Aresenn stood at the center of the grassy field, his russet fur ruffling in the warm summer breeze that wafted down into the sheltered valley of Polar Sound. The sun glared down from a cloudless sky, its rays glinting off the sheer rock walls that that encircled them. He drew in a deep breath, nostrils flaring as he caught the mingled scents of grass, lichen, and distant sea salt- and of course, a few of his lingering kids.

Whenever there was downtime, he often found himself calling them to train- as he would do now. Over compensating for his lack of structure growing up. He paced impatiently, ears twitching at every rustle in the grass. His analytical mind was already racing, mapping out the day's training regimen. What if he focused on defensive maneuvers today? Or perhaps ambush tactics?

"Alright! Fall in!" Aresenn's gruff bark echoed off the towering cliffs. He scanned the surrounding grass, keen eyes picking out the telltale rustles of approaching pups. He noted who was quick to respond, who lagged behind, filing away each observation for future use. "Today," Aresenn growled, his voice low and intense, "we're going to focus on situational awareness. In a real fight, you need to be ready for anything."

He began to pace, his muscular form casting a long shadow across the grass. "I want you to pair up," Aresenn continued, his orange eyes narrowing as he surveyed the assembled pups. "One of you will be the attacker, the other the defender. The attacker's job is to catch the defender off guard. The defender must anticipate and counter."

He paused, letting the tension build. A few of the younger pups shuffled, their eyes darting from side to side. Aresenn felt a twinge of satisfaction; a healthy dose of fear would keep them sharp. "There's a catch," he growled, baring his teeth in what might have been a grin. "The attacker can strike at any time, from any direction. You'll need to keep your wits about you, because your eyes will be closed." Aresenn's gaze swept over the assembled pups, noting their reactions. Some stood tall, eager for the challenge, while others shifted nervously, already glancing around as if expecting an attack. Good. They were learning.

"Pair up," he barked once again, watching as they scrambled to obey. "Attackers, step back. Defenders, close your eyes. When I give the signal, the exercise begins." As the pups settled into position Aresenn circled the group, his keen eyes scrutinizing every twitch and tremor. He noted which defenders held themselves with confidence, and which betrayed their nervousness with flicking tails or twitching ears. A few of the more experienced pups had already adopted a wider stance, their muscles coiled and ready to spring into action.

"Begin!" he barked suddenly, his voice cracking like a whip across the field.

"Aresenn Praetor"

Laying in the heart of a sun-drenched meadow, Abyss had their raven companion sitting between their paws, meticulously plucking any stray feathers that caught their attention. An endless blue sky was cast above them, the sun emitting a golden glow across the meadow. But it was hot, even this far North. With a low grumble, they considered retiring to a shady spot- but Father’s voice tore through the valley before they could decide. A summon to train. Abyss didn’t hesitate- they jumped to their paws, and started loping toward the call, while their raven took flight and soared above them.

Right after they arrived, Father was quick to the point. Situational awareness was today’s topic- he wanted them to pair up and role-play an attacker, and a defender. He left it up to them to pair up, and Abyss fell into deep thought, as they contemplated who would be an appropriate match. Their gaze swept across each of their siblings, falling on Xairo last. Hmpf. They’d never sparred with him before.

Prowling forward, Abyss’ movements are deliberate and purposeful, radiating a quiet air of confidence as they chose Xairo as their opponent. Once they stood before Xairo, Abyss would nod and close their eyes, following Father’s instructions.

Their ears were swiveled forward, turned in Xairo’s direction, trying to anticipate his movements. Their breathing slowed down, to drown the pounding of their heart. And their claws dug into the earth, their mind focusing on the vibrations in the earth, as they waited for their brother to attack.


"Abyssinica"

Xairo was sprawled on the edge of the field, his blue-hued fur glimmering in the sun like a sapphire against the vibrant green. He rolled onto his paws, stretching out his stocky frame before shaking off the remnants of sleep. A surge of energy coursed through him, igniting his spirit as he caught sight of Aresenn's imposing figure. With a defiant flick of his tail, Xairo bounded across the grass toward the center of the field, his heart pounding with anticipation.

Xairo’s heart skipped a beat as Aresenn’s words resonated through him. Situational awareness. The phrase sparked a flicker of excitement and dread. He fell in line, ready to absorb every bit of instruction, his green eyes glinting with determination. If only he could impress Aresenn—if only he could show that he was more. Xairo's heart raced at the challenge, adrenaline flooding his veins. He scanned through the gathered pups, searching for a worthy opponent to face off against. Each of his peers wore a mix of eagerness and anxiety, but Xairo was determined to make this an opportunity to shine. His emerald gaze fell on his sister, Abyssinca. He couldn’t remember a time when he had sparred with her. Not for real, anyways. Perhaps this would be the best time to do so.

Xairo felt a surge of exhilaration as Abyss approached him, her confident stride contrasting sharply with the uncertainty of the situation. They shared an unspoken acknowledgment of the pending challenge ahead—this was more than an exercise; it was an opportunity to stake their claim in the pack’s hierarchy. As Aresenn's commanding voice echoed through the valley, Xairo's mind raced with thoughts of tactics. He felt a flicker of pride as he studied Abyss from under furrowed brows, visualizing the scenario in his mind. She may be contemplative and reserved, but he knew better than to underestimate her resolve.

Xairo couldn’t help but smirk at the sight of his sister preparing for him. He watched as she closed her eyes, the tension coiling around them like a taut bowstring. Every fiber of his being screamed to pounce now, to seize the moment when she was most vulnerable. But he resisted, his competitive instincts battling with a flicker of caution. He had to make this count; he had to be impressive.

With a deep breath, he steadied himself, attuning his senses to the world around him. The wind rustled through the grass, carrying with it the scent of damp earth and blooming wildflowers. Xairo focused on the subtle vibrations beneath his paws, grounding himself in the moment as he opened his mind to the possibilities. Every dull thrum of sound, every shift of air could provide valuable insight into his sister’s intentions. He knew that to win today, he needed not just strength but strategy.

Begin. The word hung in the air, a challenge that echoed against the valley walls. In an instant, Xairo surged forward, summoning every ounce of his strength as he charged toward Abyss like a bolt of blue lightning- veering to the side at the last possible moment. The ground thumped beneath his paws, a steady rhythm that matched the pounding of his heart.

"Xairo Saxe"

In the dim lighting of his den, Zagan is crouched beside a jagged, obsidian stone, focused intently on sharpening his claws. He’s dragging them against the stone in long, measured strokes, the sound echoing softly in the stillness of his abode. A low growl rumbled in his throat- a sound of satisfaction mixed with focus.

Near the entrance of his den, is his panther companion- a pillar of strength, safeguarding its master. His raven was beside him, watching him work, admiring his skill and determination, and croaking its approval.

When Aresenn’s summon rang out across the valley, Zagan paused briefly, and turned his head to the entrance of his den. It was a call for training, and although the young Saxe was in the middle of a task, he wouldn’t miss the opportunity to hone his other skills. After a few more strokes, he felt content with his work and abandoned the task.

Bounding out of his den, and loping across the valley, Zagan finds Aresenn in the center of a grassy field. His siblings were quickly filing in, and Aresenn was straight to the point- today, they would focus on situational awareness. They were to pair up and role-play an attacker, and a defender. A game Zagan enjoyed. He’d already chosen his opponent too. Ludo. He’d hone in on the crimson boy, morphing into an offensive role, before Ludo had the chance to decide if he was going to start on the offense or defense.

Weaving through his siblings, Zagan approaches his brother, to stand before him. Their eyes lock in a silent challenge, each daring the other to yield first in this battle of wills. “I’ll attack first.” He declared as he rolled his shoulders forward, and raised his tail above his hips. His quills stook erect down his spine, his claws unsheathing as he dug them into the soil.

Aresenn gave the signal to begin- and while the rest of his siblings reacted quickly, Zagan held back. He wanted to use the erupting chaos to throw Ludo off, using their sibling’s growling and yelping as a veil of cover. When the moment was right, he suddenly surged forward- his open jaws aiming for Ludo’s right shoulder, while his front paw tried to hook behind his brother’s left forelimb to disrupt his balance.


"Zagan Saxe"

A game of attacker and defender. Ludovic’s eyes narrowed as he met Zagan’s fierce gaze, a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. Was there ever going to be any other choice for a proper match up than he and Z? If Zagan wanted to play the aggressor, Fine. He’d indulge his brother’s eagerness and let him believe he held the upper hand. He let him approach, weaving through siblings, but he knew what was coming for him.

He stood relaxed, posture loose, appearing almost disinterested—letting Zagan make the first move. As Zagan lurked in the noise and motion, Ludovic remained still, senses heightened, waiting. He noted the shift in the sound of paws hitting the ground, Zagan’s coiled energy finally snapping as he lunged forward. But Ludovic anticipated the strike.

In one motion, he shifted his weight, dodging Zagan’s open jaws by mere inches. He felt the scrape of claws aiming for his forelimb and they caught him—so he attempted to aim a snap of his jaws at Zagan’s shoulder in return. His other three limbs plant themselves in an attempt to keep his balance.



"Ludovic Praetor-Inferos"

Ravana’s lilac eyes glinted as she took in Aresenn’s instructions, a smirk tugging at her lips. Situational awareness—she liked the sound of that. The idea of catching… hmm—oh! Sericea off guard made her blood hum with anticipation. She watched her sister’s stance, noting the subtle rise and fall of her breaths, the flicker of her gaze as she scanned her surroundings. Sericea was ready, or so she assumed. She had to know that it was down to them two only, the other’s had already chosen their opponents.

When Aresenn’s bark shattered the air, Ravana sprang into motion, her muscles coiled like a snake’s. She lunged low and fast, slipping into Sericea’s space with almost medical precision, her paws striking the ground as soundlessly. In that split second before contact, Ravana felt a thrill surge through her—Sericea wouldn’t see this coming, would she? Ravana’s heart hammered with satisfaction; she was a step ahead, always ready to play the game and, if she could, win.

Her attack was simple, an attempted tackle so she could pin her sister down into the ground.


"Ravana Seraphim Saxe"

Sericea's ears perked up at her father's words, her acidic green eyes sparkling with anticipation. She loved these training sessions, the chance to test her skills and prove herself. And with the added element of surprise, it would be an even greater challenge. She scanned the group of pups, her analytical mind already whirring. Who would be the best partner? Someone quick and agile, able to keep her on her toes. Her gaze settled on her sister Ravana- quickly acknowledgining the other girl’s stare with one of her own.

Sericea crouched low, her muscles tense, ears pricked for the slightest sound. She knew Ravana would be her attacker - it wasn’t the first time it had come down to the two of them in the end. Her sister's competitive nature was as predictable as the sunrise. She breathed slowly, steadily, refusing to let her racing heart betray her outward calm. The scents of the field filled her nostrils - crushed grass, damp earth, the faint musk of her packmates. But beneath it all, a familiar wormwood note.

Sericea's fur prickled with anticipation. She could feel Ravana's presence, sense her sister's barely contained energy, ready to explode into action at any moment. The wait was excruciating, each second stretching into a small eternity.

There! The faintest whisper of paws on grass, the displacement of air. Sericea's muscles bunched and she sprang to the side with as much force as she could muster, twisting mid-leap to face her attacker. But of course, the hit wasn’t totally avoided. Sericea felt the impact as Ravana's body collided with hers, the force knocking the breath from her lungs. They tumbled together in a tangle of fur and limbs, rolling across the grass in a snarling, snapping mass. Sericea's world spun, sky and earth blurring into a dizzying kaleidoscope as she struggled to regain her footing.

"Sericea Praetor-Inferos"

The attackers sprang into action, each employing their own strategy. Some charged head-on, relying on brute force and speed. Others circled warily, looking for an opening. A few of Aresenn watched intently as chaos erupted across the field. A blur of fur and flashing teeth as attackers pounced and defenders whirled to meet them. His keen eyes darted from pair to pair, analyzing every move, every misstep.

The field erupted into a flurry of motion. Aresenn's eyes darted from pair to pair, his mind rapidly cataloging each success and failure. Aresenn allowed himself a small nod of approval. "Anticipate!" Aresenn barked, his voice cutting through the chaos. "Use all your senses!" He prowled between the sparring pairs.

"Remember," he growled, his voice low and intense, "in a real fight, your enemy won't announce their presence. They won't give you time to prepare. You must be ready at all times." He paused, narrowing his eyes as he observed the defenders' reactions.. He made mental notes, cataloging strengths and weaknesses for future training sessions.

After several intense minutes, it seemed that most of the defenders had either successfully warded off their attackers or been soundly defeated. Aresenn's eyes narrowed as he assessed the results, his tail swishing in agitation. Too many had failed to properly anticipate their opponent's moves.

"Aresenn Praetor"

With their eyes closed, Abyss’ other senses became hyperaware of the world around them- the cool breeze against their skin, the rustling of leaves, the crunching of twigs, and the distant call of the pack’s ravens. Even the valley’s smell of pine and sea salt was amplified.

But Abyss kept their sense of smell trained on Xairo, as they honed in on his location. For now, it seemed like he was still standing before them, trying to conjure up his tactic. But Father gave them little time to prepare- he was commanding they begin, and seconds later, the world around Abyss erupted into chaos. The other pups were launching their assaults, making it difficult to stay focused on Xairo. A tsk slipped past their clenched jaw, followed by a sharp inhale as they prepared themselves for what would come.

Abyss wasn’t prepared enough- Xairo’s shoulder clashed with theirs, earning a sharp yelp from the dual-colored pup. Stumbling several feet, Abyss regained their footing and widened their stance, lowering their head and emitting a low, challenging growl. Their eyes were still closed- a sign of their determination, as they wished to continue the spar, despite their disadvantage.

In the background, Father was barking commands, wanting them to stay on their toes. To use all their senses. With a snort, Abyss beckoned Xairo forward again.

This time, they would be better prepared.


"Abyssinica"

A gleam sparked in Xairo's emerald eyes as he noted Abyss' determined stance, her growl reverberating through the air like a challenge echoing in the valley walls. There was nothing he desired more than to break through that facade of calm. With a sudden burst of energy, he feigned a bold strike straight at her, only to veer sharply to the left, seeking an opening. The rush of adrenaline coursed through his veins, amplifying every breath and heartbeat. He had to outsmart her; she was nothing if not unpredictable.

But as he charged, a flicker of uncertainty danced in the corners of his mind. Abyss stood poised, her senses reaching out like tendrils through the chaos surrounding them. He could almost feel her focus sharpening, honing in on him—a quiet storm ready to break. Xairo darted left, feeling the cool breeze against his fur, but he couldn't shake the nagging feeling that she had anticipated this move.

In that split second before impact, he committed fully, muscles coiling like tightly wound springs, then launching himself into a low roll to evade any counter from her side. The grass beneath him was soft yet unyielding, providing just enough cushion to absorb the shock of his landing. He sprang back onto his paws with agility, scanning Abyss with a newly cautious eye. He was vaguely aware of his father watching intently from a distance, the glowing orange of Aresenn's gaze piercing through the fray, assessing the unfolding drama. Their father's presence was both an anchor and a weight; Xairo hesitated for a fraction of a heartbeat before launching his next offensive—he could feel Aresenn's expectations almost a physical force in the air.

"Xairo Saxe"

A look of disappointment twisted its way across Zagan’s features- a malevolent scowl curled his lips and a tsk clicked inside of his maw. He’d meant to bite into Ludo’s shoulder, but his brother kicked off his legs and maneuvered out of his way. Still, the young Saxe could grab onto Ludo’s forelimb with his claws- and he’d use them to dig into his brother’s skin, to keep him from bounding away.

Ludo’s jaws snapped at his shoulder, and Zagan didn’t pull away. A growl akin to a hiss pushed past his clenched teeth, a disdainful snort rushing out of his nose as he attempted to shove his weight forward and into Ludo. He’s snapping his jaws at his brother’s face, trying to grab onto the side of his muzzle to force him to release his shoulder.

In the background, Aresenn was barking commands, demanding they learn to anticipate their enemy's advancements, by using all of their senses. Being this close to Ludo, Zagan was overwhelmed by the scent of his fur- sage mixed with ash, intertwined with the macabre scent of The Syndicate wolves.


"Zagan Saxe"

The boy smirked, bravado undiminished by the sting in his forelimb where Zagan’s claws sunk into his skin. He allowed himself a moment to appreciate his brother’s resolve, taking the bite square to his shoulder without attempting to dodge. He is aware of his father speaking, barking out pointers, commanding them to use all their senses prior to the fight—that an enemy would not announce themselves, that they would not have the luxury of knowing an attack was coming.

He tightened his hold, planting his hind legs firmly as Zagan shoved forward, their strength colliding, a contest of weight and grit. Zagan’s snapping jaws came dangerously close, breath hot against his muzzle, but Ludovic didn’t flinch. Instead, he leaned into the clash, letting his own growl rumble low from his throat, his eyes glinting with challenge. He released his brother’s shoulder by then, snapping at Zagan’s face in return. His jaws darted, aiming to graze Zagan’s neck or face, the meaning clear: if Zagan wanted to play rough, Ludovic would match him blow for blow. How’s this for ready at all times?


"Ludovic Praetor-Inferos"

Aresenn continued the lesson despite the chaos, his heavy steps audible against the ground. The girl absorbed his words, letting them weave through her mind alongside her next calculated attack. She was attuned to every sensation—the sound of his footfalls, the shift of air as he moved—immersing herself in some attempt to multitask between her focus on Sericea. His words held truth: that any other opponent wouldn’t pause to guide her but would seize any moment of distraction to strike without hesitation.

As her body collided with Sericea's, Ravana relished the impact, feeling her sister’s breath heave against the force, her own heart racing as they tangled and hit the ground. A wild grin spread across Ravana’s face, her gaze sharp and hungry as she focused solely on the sensation of Sericea beneath her, each second a delicious test of strength. She twisted to snake her limbs around her sister, jaws parting to reveal gleaming dagger-like teeth, flashing just before she lunged for Sericea’s scruff with a little more force than necessary. Not enough to pierce, no—she wouldn’t mar her sweet sister with careless bloodshed. There was something far more satisfying in holding back, in savoring the pulse beneath her teeth, the unbroken line of Sericea’s skin. She wondered if her brothers would exercise the same restraint.


"Ravana Seraphim Saxe"

Sericea snarled as she felt Ravana's teeth graze her scruff, the sharp points pressing against her skin without breaking through. The sisters rolled across the grass, a writhing mass of red and lilac fur. Sericea twisted, trying to break free from Ravana's grip, but her sister's hold was relentless. She could feel Ravana's hot breath on her neck, the pounding of her heart against her own chest. But of course, she never once opened her eyes. Their father’s voice carried through the chaos. Use all your senses! Well, what happened if she had anticipated wrong? It would have to be a question asked at a different time.

With a surge of strength, Sericea twisted in Ravana's grip, using her hind legs to kick out and try and unbalance her sister.

"Sericea Praetor-Inferos"

"Enough!" he growled, his voice carrying across the field. The pups froze, some mid-grapple, and turned their attention to him. "That was... adequate," Aresenn said, his tone making it clear that 'adequate' was far from praise. "You must learn to anticipate," he barked, frustration edging his words. "Your enemy won't announce their presence. They won’t give you time to prepare. You must be ready at all times.” He stopped abruptly, fixing each trainee with a piercing stare.

"Again," he growled. "Switch roles. Attackers become defenders.” Aresenn's eyes narrowed as he watched them, his tail twitching with barely contained impatience. He could see the fatigue setting in, the slight trembling in their limbs from the previous round. Good. Real fights weren't won in perfect conditions.

"Eyes closed," he barked at the new defenders. "Remember, your attacker could come from any direction. Use all your senses."

Aresenn paced the perimeter of the training area, his paws silent on the sun-baked grass. "Begin!" he snarled, his voice cutting through the tense silence like a knife. The field erupted into chaos once more. Aresenn's keen eyes darted from pair to pair, cataloging every move, every mistake.

"Aresenn Praetor"

​​​​As Abyss waited for Xairo to attack, a gentle breeze danced across their skin, bringing the many scents of their siblings and Father. But Abyss honed their senses on Xairo- trying to anticipate his next attack.

The sudden shifting of earth and the pounding of paws against dirt revealed his advancement, and Abyss readied themselves- digging their claws into the earth, tightening their core, and taking measured breaths to keep their pounding heart at bay.

The sound of their brother’s approach reached its climax- Abyss could feel his presence looming directly in front of them, and they reacted instinctually. While Xairo veered sharply to the left, Abyss veered with him- dancing just out of his reach, as the tips of their pelts mingled in a dance for dominance. The heat of his body beside theirs suddenly vanished, and Abyss opened their eyes to witness Xairo rolling away into the underbrush. A throaty laugh bubbled from their jaws- the sight of Xairo trying to evade them was amusing.

Aresenn’s voice froze Abyss, their head swinging over their shoulder to look at their Father. He was frustrated with their performance, but wanted them to continue their lesson- only now, they would switch roles. Nodding, Abyss turns back to Xairo, waiting for him to take the defense.


"Abyssinica"

Xairo rolled through the grass, the blades tickling his nose as he sprang back to his paws, shaking the dirt from his pelt. He narrowed his emerald eyes at Abyss, a growl rumbling low in his throat. Her mocking laughter echoed in his ears, stoking the competitive fire within him. He would not be outdone, especially not with Aresenn's watchful gaze burning into them.

Xairo began to circle Abyss, his steps slow and deliberate, his nails flexing against the earth with each step. He moved with careful calculation, his paws barely disturbing the grass as he circled his sister. In a flash, Xairo lunged, feigning left before pivoting right at the last second. But of course, all momentum was dropped when he heard his father’s command.

Xairo's heart raced as Aresenn's stern voice cut through the field, halting the sparring in an instant. He couldn't tell if his rapid pulse was from the thrill of the fight or the trepidation of facing his father's judgment. As he stood poised, chest heaving, he risked a glance at Aresenn. The Emir’s eyes were narrowed, his expression inscrutable.

Xairo swallowed hard, his mouth suddenly dry. Had he impressed Aresenn with his tactics, or had his father seen through his feints and found him lacking? The uncertainty gnawed at him, even as he tried to maintain a façade of confidence.

As Aresenn barked out the command to switch roles, Xairo's stomach clenched. Now it was his turn to be the defender, to anticipate and counter Abyss' attacks with his eyes closed. He took a deep breath, trying to center himself as he moved into position. After a moment’s hesitation he closed his eyes as he shifted into the role of defender, his heart pounding against his ribs. The darkness behind his eyelids seemed to amplify every sound - the rustle of the grass, the distant cries of birds, and the soft breathing of his siblings around him. He strained his ears, trying to pinpoint Abyss' location, but she moved with a silent grace that made her nearly impossible to detect.

"Xairo Saxe"

With their bodies locked together, Zagan and Ludo became opposing forces- each of them grappling for dominance, their muscles straining as they morphed into a whirlwind of limbs and snapping jaws. While he snapped at his brother’s face, Ludo retorted by aiming for his neck- and again, Zagan would not pull away, driven by adrenaline and resolve. A snarl rippled through his throat as he attempted to clash their jaws together, to counter his move.

Enough! Aresenn’s voice tore across the clearing, demanding they stop their fighting at once. With a tsk, Zagan shot his brother a challenging smirk- they both refused to willingly yield, but they couldn’t disobey their Emir either.

Stepping away from Ludo, a sense of thrill shot through Zagan. He wanted to keep fighting with his brother. And Aresenn was giving them that chance, beneath his watchful eye. They were going to switch roles now- Zagan would become the defense, and Ludo, the offense.

With a nod, Zagan stood still, closing his eyes, and centering himself amid the chaos surrounding them. The ground beneath him was uneven from their grappling- a mix of uprooted soil, soft moss, and jagged rocks. He dug his claws into the earth, honing in on the vibrations of distant paw steps. His large ears are swiveled toward Ludo, concentrating on his brother, tuning into any subtle shifts in the atmosphere.

He could almost feel the pulsating energy of the world around him.

"Zagan Saxe"

Ludo’s ears twitched at his father’s voice, the weight of Aresenn's words sinking into his bones as he readied himself for the next round. Adequate. The word stung, more of a rebuke than encouragement, yet it spurred him on. Defiance flashing in his mismatched eyes. He took each of Aresenn’s directives as a personal challenge, frustration boiling in his veins just as it seemed to be in his sire’s.

Zagan’s nod was all he needed—permission and provocation rolled into one.

Watching his brother brace himself, Ludo took a slow, deliberate breath. With a quick, quiet exhale, he darted forward, aiming to close the distance between them, his focus sharp on any hint of movement Zagan might give away.

He circled Zagan with silent steps, testing his brother’s senses, his gut twisting as he glanced at Aresenn for a moment. Then, with a surge of power, he launched himself forward, letting instinct guide him, hoping he had confused his brother even momentarily. His jaws snapped for those listening ears—there would be no warning in a true fight, no mercy in the wild. That’s what this lesson was all about.


"Ludovic Praetor-Inferos"

Sericea’s feet were kicking, pushing with all her might to dislodge Ravana. She was loath to release her sister, until her father’s growl as it cut through the field, sharp and commanding. She released Sericea instantly, her chest heaving with the thrill of their clash. Aresenn’s words dripped with disappointment, the weight of adequate hanging in the air, making her jaw tighten. It wasn’t enough. Not for him, and not for her.

As he spoke of anticipation, Ravana’s gaze flicked to him. She could feel the heat of his stare as he surveyed them, eyes as unforgiving as the sun beating down on their backs.

When he barked the order to switch, Ravana dropped into a crouch, her eyes slipping shut without hesitation. The grass beneath her paws, the scent of earth and sweat filling her senses. She focused on the sounds, the smells. Her lips curled into a smirk, excitement simmering beneath her skin as she braced for her attacker, eager to prove her readiness. Come on Sericea.


"Ravana Seraphim Saxe"