Ares POV

　　I direct my gaze to her, receiving a confirming nod and smile.

　　"Yes- "

　　"Refer to her as Luna," I interject, prompting a cough from Blaire.

　　"He may address me by name. We're well acquainted, and he is no longer my Knight. He stands beside me," she asserts, prompting a nod from me as I shift focus to Ander and Drake, their confusion apparent.

　　"Is that all?" I query. "Did your father convey any message?" I turn back to Blaire.

　　She hesitates. "He desires a meeting tomorrow, inclusive of the entire pack. He wishes for full awareness and preparedness," she relays, her words rapid. I nod in acknowledgment.

　　"A meeting with your father tomorrow," I echo.

　　"Additionally, the Moon Howlers Pack seeks your counsel- "

　　"They perennially seek aid," I interject, turning to Ander. "Handle it. They're under your purview," I decree.

　　Both Ander and Drake acquiesce.

　　"I shall draft a missive for them," Ander mumbles.

　　"Perhaps a gathering is to apprise all concerned parties and fortify our defenses," Blaire suggests, to which I nod in agreement, hand slipping into my pocket.

　　"An excellent proposal," I commend.

　　"I must make some calls regarding this matter- "

　　"What calls? Can I assist- "

　　"No need. Entertain your best friend," I indicate Justin with a smile, noting his trepidation before stepping away.

　　"Then we'll take off," Ander and Drake declare before departing to attend to their respective tasks.

　　As Blaire moves to speak, I briskly turn away, striding out of the pack and seeking solace in a quieter corner. Before long, Patrick, one of the pack's warriors, hurries over to me, sensing my need for solitude.

　　"Any word from Zyril?" I inquire, referencing my spy.

　　"No, Alpha," He responds.

　　I took a deep breath.

　　"He's concealed in the woods, gathering intel. It's perilous- "

　　My interruption was to say, "He is doing an excellent job." I could see his face in a state of shock as I spoke.

　　"Well- "

　　Patrick's words were cut off by Blaire's words, "I guess that conversation with a warrior isn't as important as mine." I can see the fear in Patrick's eyes.

　　"Alpha, I must take my leave," he murmurs, head bowed.

　　"Keep me apprised," I instruct sotto voce, prompting a nod before he bows to Blaire and departs.

　　It's just Blaire and me now.

　　"What is the purpose of your presence here?"

　　A smile spread across my face as I looked at her. "Did you just leave your best friend for a question that you probably already know the answer to?" she rolled her eyes and pushed me against the wall.

　　Her voice is filled with longing as she whispers, "I miss you, and your smell.".

　　"We've spent ample time together," I reply softly as her touch grazes my cheek and lips. I avert my gaze.

　　"Are you jealous that I brought my friend here?" I raised my eyebrows in disgust.

　　It makes no sense for me to be jealous of a man whose level is so far below mine.

　　"Kinda," I smile, not wanting to offend her.

　　Dana POV

　　Day by day, I find myself drawing closer to Bathel. On days when we're not as close, I still feel a sense of comfort in his presence, though I struggle to articulate why.

　　He advises me to remain composed during these times. The pack has bolstered its defenses with additional gatekeepers, and Bathel patrols diligently at night, ensuring no trespassers, human or otherwise.

　　Right now, I prefer not to dwell on these matters. My focus lies solely on my workout regimen. I find myself in the pack's expansive exercise facility, akin to a gym but on a grander scale. While some Omegas hone their punching techniques, I concentrate on stretching my muscles.

　　"You require refinement," I flinch as Divine approaches. My attempts to move my body come to a halt.

　　I bite my lower lip. "Well, I am working on it," I state, and she smirks.

　　"Really?" she whispers.

　　"Yeah- "

　　"I'm not trying to criticize you," she said. "But it seems you don't realize the privilege you have here, one that others don't. You need to be grateful for that and prove you deserve it."

　　I take a deep breath. "I understand what you're saying, and I'm aware of it. I'm striving to be the best version of myself, and I hope you can see that- "

　　"I can't see anything," she states, her voice chilling, causing my heart to race.

　　"Well..." I confidently say, biting my lip.

　　"Show me how," I command with a firm tone, running my fingers through my hair.

　　"Show me what you've learned," I whisper.

　　She smiled. "What kind of?" she asked. "I know I can't demonstrate everything I've learned in just a few minutes," she added, seemingly attempting to undermine me.

　　I took a deep breath, striving to regain my composure and confidence. "Well, anything you think would be worthwhile to show me," I said, tucking my hair behind my ear.

　　A smile formed on her face. "Good choice of words," she whispered. "I'll show you what I've learned - those lessons were earned through tears, and I've never had the privilege of an easy path," she lamented, and I simply watched her without saying a word.

　　She suddenly faced the punching bag, and then glanced back at me.

　　With swift movements, she smacked it. Despite not being too close, her speed and force were evident in the powerful punch. I could hear and see the impact clearly, and even my heart seemed to feel it.

　　"I can hear the beat of your heart from here," she said.

　　I clench my jaw, the tension palpable in the air. "Do you hate me?" I ask, my tone dripping with sarcasm.

　　She furrows her brows, considering my question. "I never asked Anna about that - everything I know about, it all came from Anna. But I've decided to carve out my own identity, separate from hers. I've chosen to be colder, to show more respect to her and the Alpha," she responds.

　　"You know what? I want you to try to smack me so I can see if your health has improved- " Her words are cut short as I lunge forward, punching her face without another word. I'm taken aback as she falls, her hand instinctively reaching to her cheek, obvious pain etched on her face.

　　She looks at me, but I remain silent.

　　"Did I make any improvement, Divine?" I ask, my tone icy.