Chapter 18- Locked in a soft embrace

Chapter 18

Xzen's POV

I stand facing Aura in the training ground, the late afternoon sun dutifully casts long shadows across the empty training hall. It is six pm, and the other trainees have already retired for the day, leaving us alone.

"So, you were with Ace last night," I say, my tone neutral as I try to sound nonchalant despite the unease growing inside me.

Aura nods, her eyes fixed on mine. "Yes, Alpha Xzen. We had a bonfire and celebrated." She smiles.

I feel a surge of...disapproval, but quickly push it aside. I am just concerned about her safety, that's all. "Be careful around Ace," I warn her. "He's...reckless."

Aura's gaze narrows slightly, her plump lips setting in a determined line. "I can take care of myself, Alpha Xzen."

I raise an eyebrow, a small smile playing on my lips. "Oh? And how do you plan to do that?"

Without hesitation, Aura drops into a fighting stance, her eyes holding a glint. Her feet is shoulder-width apart, her hands are up in a guard position. It is th