Chapter 16:Training

Harriet changed into her fighting gear after finishing her bath—a fitted black tunic reinforced with leather, made for both flexibility and protection. The cloth clung to her like a second skin, in sharp contrast to the lovely outfits she was accustomed to wearing. She took a deep breath as she finished tying the last strap. With renewed purpose, she made her way to the training fields, her boots firmly pressing into the mud. The aroma of sweat and earth permeated the air as warriors sparred around her, their grunts and growls melding into the rhythm of conflict.

When she noticed Arthur, the Alpha's Beta, standing in the middle of the training field, she abruptly stopped. Her trainer is the pack's second-strongest wolf. Her features flashed with shock. Since her body's previous owner had never gone to these classes, she had no recollection of this. Her spine tingled at the realization.

A smirk tugged at Arthur's lips as he watched her intently with his arms crossed. "You finally decided to show up," he said with a tone that was both amused and in approval. He turned, gesturing toward a set of weapons laid out on a wooden rack. "Two years ago, the Alpha had these custom-made for you," he continued. "Though you never came to claim them."

Harriet's eyes widened as she stepped forward. The weapons sparkled in the sunlight—beautiful yet lethal. Arthur grabbed a pair of sleek, silver-edged short blades and offered them to her. "Made with silver and enhanced by witches with runes that store sunlight," he said. "When you strike a vampire, the runes cause a burst of solar energy." Even a scratch will burn them." He then indicated a pair of gloves. "These, however, might interest you more."

She hesitantly put them on, feeling an almost electric pulse rush through her fingers. "The strengthening rune triples your punch force," Arthur explained. "But the energy only releases outward, meaning your hands will remain unscathed no matter how hard you hit." Harriet flexed her fingers, feeling the weight of the information. These were presents from her, Alistair. Arthur stepped back, arms folded. "That's impressive, right? But let me be clear: these weapons are useless in the hands of someone who isn't trained to battle. If you can't anticipate a vampire's motions, or when or where they'll strike, you'll be dead before you can draw a blade. She swallowed hard and nodded.

"But I believe you should focus more on archery. Attacking from a distance will give you the greatest edge." He took a bow and quiver and slung it over her shoulder before saying, "But I'll still train you in everything." The afternoon became a blur. Arthur trained her on stance, footwork, and good punching technique. He always knocked her down just when she thought she would be able to land a hit on him. Every time she touched the ground, she pushed herself back up. Her muscles erupted in protest. Her knuckles throbbed, despite the gloves. Sweat streamed down her face. But she did not stop.

Arthur wiped sweat from his brow as he watched Harriet, his Alpha's mate, push herself up from the earth again. Her breathing was labored, and her arms trembled, but she forced herself erect, her stance firm. He'd been knocking her down since the morning, pushing her limitations with each hit and expecting her to give up at some time. However, she never did. How could the Alpha believe she was weak?

Arthur has witnessed powerful pack members break under less pressure during their first training. He had witnessed battle-hardened wolves fail as tiredness set in. Yet here she was—human, beaten and bruised, but still standing. Still fighting. A deep frown formed on his face as another thought gnawed at him. The Alpha had made a huge error by not informing her that the last human kingdom had collapsed. Arthur clenched his hands. He understood why the Alpha was withholding it from her—perhaps to shield her and postpone the inevitable anguish. Seeing her now, her resilience and determination to battle, he thinks that she deserved to know. Harriet's words interrupted his thoughts before he could linger on it any longer.

"Are we done with the lessons for today?" she said, her voice firm. Arthur offered a quick nod. "Yes, Luna." "We've finished everything for the day." Satisfied, she returned his nod and moved away, making her way to her chambers. Her mind drifted as she walked, reflecting on the day's event. She had just reached the hallway leading to her chambers when the rapid sound of footsteps interrupted her thoughts.

She looked up just as Candice, her personal maid, dashed at her, panting. The young maid skidded to a stop immediately in front of her, bowing her head in a short bow. "Luna!" Candice panted and struggled to catch her breath. "The Grand Luna is requesting you immediately." Harriet's expression remained unreadable as her thoughts raced through the options. The Grand Luna never called without a purpose. Without hesitation, she turned on her heel. "Lead the way."

Harriet moved briskly through the corridors of the palace, her heart steady but her mind interested. The Grand Luna rarely called for her formally, and when she did, it was always for something big. The guards at the chamber doors nodded respectfully as they moved aside to let her in. As soon as she went inside, she knew she wasn't the only one summoned. Scarlett, the female werewolf who had openly attempted to steal her husband, sat comfortably in one of the chairs. Two young women stood across from her, near the Grand Luna, whom Harriet recognized immediately. They were the daughters of two of the five Grand Elders—women of aristocratic stature within the pack.

The atmosphere was electric, even though the Grand Luna sat in her customary poised position, a cup of tea carefully in her hands. Her sharp, knowing glance shifted to the Luna as she entered. "Ah, you've arrived," the Grand Luna stated calmly, setting her tea down. "Good. "Now we can start." Scarlett's lips were pushed together, her eyes lingering on Harriet, a trace of scorn barely disguised by feigned indifference. The two noble girls maintained polite expressions. Harriet then met the Grand Luna's eyes calmly. "I'm listening."