“You’re welcome!” Is there anything further?”
“That concludes everything; I will inform Aniyah,” he states. I acquiesce and grin.
Today marks the inaugural day of Aniyah’s inclusion in the Advanced Warriors training, signifying that the six other women in the class will dedicate their focus to her during the session. I doubt they will exhibit the same level of understanding and acceptance as I do.
Initially, I participate in the men’s class, which is also attended by Serena and Elaine. Elaine is diligently striving to reclaim her second-place title; however, I believe the disparity between us is widening. I am continually becoming stronger and faster. I am currently co-leading the women’s group class with Elaine and Skylar. Aniyah is approximately 10 minutes tardy and maintains an arrogant, unpleasant demeanour.
Upon the commencement of the advanced class, the women are taken aback by Alpha’s directives. They are dissatisfied, yet we all forfeit our training time to assist Aniyah. The minimum she could do is maintain a positive demeanour and make an effort. Perhaps express some gratitude, yet none of that is occurring.
Upon the conclusion of the advanced class, Aniyah and I proceed to our individual training session. Aniyah dedicates three hours daily, five days a week. These are rigorous training hours. It is unfortunate that she is not approaching it with greater seriousness. I am uncertain whether she perceives openness to learning from us as a weakness or if she fears that genuine effort leading to failure may result in embarrassment. Nonetheless, I believe it is primarily driven by ego.
The subsequent fortnight passed swiftly, as I attended to Alyssa and engaged in training for four or more hours daily. Serena and I have been convening in the evenings for training as well. She remains superior to me, yet the disparity is diminishing. I incorporated additional running workouts into my schedule, resulting in the past two weeks being a haze of fatigue.
I am already an accomplished runner, but I intend to compete in the races on Games Day, following the Alpha ceremony. It appears futile to many since there is no tangible reward. As a warrior, there exists significant honour and pride in distinguishing our pack from others in any possible manner. Merely being a formidable competitor, irrespective of victory. I eagerly anticipate Games Day significantly more than the extravagant ball.
I am eager for my friends to assume the roles of Alpha and Luna, and for Marcus to attain the position of Beta. Today is significant, and as a leading warrior, my presence is expected. Norah is retrieving her gown after alterations, accompanied by her mother. I seize the opportunity to search for a dress as well.
I have consistently delayed my tasks. Norah’s gown is exquisite. It is a strapless, silk, red A-line dress. The top is fitted and accentuates her bust, while it flares out at the hem. She possesses beauty and resembles nobility. I admire her dress!
I sampled several dresses before ultimately selecting one. I selected a dark blue off-the-shoulder dress. It is tailored closely until just below my hips, where it slightly flares. It is floor-length and features a high slit on one side. It is sophisticated yet somewhat alluring. “You look attractive,” Norah remarks with wide eyes and a playful grin.
“Should you encounter your partner, he will not be disillusioned,” Norah radiates.
My eyes widen, “What if he is present?” I had not considered that. I have been excessively focused on training, instructing Aniyah, and attending to my child, that I did not even consider the possibility of my mate being present.
“How could you overlook that?”Norah laughs softly.
I seldom contemplate my companion. Since acquiring Alyssa, I have largely endeavoured to suppress my thoughts regarding it, as I wished to avoid focussing on it and raising my expectations. I have been preoccupied with the Games, and I have been contemplating them continuously,” I confess.
“I am curious if you possess a formidable warrior partner?”Norah reflects, and I respond with a shrug. It is possible.
Upon completing our dresses, we return home, and Serena and I convene at the park for training. I positioned Alyssa in the sandbox. She enjoys playing in the sand and would engage in it for hours if afforded the chance. Skylar and I refrain from sparring to avoid alarming Alyssa, but we engage in workouts together. We are effective partners due to our shared competitiveness. We exert ourselves significantly more in unison.
We engage in short-distance sprinting races: I surpass her in speed, yet she outperforms me in pull-ups. Her upper body is larger and more muscular than mine. I remain robust and possess ample muscle mass. Size is not the sole determinant of success in combat. I am swift and resourceful, and I possess greater strength than my appearance suggests.
