14: The Will To Fight
Celeste’s POV
I paced the corridor outside Kaelen’s study, my steps were slow. The soft tap of my heels against the stone floor was the only sound, but even that seemed too loud in the silence.
had waited, it felt like, forever, even though it had only been a bit over an hour. Kaelen was inside with Dorian, and I really didn’t want to interrupt them, but I couldn’t shake the urgency of what I needed to tell him. It was important.
They were no doubt discussing something to do with the pack: plans, patrols, or perhaps even those rogues who had attacked Thornclaw. Whatever it was, I knew it had to be critical for them to spend this much time behind closed doors. But I couldn’t let that deter me.
I took a deep breath, smoothing the front of my gown as I tried to organize my thoughts. This isn’t about proving yourself, I reminded myself. It’s about making sure you’re prepared.
Even so, I couldn’t help but feel a flicker of doubt. Would Kaelen listen to me? Or would he see this as yet another overstep?
The door finally opened, and Dorian stepped out, his expression unreadable as ever.
He bent his head slightly when he saw me.
“Luna,” he said, his tone polite but distant.
“Beta,” I replied, nodding in return.
He didn’t linger, he disappeared down the corridor without another word.
I hesitated a moment, my heart pounding as I stepped toward the now–open door. Kaelen was seated at his desk, his head bent over a stack of papers. His shoulders were tense, his focus so absolute that he didn’t notice me until I crossed the threshold.
–“Kaelen,” I said softly, my voice breaking the quiet.
He looked up sharply, his gray eyes narrowing as they landed on me. “What are you doing in here?”
I froze, taken aback by the sharpness in his tone. “I needed to speak with you,” I said quickly, trying to keep my voice steady.
Kaelen’s face clouded, and he leaned back in his chair, folding his arms over his chest.” And you thought it was fitting to come into my study without permission?”
Successfully
I swallowed hard, my hands twistfully unlocked waited outside. I didn’t mean to intrude, but….”
“But you did,” he said, his voice cold. “This is my space, Celeste. Just because you’re my mate doesn’t mean you can come and go as you please.”
1/3
14: The Will To Fight
The words stung more than I expected, and my cheeks flushed. “I’m sorry,” I said quietly, though there was a hint of defiance in my tone. “But it’s important.”
Kaelen’s gaze remained fixed on me, unyielding. “Important enough to disregard boundaries?”
straightened my shoulders, refusing to back down. “Yes. Because it affects the pack. And me.”
His eyes narrowed further, and for a moment, the room felt unbearably tense. Then he sighed, shaking his head. “I’ll let it go this time. But don’t mistake my patience for leniency. This is the last time you step into my study without permission.”
I nodded, the tension in my chest easing slightly. “Thank you.”
“Now,” he said, his voice steady but sharp. “What is it that couldn’t wait?”
I took a deep breath, gathering my thoughts. “I want to train with your troops.”
Kaelen blinked, clearly caught off guard by my words. “You want to what?”
“Train,” I repeated, my voice firm. “With your warriors. Your army. I want to be prepared.”
He stared at me for a long moment, his expression unreadable. Then he laughed, it was a low, humorless sound that made my stomach twist.
“Is this another one of your attempts to prove yourself?” he asked, his tone laced with skepticism.
“No,” I said quickly, shaking my head. “This isn’t about proving anything. It’s about
survival.”
Survival,” he repeated, leaning forward slightly. “You’re my Luna, Celeste. You’re not a soldier. You don’t need to fight.”
“That’s where you’re wrong,” I said, meeting his gaze. “I may not be a soldier, but I’m not defenseless either. If the pack is ever attacked again, I need to be able to protect myself. And the people I care about.”
Kaelen’s jaw tightened, and I could see the conflict in his eyes. “You think I can’t protect you?”
“It’s not about you,” I said softly, my voice tinged with frustration. “It’s about me. I can’t rely on others to save me every time something goes wrong. I need to be strong enough to stand on my own.”
He was silent for a moment, his eyes searching mine. “And you think training with my army will make you stronger?”
“I know it will,” I said firmly. “And I’m not asking for special treatment. I’ll follow their rules, and do whatever they tell me to. I just need your permission to join them.”
Kaelen leaned back in his chair, his features thoughtful, yet guarded. “Do you have any idea what you are asking?”
2/3
14: The Will To Fight
“Yes,” I said simply.
“You’ll be pushed harder than you’ve ever been pushed before,” he warned. “My warriors don’t go easy on anyone, not even you.”
“I don’t want them to,” I said, my voice steady. “I want to earn their respect. And yours.
His eyes softened slightly at that, though his tone remained firm. “Celeste, this isn’t a game. Training isn’t just about physical strength. It’s about discipline, strategy, and sacrifice. Are you prepared for that?”
“I am,” I said without hesitation.
Kaelen studied me for a long moment, his gray eyes piercing. “If you fail you’ll be a laughing stock
“I won’t fail,” I said, interrupting, and my voice came out stronger than I expected.” Because I can’t. Not if I want to protect this pack. And myself.”
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