Kael caught up to me and pulled me into his arms.
“Got you,” he chuckled softly.
Pressed against his chest, I couldn’t help but laugh too. “I think you must have cheated! Really, your stamina is naturally better than mine.”
“But Seraphina, haven’t you noticed? Your endurance has improved a lot too. Look at how fast you were running. You almost made it out of the woods, and yet you don’t even seem out of breath.” Kael’s voice was low as he nibbled on my ear.
His words made me stop and think.
He was right. I hadn’t felt any strain on my body at all. Even after running for so long, I wasn’t gasping for air.
It was incredible.
Could my physical condition really have reached this level?
“Why is this happening?” I asked, recalling how this wasn’t the first time I’d experienced it. When I ran, I didn’t feel tired, and when I stopped, it didn’t take long to recover.
Kael held me close, his breath warm against my ear. “Stop denying who you are, Seraphina. The world is dangerous, and you need to become stronger.”
“Am I really not an ordinary human?” I looked up at him, my face surely betraying my disbelief.
“No, you’re not,” Kael said firmly. “I’ve told you before, and you’ve noticed the changes in your body. These could be signs that your wolf gene is awakening.”
“Then when will my wolf appear?” I asked, my mind flashing to the dream-the white wolf, so beautiful, so regal. It was nothing like the other wolves I’d seen.
It was stunning.
For some reason, I felt that if it was that wolf, I could accept it. It was like a gorgeous pet anyone would adore.
“Seraphina, I’m sorry, but I can’t tell you that. Generally, wolves awaken after reaching adulthood, and you should be able to communicate with them freely. But your situation seems… different.”
Kael hesitated, shaking his head.
“I heard Vivienne mention that I might be a hybrid. What does that mean?”
Kael’s expression darkened instantly. His brows furrowed, and his face grew grim.
“She told you that?”
I nodded.
“A hybrid is a child born of a werewolf and a human. They carry half human blood. It’s rare, but it happens.”
“So, do you think that’s what I am?”
Kael nodded slightly, his hand tightening around mine as he led me back through the woods.
“It’s just my guess. Werewolves almost never send their children to be raised by humans. Even if your parents died, they would have entrusted you to other werewolves, not humans. If they gave you to humans, it’s likely because one of your parents was human. They probably wanted you to believe you were human. But when your wolf awakens, if you can’t control it, it could be dangerous.”
He paused, his tone growing serious.
“Besides, no matter how much we emulate human life, we’re not humans. We’re a different species entirely. It’s hard for ordinary werewolves to trust humans.”
“So, one of my parents was a werewolf, and the other was human. That’s why I was raised by humans?”
“Why wouldn’t they admit it?” I frowned, confused.
“Maybe they were trying to protect you. Think about it-if you lived with your parents for years, only for them to reveal you weren’t their biological child, wouldn’t you be heartbroken?”
“I admit, it’s painful. Knowing this now, my feelings are complicated,” I said.
For so long, I’d avoided the truth because I couldn’t imagine not being my parents’ biological child. But after everything I’d been through, it was clear-I wasn’t an ordinary human.
Kael’s explanation made sense. If I were fully human, I’d have known I was a werewolf by now. My wolf would’ve awakened already.
Instead, I was fragile, easily outmatched by any werewolf.
“Seraphina, accepting your identity is the best thing you can do. From now on, you’ll train with me. I want to awaken your wolf as soon as possible. That way, she’ll be able to protect you in dangerous situations.”
“Alright,” I said. After accepting the truth, I knew I had to try to awaken my wolf. Only a coward would continue to run from this.
Kael and I emerged from the woods, where he called Marek over to spar with him.
In an instant, the two transformed into wolves, their massive forms clashing as they fought.
From my perspective, it was clear Kael was the stronger of the two. He moved with precision, easily pinning Marek to the ground.
But Kael wasn’t just fighting-he was teaching.
“Your strength is too weak,” Kael said as he dodged an attack. “You need to build up power. Your speed is lacking too, and you have no technique. All you do is evade. That won’t work in a real fight.”
Kael continued to guide Marek as they fought, correcting his movements and pointing out his mistakes.
By the end, Marek was exhausted, collapsing onto the ground before transforming back into his human form and pulling on his clothes.
Kael returned to his human form as well, shaking his head. “This won’t do. You’re still too weak. From now on, train at the Eagle Club. I’ll make you a member, but for now, focus on building your strength. Do more weight training.”
Marek’s face twisted in frustration. “It’s difficult. I’ve rarely fought other werewolves directly. When I face danger, I usually run.”
Kael clapped him on the shoulder with a grin. “That’s why you haven’t improved in years. Protecting Seraphina is your responsibility. I don’t want a bodyguard who can’t fight.”
“I understand,” Marek said.
“But I have to focus on my own training now. I’m preparing for a match with Briar.”
At the mention of Briar, I thought of his warm face and the stark contrast with his powerful physique.
“When is the match?”
“Next week. Briar is a strong opponent. Other than me, he hasn’t lost a single fight. He’s determined to beat me.” Kael smiled faintly.
I could sense the pressure weighing on him.
“Losing isn’t the end of the world,” I said, trying to comfort him.
“I can’t lose,” Kael replied immediately.