Scarred Wolf Queen Chapter 99

**Briony's POV**

Servers ushered us to our table as we nodded at guests along the way. I ended up sandwiched between Rowan and Derek - apparently they thought I needed bodyguards on both sides. Being treated like I might break at any moment was getting on my nerves. If these people actually saw me fight, they'd never look at me that way again.

The breakfast atmosphere was much more relaxed than last night's dinner. People moved around freely, chatting with each other and occasionally approaching the main table to speak with Alpha King Nathan and Luna Selena.

I was halfway through my berry pancakes when a girl in Sentinel training clothes walked straight up to me. She looked about my age, with an unmistakable confidence that reminded me of Layla on a mission.

"Did you really take down a whole warrior squad by yourself during selection?" she asked bluntly, no hint of hostility in her voice.

"Honestly, I don't remember exactly," I admitted. "Everything was happening so fast, and I wasn't keeping count." I glanced at Derek, hoping he might jump in.

The girl didn't wait for his input. "No need to be modest. I'm Aria, Kendra's daughter."

"Everyone's talking about you, but nobody has the guts to just ask." Her eyes held both admiration and challenge.

I liked her immediately. This kind of straightforward honesty was refreshing after all the political games.

"Warrior Taric would know better than me," I explained. "I just remember facing more opponents than most people. That's all I know for sure."

Aria cocked her head. "Every decent fighter keeps track of their record. If you're as good as they say, shouldn't you know your numbers?"

She wasn't challenging me, just being logical, but I realized how lame my answer must sound.

"You're right, normally I would," I acknowledged. "I actually love tracking my progress, but the selection was different. I'm only sixteen and needed special permission to even be there. If it hadn't happened in Polaris City, Alpha King Nathan probably wouldn't have approved my participation. I was more focused on learning than counting wins."

"So what did you learn?" Her eyes lit up with interest.

"Were you there?" I asked. "I feel like I would've remembered you, even in wolf form."

Something about this girl clicked with me - maybe our similar warrior spirits. I vaguely heard someone mutter "we've completely lost her" and "now both of us are enchanted," but I barely registered it. Meeting someone who reminded me of Mark and Sophia gave me that sense of belonging I'd missed.

"Nope, missed it this year," Aria replied. "But I'm definitely in for the next one. I turn eighteen soon, and Dad says I can try finding a mate first. If he's not around, then I'll hit the selection."

"Two exciting milestones to look forward to," I smiled.

"If you're only sixteen, why are you at the training center?" she asked directly.

I took a deep breath, pushing back flashes of Victoria and her accomplices. "Alpha King Nathan, Warrior Taric, and Warrior Conrad thought that with my academic progress, adjusted training here made sense. It was too good an opportunity to pass up." I left out the part about being beaten unconscious - that would open a can of worms I wasn't ready to deal with.

She studied me for a moment, clearly sensing there was more to the story, but thankfully moved on. "What new techniques have you picked up there?"

"Basics are still king," I replied, relaxing as we shifted to safer ground. "A lot of fighters forget that after they move up. I've been working on ground fighting - that's my weak spot. Being small means I try to avoid getting taken down where size matters more. Doesn't matter how good your technique is if someone twice your size has you pinned."

Aria nodded. "We should train together sometime. My dad could set it up."

"That would be awesome!" I said, genuinely excited. "New training partners always bring fresh perspectives."

"You're never this pumped about training with us," Rowan pretended to pout.

"I already beat Derek," I teased. "And I smoked you in our morning run, so where's the challenge?" I winked to show I was kidding.

Aria burst out laughing, her voice carrying across half the dining hall.

"Damn, I like you!" she said with open admiration. "How long are you staying at the castle? We really need to spar."

"Heading back to the center sometime today," I said with a touch of regret. "Alpha King hasn't specified when yet."

She turned toward Nathan. "Alpha King, could I show Briony our training grounds? I bet she hasn't seen them yet."

Looking back at me, she added, "We have several training areas, but the one near the castle is amazing - second only to the Sentinel center. Of course, us 'ordinary warriors' aren't allowed on your sacred training grounds." She dramatically clutched her chest, grinning.

"Excellent suggestion," Nathan nodded. "Briony hasn't had a proper tour. However, Rowan must go with you both. Without mind-link capabilities, you'll need someone who has them in case of emergency. And be back before lunch."

"What about me?" Derek sounded surprised at being left out.

"Son," Nathan spoke firmly but kindly, "you have your own responsibilities. We need to discuss follow-up from yesterday's meeting. The elders will inevitably raise the mate issue again - the one area they've consistently failed to influence."

Father and son exchanged a meaningful look, clearly continuing the conversation through their mind link.

I couldn't help wondering why these elders thought they had the right to meddle in everything. Their job should be advising, not controlling. Many had clearly gotten too big for their britches.

Aria and I practically jumped up together, eager to go, while Rowan followed more slowly. He obviously wasn't used to being separated from Derek, but couldn't let outsiders see their special connection.

As we left the dining hall, we passed several girls who'd been chasing Derek last night. The jealousy on their faces was obvious. I felt a twinge of guilt leaving Derek to deal with them, but he could handle himself.

Rowan led us along a cobblestone path to a small garage housing several mini tour vehicles with royal-patterned tops and plush seating.

"Ladies," he grinned, gesturing toward the vehicles, "your chariot awaits."