Page 74 of The Blood Moon Oath

Torin’s smirk widens, but there’s something else in his eyes now. Something deeper, like he knows more than he’s letting on.

“I’m proud of you, Kael,” he says softly. “You’re finally starting to get it.”

I scowl, the words hanging in the air between us. “Don’t get all sentimental on me, Torin.”

He laughs and pats me on the back, hard enough to almost knock me over. “I’m serious. You’re not the asshole you pretend to be. You just have to let go of the past long enough to see it.”

I nod, finally standing from my chair and stretching. “Yeah, well... I’ll figure it out.”

Torin steps back, his hands up in mock surrender. “Good. She might be the one who actually teaches you how to be human again.”

I chuckle, watching Torin with a grin that’s equal parts admiration and disbelief. “So what’s next, then, Torin? You thepeacemakernow? Solving everyone’s problems and shit?”

Torin grins back at me, his usual cocky swagger never faltering. “Well, someone has to step up,” he says, throwing his hands up in mock surrender. “I’m getting tired of watching you two bumble around. Besides, someone has to teach you how to not be a complete idiot when it comes to... well,her.”

I raise an eyebrow, leaning against the doorframe. “Peacemaker, huh? I guess you’re really embracing that role.”

Torin shrugs, unbothered. “Yeah, sure. But I’ve had about enough of it. This whole peace andemotionally healthyshit is starting to make me sick.” He grins darkly, cracking his knuckles as if the simple action is already starting to itch under his skin. “I’m about to go kill something just to feel alive again.This is a sign I’m losing it, Kael. I can’t wait for the Trials to resume.”

I can’t help but laugh. “You? Losing it? If anyone needs to get out of their own head, it’s you. Don’t get too soft on me, Torin. You know we’ll both be out there killing everything that moves in the Trials.”

“Damn right,” Torin says, his grin widening as he turns to the door, ready to leave. “The only thing I’ll be soft on is the damn fight itself. But once that bell rings? I’m going to tear it all down.”

As he heads out, I watch him go, his confidence and reckless energy filling the air like a spark just waiting for a fuse. There's something about the promise of the Trials that pulls me in too. A part of me needs it—the action, the chaos. Nothing else feels real when we're not fighting.

I shake my head, a smile tugging at the corner of my lips. He’s a madman, but at least we’re in this together.

Chapter

Thirty-Eight

SABLE

The hot water is soothing, the steam rising in thick clouds around me as I sink deeper into the tub. My muscles are still aching from the intense training session with Torin. I can't deny that the physical conditioning is starting to pay off, even if I’m still not sure what I’m going to do with all the strength. I mean, yeah, the Trials are coming up, but it's still hard to wrap my head around the fact that I’m expected to fight for my life in a twisted, bloodthirsty contest.

The thought of it should make me nervous, but the heat of the water, the soothing warmth, and the quiet of the room make everything feel distant. I close my eyes, leaning back, letting the water lap gently against my skin. It’s a rare moment of peace, a rare moment where I can just...breathe.

And then, the door slams open.

I barely have time to jerk upright before I hear Kael's voice, low and confident, like it’s a regular thing. "Little huntress, I have news for you."

I can’t help but roll my eyes, even though my stomach tightens when I realize that Finn’s with him. Both of them. And I’m naked. In a tub. Alone.

“Gosh, you two never knock?” I mutter, trying my best to sound nonchalant, my heart thudding in my chest. But there's no real point in hiding it. They’ve seen me before, and honestly, I’m not exactly shy anymore. Not after everything that's happened with Kael.

I notice, though, that both of them freeze just slightly when they step into the room. Their eyes flicker down to the water, and I can see it—the interest in their eyes. The heat that isn't just from the warmth of the water.

My mouth quirks into a knowing smile.

I’ve never felt so...awareof myself. The woman I am now feels stronger, more confident, more... in control. Not just of my body, but ofmyself. And it’s not just because of my training with Torin or even the strength I’ve built physically. It’s the way Kael has made me feel—desired, yes, but also respected. And that’s something I never thought I’d crave.

I glance up at Kael, meeting his eyes, watching the way he looks at me, like he’s not sure whether he should be embarrassed or pleased. But I know the truth now. He’s aman, and I’m no longer that fragile thing that was kept in a cage. I know it stirs something in him, something he’s never fully dealt with, but maybe... maybe that’s just the way it is.

"So, what's going on?" I ask, my voice teasing but laced with something else—a confidence that surprises me even as I say it. "You just come in here to interrupt my bath, or is there something you need?"

Kael clears his throat, his gaze flickering away from me, though I see his eyes linger just a moment too long. "Finn is going to help you with your powers," he says, the words rolling off his tongue so naturally that it almost feels like anafterthought. "Just like Torin is helping you train your body for the Trials."

I blink, looking between them both. "Are you two serious?" I ask, incredulous. "Because this sounds like a joke."

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