"Talia," Lucian says, rising from behind his desk, his tone suddenly brisk and businesslike—worlds away from the man who kissed me so softly last night. "Meet me at the main grounds in ten minutes."
He strides away without waiting for a response, leaving me with knots twisting in my stomach. The whiplash of his changing moods—from tender last night, to watching me during the Luna parade this morning, to this cold command to train to my death—leaves me reeling.
I quickly change into a jumpsuit and step out into the brisk morning air. The Darkfang compound bustles with activity, wolves moving with purpose, their curious stares following me as I pass. My stomach churns under their scrutiny, or maybe it's just morning sickness. They must know who I am by now—the rejected Luna from Shadow Ridge, the one their Alpha mysteriously brought home last night.
The main grounds are an intimidating sight. Rows of powerful wolves execute drills with lethal precision, their movements speaking of ruthless conditioning and fierce discipline. The legendary Darkguard—the elite warriors of Darkfang.
Lucian stands waiting, arms crossed over his chest, his stance radiating authority. His gaze pins me in place, searching, as if he could peel back my layers and uncover every secret I hold. Cade stands nearby, his earlier satisfaction at suggesting this "training" still evident in his smirk.
"You want to be accepted in Darkfang?" Lucian asks, voice low and unmistakably authoritative.
I nod, throat dry. "Yes."
"Acceptance isn't given freely here," he says. "You have to earn it. Are you ready to train?"