mise, one she had stopped believing in years ago. But was it real? Or was it just another cruel trick of th

ked at her-not as a slave, not as a bug beneath his feet, but as something else. A possession. A challenge. "You hesitate

offer a trick to you. You saw yourself-none of my fighters fight as you do. You are worth something." Raven's hands curled into fists. She'd spent years in training to fight, learning in th

ayed there much longer. If she refused, what then? Would Kieran throw her back into the pit? Would she rot there, forced to fight and survive until her body could survive no more? Or wor

she had no option. She needed to survive. She needed to guard Lilia. "Agreed," she spoke between clenched teeth. "I shall fight." Kieran's smile increased by a slight degree. "Good." He gestured with his hand, and the guards

the dirty rags she had worn. Along with it was a pair of thick trousers and leather bo

-

aining

tone walls. The ground was packed earth, solidified from years of combat. There were training dummies along t

nter, still accustome

tely useless." Raven ignored them. She was not here to impress them. She was here for one reason and one reason alone-to survive and keep Lilia safe. A loud thud interrupted her thoughts. A large man stepped forward, his arms crossed over his broad chest. He had the look of a seasoned warrior, scars littering his exposed forearms. His gaze was sharp, assessing. "So, you're the Alpha's new pet," he drawle

as strong, but Raven had trained in silence, had honed her skills in the shadow

ed with mock praise. "But you'll nee

me she allowed it. When he closed in, she focused, timed her moves, and with a quick jerk of her b

shoulder. "But speed won't see you

sn't muscle or size. It was will. It was the heart's desire to fight back against the pain

d with respect. "And I'll undertake to teach yo

ched herself forward, firing a fast jab into his belly. Kaleb was quick to block it, but the d

t or derision. Kaleb's punches were solid and intentional, but Raven danced around him, her lithe bo

ringing him tumbling to the earth. She was upon him before he had a chance to re

t racing with excitement, her

es giving way to begrudging respect. "Okay, I

warriors erupted into a clamor-some bellowing, others protesting in shock.

up at last. He brushed dirt from his uniform, his expression insc

with a fierce determination. She glanced at the crowd, her head held high. For the first

s locked on hers with an unfathomable expression. She could almost feel the shift in the air, a

had Lilia to protect, still had chains bindi

lso begun to forge her own path. And maybe-just maybe-she could be more than a warrior for the A