It was only a few minutes after six in the morning and I already found myself in King Marcus's castle's wonderful garden.
A warm smile escaped my lips as I looked up at the beautiful skies.
The morning sun bathed the castle grounds in golden light, painting the sky with hues of pink and orange.
I inhaled sharply, as I let myself enjoy the crisp morning, it carried the scent to dewy grass an faint aroma of wild sunroses in full bloom.
Moments later, I stretched my arms and let out a deep breath, feeling the cold and damp air against my skin.
After the dinner with the King himself and the kingdom's court last night, I managed to sneak out and spent the night just outside the castle walls, seeking solace from the overwhelming presence of the Lycan Court.
The scent of the sunroses somehow calmed me down, grounding me in the moment.
"Foxy."
I jumped and opened my eyes as a deep commanding voice pulled me out of my reverie.
I turned sharply, and bit my lip whe my eyes met the intense gaze of King Marcus.
As usual, he stood tall, his dark hair tousled by the morning breeze, his piercing golden eyes studying me again.
And nothing changed, his presence was still overwhelming, a mixture of authority and raw power, yet there was something unreadable in his expression.
I swallowed and dipped my head in respect.
"King Marcus."
"Marcus."
He corrected, his eyes glittered with amusement when I cringe.
"Such a shame to call you just by your name when everyone is calling you King."
"Everyone knew I am the King even without me telling them."
He argued. It's my turn to look at him with amusement.
"You're still here."
He observed. His voice was neutral, yet there was something beneath it, a flicker of curiosity? Amusement?
"I thought you were determined to leave."
He added.
I couldn't blame him. Knowing I just told everyone at the dinner last night about my plan of not staying in King Marcus's Kingdom for long.
I clenched my fists, uncertainty gnawing at my resolve.
Though the King and the other offered to help me, I wouldn't deny that I still had intended to leave, I wanted to forge my own path beyond the castle's influence.
And yet…
Here I am, still can't decide of what to do.
"I was."
I said almost a whisper, but I could not mask the hesitation in my own voice.
"But I-"
I hesitated, trying to carefully choose the right words to say.
"I don't want to leave as the weak version of myself."
I admitted before looking away.
"I spent the last night thinking about what you and the court had told me last night... And I couldn't help but think... Believe... That I might still have the chance.
To shift... To be the wolf I was supposed to be."
I added, my heart pounded against my chest when I looked back at him, his expression did not change, but I could feel the shift in his energy.
"You want to shift."
He said.
And though I knew it wasn't a question, I nodded as an answer.
"I'm tired of feeling incomplete."
The king studied me for a long moment before he spoke.
"Shifting for the first time is no small feat, especially this late."
"I know..."
I said quickly.
"I've tried, over and over...
That night when I and the rest was supposed to shift, that night if the blue moon... I tried so hard but it never happened. I don't know what's wrong with me."
"There's nothing wrong with you."
He said, his tone leaving no room for argument.
"You lack proper guidance."
My brows furrowed.
"And you're offering to train me?"
I asked, wanting to make sure wheter the offer he made last night still stands.
King Marcus lips quirked in something that was not quite a smile. Making my heart hitch.
"Not just me. The entire Court."
My breath caught in my throat.
Training with the Lycan Court was an honor, an opportunity granted only to the most elite warriors. And here he was, offering it to me.
When I didn't get any from my own pack.
"Why?"
I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.
"Because I see something in you."
His golden eyes held mine.
"And because I believe in you. I know you can be something, even more than just a wolf, even more than just a weak young woman like what you believe your are. More than just a young woman the new Alpha of the Shadow Walker Pack rejected."
He said, his eyes never leaving mine, as if he was making sure that I understand every word.
And again, I felt my heart in my throat, my hear skipped a beat as he spoke again.
"And I feel connected to you. There is something about you that pulls me close. I just can't let you go."
A silence stretched between us, thick with unspoken understanding.
It took me a few minutes to finally respond. I straightened my back and met his gaze with newfound determination.
Another smile escaped my lips before I speak.
"Then I accept."
The king gave me a single nod.
My breath quickened and my breath hitched once more when a warm and sweet smile escaped his lips.
What it happening to me?
Why do I feel so safe when he's around?
I whispered to myself as I forced myself to pay attention to him.
"Training starts at dusk. Don't be late."
As he turned and walked away, I again let out a slow breath, my heart pounding like a war drum in my ear.
The courtyard was bathed in golden sunlight, casting long shadows across the training grounds. The scent of pine and damp earth filled the air, mingling with the sound of shifting bodies, growls, and the rhythmic clash of steel.
I stood in the center, my breath uneven as I wiped sweat from my forehead.
The entire court had gathered, their piercing eyes assessing my every move making me feel anxious.
But my greatest challenge wasn't the training, it was the man watching with with an unreadable expression from atop the stone steps.
His golden eyes glowed, his eyes observing, watching me like a hawk, making it so hard to focus on what I was doing.
King Marcus...
"Again."
His voice was a low command, firm and resonant, cutting through the murmurs of the onlookers.
I inhaled sharply, I nodded as I planted feet.
Beside me, Lucas stepped forward, his expression unreadable. "Focus, Brielle Fox."
He advised, his eyes narrowing.
"The shift will not come if you continue to hesitate."
"I'm not hesitating."
I muttered, my fists clenched at my sides.
Lucas chuckled, circling me like a predator testing his prey.
"Oh, but you are. I can smell it. Fear. Doubt. And something else."
He tilted his head, inhaling deeply.
"Something… distracting."
My cheeks burned, and my eyes flickered for a second toward King Marcus's direction. He remained still, observing, his broad arms crossed over his chest. Unlike the others, he did not smirk, did not taunt.
He merely watched. And I feel like it was more worse than to at least see his reaction.
But then why would I want to see his reaction?
"Focus, Brielle!"
Lucas once again tauted.
"I-"
I cleared my throat and forced myseld to look away from where Marcus is, I turned to Lucas and whispered.
"I just need a moment."
"No moments."
King Marcus finally spoke. The deep timbre of his voice sent an unexpected shiver down my spine. "
"You must either embrace your power or remain the weakling they think you are. There is no middle ground."
"I understand."
"Do you?"
His dark brows lifted slightly.
"Then show me."
He challenged making me swallow, feeling the weight of the entire court's expectations pressing against me.
I had to shift. I had to prove myself worthy.
This was why I was here right now, this was why I accepted Marcus's offer this morning, to awaken the beast within and take back my place among the Lycans.
Yet, every time I reached for the shift, a different kind of fire stirred in my chest.
She closed my eyes, steadying my breathing.
Focus, Foxy...
Focus....
I whispered to myself as if the words was a mantra.
My heart pounded against my chest when a deep growl echoed through the courtyard. I opened my eyes just in time to dodge as Lucas lunged at me. He moved fast, but I reacted faster, sidestepping with agility I hadn't known I possessed.
"Good."
Lucas grunted.
"Better."
I exhaled sharply, but the reprieve was short-lived.
Just a blur of movement, and suddenly, King Marcus was already standing in front of me. I hadn't even seen him move. His presence alone stole the breath from my lungs once more.
"Your instincts are strong,"
He murmured, standing unnervingly close.
"But instincts alone won't make you shift."
I fought to keep my gaze locked on his eyes instead of the sharp angles of his jaw, the way his dark hair brushed against his forehead. He smelled of cedar and embers, something dangerously intoxicating.
"You're distracted."
His voice was softer now, but no less commanding.
"No, I-"
I swallowed hard.
"I'm not."
His gaze dipped, just briefly, to my trembling fingers.
"Lying does not suit you."
My pulse pounded. Why did he have this effect on me? Why now, when I needed to focus more than ever?
What is happening to me?
"I will not accept failure."
Marcus voice was firm again, sending a jolt through me.
"Not from you."
I stiffened.
"Then you won't get it."
I whispered.
"That's not a promise, i am just saying I will try."
I added and a flicker of something seemed like approval? Amusement? Crossed his features before he stepped back.
"Good."
Lucas clapped his hands together, smirking.
"Well, that was interesting. Again, little wolf, and this time..."
His golden eyes gleamed.
"Try not to let the King shake you."
He continued letting out a smug smirk on his face.
Heat rushed to my face, but Iforced myself to nod.
I could do this.
I could try harder, I had to.
No matter how distracting the Lycan King was.