Page 29 of Tempest Awakening

"Don't let them get to you," Pippa said firmly. "They're just bullies. You have every right to be here."

But despite Pippa's reassurances, I couldn't shake the feeling that I’d just made some very dangerous enemies.

Chapter 11

Mason

The pre-dawn air was crisp as Kali and I slipped out of Silvius' manor. We made our way to a secluded spot we'd discovered on the sprawling grounds, hidden from prying eyes by a cluster of ancient oaks. My heightened senses picked up the faint rustling of leaves and the distant call of a nocturnal creature retreating to its den.

I glanced down at my sister. Sometimes it was hard to reconcile this composed young woman with the frightened child I'd sworn to protect all those years ago.

Despite the early hour, Kali's dark brown eyes were alert, scanning our surroundings with the wariness that had become second nature to us both. I wished she didn't have to carry that burden, that constant vigilance. But wishes were luxuries we couldn't afford.

"Ready?" I asked. Kali nodded, her expression serious and focused.

We began with a series of stretches, a routine as familiar to us as breathing. As we moved through our warm-up, I noticed Kali's skin shimmer slightly, a telltale sign she was close to shifting. "Remember," I said softly, "we need to stay in human form for this."

Kali's brow furrowed in concentration as she fought to maintain her human appearance. "I know," she replied, her voice strained. "It's just... sometimes it feels like I could do more if I shifted."

I nodded, understanding her frustration. "That's true, but it's crucial we can defend ourselves in either form. We can't always count on having the advantage of our gargoyle strength."

"But why?" Kali pressed, a rare hint of defiance in her tone. "Shouldn't we embrace what we are?"

I paused, choosing my words carefully. "We should, and we do. But the world isn't always kind to those who are different. Sometimes, blending in is the best way to stay safe. And if we're ever in a situation where we can't shift..."

"We need to be prepared," Kali finished, her expression sobering. "I get it, Mason. I do."

I gave her a small smile, proud of her understanding. "Good. Now, let's focus on those escapes."

I demonstrated a wrist grab escape, my movements fluid despite my massive size. Kali watched intently, her eyes tracking every subtle shift of my body. There was no need for unnecessary chatter; we both understood the gravity of what we were doing.

"Your turn," I encouraged.

Kali stepped forward, her face a mask of concentration. I grasped her wrist, applying just enough pressure to make the exercise challenging. With a swift motion, she twisted her arm, breaking my grip.

"Good," I nodded. "Again."

As we repeated the drill, my thoughts wandered to the reasons behind these daily sessions. Flashes of memories threatened tosurface, but I pushed them aside, focusing on the present, on the sister I'd sworn to protect.

"You're improving," I said as Kali successfully broke free once more. "But remember, in a real situation—"

"The opponent won't hold back," Kali finished, her voice quiet but firm.

I studied her face, noting the hint of frustration in her eyes. "What's on your mind, Kali?"

She hesitated, then spoke, her words careful and measured. "Sometimes I wonder... if we'll ever truly be safe. If all this training will ever be enough."

Her candor caught me off guard. Kali rarely voiced her thoughts so openly. I knelt down, bringing myself closer to her eye level. "I can't promise we'll always be safe," I admitted. "But I can promise I'll always do everything in my power to protect you."

Kali's eyes met mine, a mixture of trust and something deeper—perhaps a longing for the normal life we'd never had. "I know you will," she said softly.

I stood, giving her shoulder a gentle squeeze. "One more run-through, then we need to head back. You've got school soon, and I can't be late for class."

As we resumed our practice, I couldn't help but feel a swell of pride. Despite everything we'd been through, Kali's spirit remained unbroken. She was stronger than she knew, and I was determined to help her see that strength in herself.

As we finished up, I watched her gather her things, preparing for another day at Drakehaven High. Part of me wished I could be there to protect her, but I knew she needed this taste of normalcy, this chance to forge her own path.

"Have a good day at school," I said as we walked back towards the manor. "Remember—"

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