Page 32 of The Onyx Covenant

“No,” I cut her off. “I’m not giving anyone the satisfaction of knowing they got to me.”

“This isn’t about satisfaction, Lyra. This is about survival. If they tried once…”

“They’ll try again,” I finish for her. “I know. And I’ll be ready next time.” I check my blade, securing it at my hip, where it’s hidden by the jacket but easily accessible.

“Fuck them. You’re twice as smart as most of the warriors here, and after last night, I’d say you’ve got more guts, too.”

“Thanks.” Her faith in me creates a warm spot in the cold dread that’s settled in my chest since the attack. “But I think it’s time our pack kicked those Umbra assholes aside and took the reins. An Elios victor is a win for all of us.”

Aria studies me for a moment, then nods. “All right, but we’re still figuring out who they were. No one gets away with that shit.”

I hesitate, then lower my voice. “I cut one of them last night.”

Her stare sharpens. “Excellent!”

“I got her with my knife as I tried to break free.” I glance around to make sure no one’s listening, then add, “I had the blade smeared with kevrin powder before I left home. My mom taught me how to mix it—it slows healing, even for wolves. Makes it ten times harder for the body to mend.”

Aria grins wickedly. “Smart. That’ll leave a mark. If they’re here… they’ll be nursing that wound for days.”

“Maybe longer,” I mutter. “It burns like fire, too.”

Aria’s expression hardens. “Good. That’ll make them easier to spot.” She glances at the bathroom door, and an Elios girl emerges. Aria drags me by the arm. “Come on, it’s your turn to take a quick wash before breakfast. Training starts after.”

I hurry into the bathroom with my new clothes. Once I’m dressed and clean, Aria is ready, too, and we file out, making our way to a large tent set up near our sleeping quarters building. Despite the situation, I can’t help noticing how the ritual clothing suits her athletic frame, highlighting the muscles she’s built through years of Nightblade training.

Inside the mess hall, long tables are arranged with food laid out—plates filled with bread, fruit, and meats, enough to fuel warriors for the trials ahead.

The Umbra candidates are already seated at one end, their black clothing a sharp contrast to our deep blue garments despite the identical style. I keep my head down as we enter, but I sense stares on me immediately—on the bruises I can’t hide.

Stay calm.

I scan the Umbra females, looking for any reaction to my appearance. A flicker of guilt. Satisfaction. Fear. But none meet my gaze directly.

I glance at their arms, their hands, anywhere a fresh wound might show. Nothing.

Aria murmurs beside me, her voice low. “See anything?”

“Not yet.” I grab a plate and follow her down the line, but my mind is still on them. They wouldn’t leave the wound exposed… but they’ll show it when they move.

Aria and I take seats with our plates of food at the far end of the Elios section. “Eat,” she commands. “You’ll need your strength.”

I force myself to take bites of bread and meat, knowing she’s right. Whatever the day brings, facing it hungry won’t help. But my appetite vanishes when I feel a particular gaze burning into me from across the tent.

Theron strolls over to join his Umbra wolves, his presence commanding the space with every step. The ritual clothing clings to him, dark leather stretched taut over his broad shoulders and powerful chest. The fitted long sleeves do little to hide the muscular lines of his arms, the fabric pulled snug across biceps that flex with restrained power.

His hair, wild and tousled, looks like the wind had its way with it—longer at the top, falling in messy strands across his brow, while the sides and back are shorter, highlighting the sharp angles of his jaw. And then there are his eyes, piercing, molten silver that gleam with unreadable intent. Even now, even after everything, my pulse betrays me, pounding harder.

His gaze is currently fixed on my bruised face with an expression of concern.

I drop my attention back to my plate, but I’m acutely aware of him watching me throughout the meal.

“He looks ready to murder someone,” Aria murmurs, staring at Theron. “Think he knows about last night? Well, actually, we haven’t heard of anyone being killed yet, so I guess he doesn’t know.”

I laugh softly as I stab a piece of meat with unnecessary force.

When breakfast ends, an older woman in black Covenant robes enters the tent.

“Training will begin shortly. You will be working with your bound partners today to prepare for tomorrow’s first trial and learn the meaning of trust.”

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