Chapter 49: Training
Kaya
I don’t know how I’m supposed to react to this.
Even in his human form, Ray looks menacing. There’s something about his sheer presence—gruff, hulking, and intimidating. His body is built like a wall of muscle, and his fists alone are nearly the size of the boy’s entire head.
The boy, on the other hand, can’t be older than twelve—maybe even eleven. He’s taller than I expected, but there’s a wiry, underdeveloped look about him that tells me he hasn’t shifted yet. His frame is lean, almost fragile, and clearly not ready to be trading blows with someone like Ray.
And yet... he is.
Despite the obvious disadvantage, the boy stands his ground like a true warrior. There are fresh scrapes across his cheek, a swelling bruise blooming over his brow, and yet he doesn’t flinch. He doesn’t run. He refuses to yield.
My heart clenches.
"You’re not using your legs properly," Ray snaps at him, voice sharp with criticism.
The boy only frowns in frustration and launches another wild, desperate punch. He’s breathing hard now, each exhale labored, but I can still see the fire burning in his eyes. He’s tired—clearly—but not broken. Not yet.
Ray lets out a low chuckle, sidestepping the boy’s swing with effortless ease. His eyes narrow as he watches him, calculating. Then, in one swift, brutal motion, he drives his fist into the boy’s stomach.
The boy crumples with a strangled sound, crashing to the ground like a ragdoll.
I gasp, my hand flying to my mouth in shock.