Chapter 8

“You know, Alpha Ariana, strength isn’t just about being stronger than your opponent,” Justin said, his voice calm but firm.

He looked at her without fear, even though she was clearly upset. “It’s also about being smart, never giving up, and knowing when to use your power the right way.”

Ariana’s eyebrows pulled together. She was still angry, but now she was also curious.

She stepped closer to him, her fists clenched. “And what do you suggest, Justin?” she asked. “Do you have a better idea?”

A small smirk appeared on Justin’s lips, and a playful light shone in his eyes. “I do,” he said, his voice teasing. “Why don’t we fight? A friendly match. Let’s see how strong you really are.”

Ariana’s lips curled into a half-smile. A spark of excitement flickered inside her. “You’re on, Justin,” she said, rolling her shoulders. “Get ready to lose.”

They moved to the center of the training room, facing each other. The air between them was heavy with tension, but there was also excitement.

Ariana stood tall, her muscles tight like a coiled spring, ready to attack. Justin was calm, his body relaxed but prepared. He had fought many times before, and he knew how to stay in control.

Then, in a sudden blur of movement, the fight began.

Ariana moved first, fast as lightning. She threw a punch, but Justin dodged smoothly. He was quick, but she was not going to let him win so easily.

She spun, aiming a kick at his side. He blocked it with his arm and then tried to grab her, but she slipped away. Their movements were sharp and precise, each trying to get the upper hand.

Justin struck next, his punch aimed straight for her shoulder. Ariana ducked just in time and countered with a strong kick to his ribs. He stumbled back a step, surprised.

A small grin formed on her face. “Not bad, huh?” she teased.

Justin let out a chuckle, shaking his head. “You’re full of surprises, Alpha.”

They continued, moving faster, hitting harder. The room filled with the sounds of their battle—grunts, heavy breathing, and the thud of fists meeting flesh.

Justin was strong, his strikes controlled and powerful. But Ariana was just as fast and smart. She dodged, countered, and struck back with skill.

The fight became a dance, each move pushing them to their limits. Neither of them wanted to lose.

Then, just when Justin thought he had the upper hand, Ariana changed everything.

She took a deep breath, gathering all her strength. Her muscles tensed, and her eyes burned with determination.

Before Justin could react, she lunged forward, grabbing his arm. With one powerful move, she lifted him off the ground.

His eyes widened in shock. He had not expected this.

Ariana held him for a moment, enjoying his surprised face. Then, with a playful smile, she set him back down gently.

They stood there, breathing hard, their eyes locked. The tension between them melted into something else—respect.

Justin let out a breathless laugh. “You never fail to amaze me, Alpha,” he said, shaking his head. “Your strength has no limits.”

Ariana grinned, feeling a new kind of confidence inside her. “And you, Justin, always remind me of how strong I really am.”

As they laughed and teased each other, the training room filled with warmth. Their fight had started as a test of strength, but it had become something more—a bond.

Neither of them knew it yet, but this was just the beginning. Their fates were about to become even more tangled in ways they could never imagine.

Meanwhile, in another part of the house, Melvin slowly opened his eyes.

The weak morning light slipped through the curtains, casting a soft glow on his pale face.

His body ached, but his heart was full of determination. He couldn’t stay in bed any longer. He had to see his sister, Kiara.

With effort, he pushed off his blankets and swung his legs over the side of the bed. The cold floor sent a shiver through him, but he didn’t care.

Outside his room, the guards noticed his movement. Their sharp eyes followed him as he took slow, unsteady steps toward the door.

“Melvin, are you alright?” one of the guards asked, stepping forward. His voice was full of concern. “You’re still recovering. Let us help you.”

Melvin gave a small nod, accepting their support. His legs felt weak, but he refused to turn back.

With the guards walking beside him, he moved down the hall toward Kiara’s room.

Every step was a struggle, but he didn’t stop.

Inside her room, Kiara’s heart jumped when she heard footsteps. She knew that sound well.

She rushed to the door, waiting, hoping. Then, she saw him.

“Melvin!” she cried, running toward him with open arms.

He barely had time to react before she wrapped him in a tight hug. The warmth of her embrace made him sigh in relief. He had missed her so much.

“Oh, Kiara,” he whispered, his voice tired but full of love. “I’ve missed you so much.”

She pulled back slightly, holding his face in her hands. Her fingers were warm against his cool skin. She kissed his forehead gently.

“I missed you too, Melvin,” she said softly. Then, her expression grew serious. “But there’s something I need to tell you. It’s important.”

Melvin frowned. “What is it?”

Kiara took a deep breath. “I overheard Father talking to General Steve,” she said. “They’re planning to attack the pack that saved you.”

Melvin’s expression didn’t change, but his eyes darkened. He stayed silent for a moment, letting the words sink in.

“I see,” he finally said, his voice calm but unreadable. “Thank you for telling me, Kiara. I’ll speak to Father about it later.”

Kiara watched as Melvin stepped away from her and collapsed onto her bed. He let out a heavy sigh, rubbing his forehead.

His mind was spinning. He had barely recovered, and now this?

Kiara sat on the edge of the bed beside him. She could see the battle going on inside his head.

“Melvin,” she said gently, “we can’t let this happen. That pack doesn’t deserve to be destroyed.”

Melvin turned his head to look at her. His eyes were tired but filled with something stronger—determination.

“I know, Kiara,” he said. “But right now, I need to rest. I promise I’ll talk to Father when the time is right.”

Kiara hesitated but then nodded. “Alright,” she said. “Rest now. But we’ll face this together.”