Page 63 of Tempest Awakening

Mason's warm brown eyes swept over me, concern evident in his furrowed brow. "Are you okay? How are you feeling about all this?"

Before I could answer, Kane sauntered up, his pristine workout gear highlighting his lean, athletic build. "Well, well, if it isn't our resident human librarian," Kane drawled, his voice smoothas silk. "Brace yourself. Instructor Alvarez isn't known for her gentle touch. She's more likely to make you cry than coddle you."

I felt my cheeks heat up, and not just from embarrassment. How was it fair that these two looked like they'd stepped out of a fantasy novel while I felt like a schlub in my old workout clothes?

Mason growled, low and menacing. "Back off, Kane. She doesn't need your snark right now."

Kane held up his hands in mock surrender. "Just giving her the lay of the land. No need to get your tail in a twist."

As they bickered, my mind raced. The reality of what I was about to face hit me full force. I wasn't just out of my depth; I was in an entirely different ocean. The doubts I'd been trying to push away all morning came rushing back with a vengeance.

"Breathe, little one,"Thalon's voice cut through my panic."Remember why you're here. Remember our bond."

I closed my eyes, focusing on the warmth of Thalon's presence in my mind. Yes, I was scared. Yes, I felt woefully unprepared. But I was also here for a reason. Thalon had chosen me, and that had to count for something.

Opening my eyes, I straightened my shoulders. "Thanks for the warning, Kane," I said, surprised by the steadiness in my voice. "But I'm not here for an easy ride. I'm here to learn, to grow, and to become the rider Thalon deserves."

The surprise on Kane's face was almost comical, and I felt a small surge of satisfaction. Maybe I didn't look the part, but I was determined to prove I belonged here, one challenge at a time.

As I was about to say more, movement caught my eye. Selena and Valen were stretching nearby, looking as if the events of Friday had never happened. My newfound confidence wavered.

"They're still here?" I blurted out, incredulous. "After what they did?"

Kane's expression turned serious for a moment. "Ah, yes. About that—"

But before he could explain, a sharp whistle cut through the air. "Alright, people! Fall in!"

Instructor Alvarez strode to the center of the training ground, her lean, athletic frame moving with a predator's grace. Her long, dark braid swung behind her as she turned, her presence commanding instant attention. Her intense amber eyes locked onto me, and I felt my stomach drop.

"Looks like we have fresh meat," she announced, her slightly raspy voice carrying across the field with military precision. "Listen up! We have a new applicant joining us. Tempest Whittaker, our first human trainee."

All eyes turned to me, and I fought the urge to shrink back.

Alvarez's gaze was piercing. "Let me make one thing clear. We don't do easy here. Human or not, you'll be held to the same standards as everyone else. Understood?"

I nodded, my throat suddenly dry. "Yes, ma'am."

"Good. Now, let's see what you're made of." Her amber eyes scanned the crowd. "Split into your assigned groups of twenty."

There was a shuffle as people moved into their predetermined groups. I glanced around, uncertain, until Kane grudgingly waved me over to join his and Mason's group. As I moved,I caught Selena's eye. She smirked, whispering something to Valen that made them both laugh.

I took a deep breath, trying to center myself. I was here to train, to learn, to become a dragon rider. I couldn't let Selena or anyone else's judgment distract me.

Alvarez continued, "Each group will take a different section of the grounds. Group leaders, you know your designated areas." She pointed to a winding path that snaked through our section of the training grounds, weaving around various obstacle courses and training apparatus. "Two laps of your section. Go."

As we broke into a run, Mason fell into step beside me. "Want some company?" he asked, easily matching my slower pace.

A part of me was touched by his offer, but a stronger part—the part that had been feeling like an outsider since I arrived—bristled at the idea of needing help. I was here to prove myself, to show that I belonged despite being human. How could I do that if I relied on others from the start?

Kane scoffed, jogging backwards to face us. "Really, Mason? You're going to hold yourself back for the newbie?"

I felt a flash of irritation at Kane's words. But he had a point—I needed to do this on my own.

"It's fine," I said, waving them off and hoping my voice sounded more confident than I felt. "Go on ahead. I'll manage."

Mason looked uncertain, but Kane was already pulling him away. "Come on, big guy. Let her prove herself."

As they sped ahead, I focused on keeping a steady pace, trying to ignore the stitch forming in my side. This was just the beginning, I reminded myself. The real challenge was yet to come.

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