Chapter 57: One Task
Kaya
"No."
The single word rings in my ears like a crash of cymbals, sharp and impossible to ignore.What is it about the way Magnus speaks that always leaves my mind spinning?
I should feel angry—at the very least, annoyed—that he won’t let me return to Damien.But instead... I feel relief.Damien is probably already declaring himself the Alpha of the Golden Lake Pack now that Alpha Arcanis is dead.He’s probably replaced me already—found another "precious mate" to fill the role like I never existed.
Maybe the real question is: What the hell is wrong with me?
"Let’s start," Magnus’s voice cuts through my spiraling thoughts.By the time I process his words, he’s already in the center of the makeshift training ring, his stance steady, his amber eyes fixed on me with a gaze so intense it nearly steals my breath.
"What kind of training is this going to be?" I ask warily as I step into the ring. "Are you planning to provoke me into shifting again?"
Magnus smirks—but there’s no humor in it. Only something unreadable.
Then, he lifts his right arm and rolls up the sleeve of his black shirt, revealing a vicious bite wound.It’s healing, but still angry and raw-looking, the bruised edges giving away just how deep it must have gone.
"Maybe not today," he says with a dry scoff, though there’s a flicker of amusement in his eyes now.