Chapter

190

Elyra and Dain sat in an awkward silence on the edge of a sprawling training field, their parents' insistence forcing them together. The sun cast long shadows over the grass, but the chill in the air seemed to come from the two of them. "You're supposed to be the great 'Child of the Pact,' huh?" Dain said, breaking the silence. His tone was mocking, his amber eyes glinting with amusement. "You don't look so special to me."

Elyra glared at him, her small hands curling into fists. "And you're supposed to be some future Alpha? You look like a boy who's never had to work for anything."

Dain laughed, leaning back against a nearby rock. "You've got a sharp tongue for someone who can't even control their own powers."

Elyra bristled, her cheeks flushing with anger. "At least I have powers," she shot back.

A flicker of energy flared around her, and a small burst of light erupted, sending a shockwave that knocked Dain onto his back. He stared up at the sky, stunned, while Elyra stood over him, breathing heavily. "What the hell was that?" Dain demanded, scrambling to his feet.

"Maybe next time, you'll think twice before you insult me," Elyra snapped, her silver eyes blazing.

Their confrontation drew the attention of Fenrir and Cassian, who approached from opposite sides of the field. Fenrir's expression darkened as he looked at his son. "What did you do, Dain?"

"Nothing!" Dain protested, brushing dirt off his clothes. "She's the one who lost control."

"She wouldn't have if you hadn't provoked her," Fenrir said sharply.

Cassian placed a hand on Elyra's shoulder, his calm voice cutting through the tension. "Are you all right?"

Elyra nodded, though her lower lip trembled. "He started it."noveldrama

Aurora arrived moments later, taking Elyra's hand. "That's enough for today. Elyra doesn't have to impress anyone, least of all him."

Fenrir turned to Aurora, his voice low but pointed. "They'll need to learn to get along if this alliance is going to work."

Aurora's glare was icy. "That's assuming it happens at all."

As they walked away, Elyra glanced back at Dain, who was scowling at his father. Her anger cooled, replaced by a simmering determination. "He'll see," she muttered under her breath. "I'm not weak." Aurora squeezed her hand. "You don't have to prove anything to anyone, Elyra. Just be yourself. That's enough."