Maya Pov

We step onto the main mat. Drake stands in the center, relaxed but ready.

"Three minutes," he says. "Go."

Marcus attacks first, going high. Drake blocks him easily. Bethany comes from the side, low strike to the ribs. Drake sidesteps and catches her arm, flipping her over his hip.

Jade moves in, fast combinations that Drake deflects. He's barely trying.

We have to work together, Nina says. Find the pattern in his defense.

I watch, hanging back. Drake blocks high more than low. Favors his left side. Has a slight delay when transitioning from defense to offense.

"Maya!" Jade shouts. "Now!"

She's created an opening. Marcus and Bethany are attacking from both sides, forcing Drake to split his attention.

I move.

Fast. Lower than he expects. Sliding under his guard while he's focused on blocking Marcus's high punch.

My fist connects with his ribs. Barely. Just a tap.

But it's a hit.

Drake freezes. Then laughs, loud and genuine.

"FINALLY! Someone who understands pack tactics!" He reaches down and hauls me to my feet. "That, everyone, is how you work as a team. The three of them created the distraction. She saw the opening and took it without hesitation."

Everyone's staring. At me. At our group.

Brittany's smile is gone.

"Good work, Rivers," Drake says quietly. "Your father should be proud."

He shouldn't know that Dad's not proud. That Dad doesn't care. But somehow, I think Drake knows everything.

"Thanks, Commander."

"Alright, next group!"

We move off the mat. Jade is bouncing with excitement.

"That was incredible! Did you see his face? We actually got him!"

"You guys created the opening," I say. "I just took it."

"You saw something the rest of us missed," Marcus says, grinning. "Nice instincts, kid."

Bethany nods in agreement. "You should be in advanced training. You're wasted in the regular groups."

"I'm fine where I am."

"But—"

"I said I'm fine."

The rest of training passes in a blur. We run drills, work on formations, practice offensive and defensive coordination. It's intense, exhausting, and I love every second of it.

When Drake finally calls time, I'm soaked with sweat and my muscles are screaming.

"Good work today, everyone. Same time tomorrow. Rivers, Martinez, stay behind a minute."

My stomach drops. Jade looks confused but stays.

Everyone else files out. Brittany gives me a look that promises pain later.

When we're alone, Drake crosses his arms and looks at both of us.

"How long have you two been training before sessions?" he asks.

"Just today," Jade says.

"Don't lie to me, Martinez. I can tell when someone's been working together for a while. You two move like you've been training together for weeks."

"It's only been today," I confirm. "Jade's just really good at adapting."

Drake studies me. "And you're really good at hiding how skilled you are."

Silence.

"I'm not blind, Maya. I've watched you for years. Watched you hold back. Watched you take hits you could easily avoid. Watched you pretend to be weaker than you are." He steps closer. "Why?"

"It's easier that way."

"Easier for who?"

"Everyone."

"Not for you."

"I'm fine."

"You're not fine. And I'm tired of watching you waste your potential." He looks at Jade. "You. You're good for her. Keep showing up. Keep pushing her. Make her see what I see."

"What do you see?" Jade asks.

"A warrior. A real one. Someone who could be elite if she stopped hiding." He turns back to me. "Your mother would be proud of you, Maya. I knew her. She was a warrior too, before she met your father. Strong, brave, didn't back down from anyone."

My throat tightens. "My mom was a warrior?"

"One of the best. She gave it up when she became Beta female, but she never stopped training. She taught me some of my best moves." He smiles sadly. "You're more like her than you know."

I don't know what to say. Dad never talks about Mom. Never tells me anything about her except that she died because of me.

"Thank you, Commander," I finally manage.

"Don't thank me. Just stop wasting what she gave you." He heads for the gate. "And Maya? Be careful. Change makes people uncomfortable. Some people will try to stop it."

He leaves us standing there.

"Your mom was a warrior," Jade says softly. "That's amazing."

"I didn't know."

"Maybe that's why you're so good. It's in your blood."

Maybe. Or maybe I'm good because I've had to be. Because survival requires skills that no one wants to acknowledge.

"Come on," I say. "We need to shower before school."

We head to the locker room together. It's still early—only five-thirty. We have plenty of time.

The locker room is empty. I take my usual corner stall. Jade takes the one next to it.

"Hey Maya?"

"Yeah?"

"Thanks for training with me. I know it's risky for you."

"It's fine."

"It's not fine. But I appreciate it anyway."

I don't respond. Just let the hot water wash away the sweat and the confusion and the strange feeling in my chest from learning something new about my mother.

When we're done, we have thirty minutes before first period. Enough time to grab food from the vending machines.

We're walking through the empty hallway when my phone buzzes.

Unknown number: You made a big mistake this morning. Showing off in front of everyone. Making Commander Drake praise you. You're going to regret it.

I delete it without showing Jade.

But my hands are shaking.

Because the message is right. I did show off. I did draw attention. And in this pack, attention equals pain.

"You okay?" Jade asks.

"Yeah. Just tired."

"Want to sit outside before class? Get some fresh air?"

"Sure."

We head to the courtyard. The sun is rising, painting the sky pink and orange. It would be beautiful if I wasn't so worried about what comes next.

Because Brittany saw everything this morning. Saw me succeed. Saw Commander Drake praise me. Saw me step out of the shadows for just a moment.

And she's going to make me pay for it.

The question is: how bad will it be this time?