet confidence starting to take root.
I slowed, then stopped altogether when I saw who stood opposite her.
Lenore.
Of all people.
I folded my arms loosely over my chest and watched as the two women circled one another. Lenore moved with the easy grace of someone who had never known a day without training. Her father had seen to that, starting her young, sharpening her early. Kayla, by contrast, was newer to this—still learning how to trust her body, her instincts—but she didn’t retreat. She met Lenore’s gaze head-on.
Curiosity tugged at me. 'Julian,' I linked him, without taking my eyes off them. 'Who set the matches today?'
'Voluntary, Duncan,' he answered easily. 'They picked their own partners. Lenore approached Kayla in front of the whole group when I called for pairs. I’m watching them.'
Good. Because I was now, too. Their strikes came fast—hands, feet, the dull thud of flesh meeting flesh. Kayla was holding her own, though just barely. Each block rattled her arms, each dodge costing her precious ground. Lenore pressed forward, confident, relentless. Still, Kayla didn’t quit. Even as she was driven toward the edge of the training circle, her jaw set with stubborn resolve, she stayed on her feet.
I saw Kayla’s lips move—something muttered under her breath—but I couldn’t hear the words. Lenore did, though.
Her next strike went wide. Then another. Anger flared sharp and sudden in her eyes, the clean precision of her movements unraveling as irritation took over. Kayla sidestepped a punch, breath coming fast, and murmured something else—quiet, pointed. Whatever it was, it snapped the last thread of Lenore’s control.
She snarled and charged. Claws burst from her fingers in a partial change, the air rippling with the sudden surge of power. Julian’s shout tore across the field, “Stop! Lenore, stand down!” He sprinted toward them, but it was already too late.
Kayla dodged the first swipe but stumbled on the second, one knee slamming into the dirt hard enough that I felt it in my own bones. She threw up her arm, palm out, instinctively bracing for impact as Lenore leapt—momentum carrying her forward, claws poised to tear. But then, something happened.
She froze, suspended mid-air, muscles locked, her expression twisting from fury to startled confusion. Kayla looked up at her, eyes wide, breath caught somewhere between fear and disbelief.
Understanding hit me in the same instant the elemental symbol flared into existence on Kayla’s arm. Air. The mark glowed faintly, lines crisp and alive, as the wind itself answered her unspoken call. A sudden hush fell over the field—every warrior stopping, staring—before it shattered into cheers and shouts of surprise.
Lenore dropped hard when the pressure released, hitting the ground with a curse as Kayla’s instinctive hold on the wind slipped away. By then, I was already there, just a step behind Julian.
“Lenore!” Julian barked, fury sharp in his voice. “You know damn well this was a human-form only match! Partial and full shifts are forbidden!”
“She baited me!” Lenore snapped, scrambling to her feet, her face flushed with rage. “I lost my temper!”
“That’s no excuse,” Julian shot back. “A warrior of your age and experience should have better control. You’re done sparring for the day. Go clean the locker rooms.”
She turned then, finally noticing me standing there. The shift was immediate. Her shoulders softened. Her eyes went wide and bright, her tone changing as if someone had flipped a switch. “Alpha Duncan,” she sniffled, stepping closer, reaching for my arm. “You didn’t hear what she said—the names she called me—”
I stepped back before she could touch me. “I don’t care,” I said flatly. “There is no excuse for attacking a pack mate—much less your Beta female—with a partial shift in a restricted match. You’re on clean-up for the rest of the day. Now go.”
Her jaw tightened. She stomped her foot like a child denied a toy, then spun on her heel and stalked toward the pack house, fury radiating off her in waves. Julian was already helping Kayla to her feet, hands gentle as he checked her over, nuzzling into her neck in a way that spoke of equal parts concern and relief.
“Are you okay?” I asked, stepping closer.
“Yes, Alpha Duncan,” she said softly, still staring at her arm. Awe colored her voice. “Just shocked. I never expected to manifest an element.”
I smiled, pride stirring again. “Stress has a way of pulling latent abilities to the surface. You did well, especially against someone like her. Your training is paying off.”
The sugary scent of funnel cake drifted over me just as small hands slid along my back. “What’s going on over here, love?” Seren asked, amusement dancing in her voice. “I just saw Lenore stalking off.”
“Oh, you know,” Kayla said lightly, grinning now as she lifted her arm to show off the glowing mark. “Training battles. Trash talk. Getting held in mid-air by your best friend.”
Seren squealed, the sound bright and delighted, and I laughed as I instinctively covered the ear closest to her—already knowing I’d hear that sound echoed through the pack for days to come.