The next few weeks was filled with ongoing preparations as everyone was getting ready for the battles. The signup sheet became a who is who amongst the soldiers with some even daring to challenge Cassius. Cassius and Esther spent the next few days training and getting to know each other more and more. They would spend a lot of time at Cassius secret spot which was the waterfall that she saw from the balcony. They would allow their wolves to run around and play in the water together. Esther had opened up her mind and allowed herself to start accepting the mating bond. The first thing that she wanted to receive was the mating link. She felt more at ease when Cassius was at the borders, and she was able to contact him. Cassius thought it was cute how she would not openly admit her care and worry for him but whenever he left the house, she would link him and ask that he check in with her when he was going to be late.