Chapter 61

The training ground buzzed with tension, the air thick with anticipation as Lucy hurried down the dusty path, Marie trailing close behind her. The sun hung high, casting sharp shadows over the guards and the few pack members who had gathered to witness the spectacle. 

Lucy's heart pounded in her chest, her feet barely touching the ground as she weaved her way through the throne of armored figures.

“Excuse us,” Marie muttered, pushing past a particularly burly guard.

Lucy didn't stop, her eyes scanning the clearing until she caught sight of the center. A small crowd encircled the two figures at the heart of the commotion, the tension radiating off them like waves. She stepped forward, ignoring the murmurs around her, and found a spot just close enough to get a clear view.

She barely noticed the guards muttering about their presence or Marie's standing slightly behind her. Her attention was fixed entirely on the two figures in the center.

Aiden stood in a composed stance, his hands clasped casually behind his back, his posture deceptively relaxed. He owes a fitted black sleeveless shirt that clung to his chest and arms, every muscle defined as though carved from stone. His black trouser got just as perfectly and as the sun glinted off his skin, Lucy felt her breath catch.

Why does he look so… unbothered? she thought, unable to look away. Her gaze lingered on the sharp lines of his arms, the smooth place of his chest, and the way he carried himself—calm, immovable, a quiet storm waiting to unleash itself. How can someone look like that and act so calm before a fight?

She shook her head, trying to focus on the other figure, Leo. He was pacing back and forth like a caged animal, his grey trousers dusted with dirt and his red top fluttering slightly with each movement. His posture was restless, his fists clenching and unclenching at his sides.

Marie leaned closer, whispering. “Do you see Isabella?”

Lucy nodded without turning her head. She'd already spotted her across the clearing, standing with her arms folded, her gaze locked on the two men. Lucy couldn't read her expression from the distance but it was clear she wasn't just here to observe.

Aiden shifted slightly, turning his head enough to watch Leo's movements. His voice, low and calm, carried just enough for Lucy to hear since she was very close and paying much attention but it wasn't clear enough to her. “We don't have to do this now, Leo. There's a time and place. The full moon is coming and we'll settle this then.”

Leo's laughter was sharp and humorless. He stopped pacing, his gaze burning as he locked eyes with Aiden. “You think I'm going to wait for the full moon? No, we do this now… this is about something else and I have to find out the answer to my question.”

Lucy's heart leapt as Leo suddenly charged forward, his movements fluid and powerful. He launched himself into the air, his leg outstretched in a high kick aimed directly at Aiden's chest.

But Aiden didn't even flinch.

In a movement so quick it was almost imperceptible, Aiden stepped aside, his body turning just enough to dodge the attack. The two men switched positions in an instant, Leo landing in the spot Aiden had just vacated.

The crowd gasped, a ripple of murmurs spreading through the onlookers.

Lucy's nails dug into her plans as she watched, her heart hammering in her chest. How can Aiden move like that? He didn't even try. And Leo… why is he so reckless?

Marie touched her arm lightly. “Are you okay?”

Lucy nodded swiftly, her eyes glued to Aiden. She couldn't stop the thought that raced through her mind. He's different from Leo in every way. While Leo fights like he has something to prove. Aiden… Her lips parted slightly as the realization struck her. He fights like he already knows he's won.

The two men circled each other, Leo breathing hard while Aiden remained calm, his gaze steady.

“You're holding back,” Leo spat, his voice loud enough for the crowd to hear. “What's wrong? Afraid to figure me seriously?”

Aiden tilted his head, his lips curling into the faintest smirk. “Afraid? No. I Just don't see the point in wasting energy on this.”

The taunt sent a ripple of anger through Leo. He lunged again, his fists swinging in quick, sharp jabs, but Aiden moved like water, each attack missing its mark by mere inches.

Lucy's chest tightened as she watched, her mind a storm of conflicting emotions. She couldn't deny the admiration that bubbles up as she watched Aiden's fluid movements, his calculated calm. Why does he do this to me? she thought, her fingers clutching her gown. Why does he make me question everything I thought I knew?

A flash of movement drew her attention back to the fight. Leo had managed to land a grazing punch against Aiden's arm but the latter barely reacted, his expression unchanging. Instead, he countered with a swift jab to Leo's side, sending him stumbling back. 

The crowd roared in response, the sound almost drowning out Lucy's thoughts.

Marie leaned closer again, her voice barely audible over the noise. “They're not going to stop, are they?”

Lucy didn't answer. Her gaze still locked onto Aiden. She watched as Aiden and Leo circled each other, their measured steps creating a rhythm that mirrored the rising heartbeat of the crowd. Each Man moved with purpose, their eyes locked, calculating, waiting for the perfect moment to strike. Aiden's posture remained calm, his hands loose at his side, while Leo's stance was taut, coiled like a spring ready to explode.

Aiden's voice broke through the tension, deep and steady, yet tinged with an almost imperceptible curiosity. “What's this fight about, Leo?”

Leo's lips curled into a grin that didn't reach his eyes. He stopped his pacing for a moment, tilting his head as if savoring the question. “You really don't know?” he chuckled, low and sharp, his voice dripping with mockery.

He took another step closer to Aiden and continued, his voice dropping to a near whisper. “Then listen well. With that superior hearing of yours. I'm sure you won't miss a word.”

Aiden didn't flinch, his expression unreadable as Leo took a step forward, the distance between not too wide as his voice now too soft for the crowd to catch.

“What did you do to Lucy back in the hall?” Leo's tone was cutting , each word deliberate. “Why did you decide not to punish her and then change your mind? What is she to you?”

Aiden remained silent, his gaze flickering briefly to the side as if lost in thought. He didn't answer, didn't even blink but his stillness spoke volumes.

Leo took another step forward. “You're quiet now,” he hissed. “Why? Don't want to admit it? Or maybe you can't explain it yourself.”

Aiden's eyes wandered beyond Leo, scanning the crowd that had gathered around them. Guards in uniform, pack members with curious expressions and at that edge of it all, he saw her.

Lucy.

Her grey gown fluttered slightly in the breeze, her eyes wide with a mixture of fear and something else—hope, perhaps? She stood rigid, her fingers clutching the fabric of her dress as if grounding herself. Aiden's gaze softened, just for a moment as their eyes met.

Lucy felt her heart leapt at the intensity of his stare. For a split second the noise of the crowd and the world around her seemed to fade, and it was just the two of them. She didn't know why she cared so much despite her doubt but she prayed silently, almost instinctively. Please, don't get hurt. Don't let him hurt you.

Leo noticed.

He followed Aiden's gaze, turning his head sharply to the side. His eyes landed on Lucy and his jaw tightened. Anger surged through him, hot and unrelenting as he connected the dots.

“You're distracted,” Leo growled, his voice loud enough for the crowd to hear this time.

He didn't wait for Aiden to respond. With a burst of speed, he closed the distance between them and landed a solid punch across Aiden's jaw. The sound of the impact was sharp, echoing in the training ground.

Aiden staggered back, his focus shattered but Leo didn't stop. He followed up with another punch to Aiden's ribs, forcing him to double slightly.

Lucy gasped, her hand flying to her mouth. Her heart raced as she watched Aiden stumble, the composed calm he carried moments ago now disrupted.

Leo didn't let up. He swung his leg in a sharp arc, his boot connecting with Aiden's side and sending him to the ground. Dust rose as Aiden fell, the crowd murmuring in a mix of shock and awe.

Standing over him, Leo bent down, his face close to Aiden's once again. His voice was low but venomous, meant only for Aiden's ears. “Why were you looking at her like that? What is she to you?”

Aiden didn't answer, his chest rising and falling as he remained on the ground. 

Leo straightened, his fist tightening as he prepared to deliver another blow. His muscles coiled, his movements deliberate and the crowd leaned in, anticipating the next strike.

“Stop!”

A voice cut through the tension like a blade, sharp and commanding.