The Princess's Revenge Chapter 28

Valencia’s POV

I looked around at the crowd. Everyone seemed caught up in the magic of the performance. Warriors I had seen looking stern were now laughing and singing along. Even some of the people who had stared at me with disgust earlier seemed relaxed and happy.

Isaiah finished the song and the crowd erupted in applause. Someone shouted, "Another! Another!"

"One more," Isaiah agreed with a grin. "And then I must rest my voice."

The sound of music and laughter grew fainter as I made my way toward the training grounds, my hand instinctively checking that Dragon Claw was secure at my side.

The training grounds were mostly empty at this hour, lit only by a few torches mounted on the stone walls. Two guards patrolled the perimeter, their footsteps echoing across the rocky platform. I could still hear Isaiah's voice in the distance, but it was muffled now.

I found a quiet section near the weapon racks and drew my dagger. I began practicing the basic movements Alpha Logan had taught me. Thrust forward, pull back, keep my guard up. The repetitive motion helped calm my nerves.

I moved through the exercises slowly at first, focusing on form rather than speed. Alpha Logan's voice echoed in my mind: "Your body knows what to do, but your mind is stopping you." I tried to quiet my thoughts and let my instincts guide me.

After working with the dagger for about an hour, I tucked it back into its sheath and pulled out my sling. I selected a smooth stone from my pouch and loaded it into the sling.

I had set up a makeshift target earlier - a wooden post with a piece of cloth tied to it. Taking a deep breath, I began the spinning motion Gareth had shown me. The stone flew wide, missing the target completely.

"Again," I whispered to myself, reloading.

This time I focused on my release point. The stone struck the post with a satisfying thunk, though it was still off-center.

I continued practicing, alternating between the dagger and sling. My muscles began to warm up, and I felt myself settling into a rhythm. The repetitive motions were almost meditative, helping me forget about the challenge waiting for me.

Multiple sounds of footsteps caught my attention, approaching from the direction of the castle. I quickly tucked my sling away and turned toward the noise.

Beta Dorian emerged from the shadows, followed by Amara, Xander, and two other warriors. My heart began to race as I saw them walking directly toward me.

"Valencia," Dorian said as they approached. "What are you doing out here so late?"

"Training," I replied, trying to keep my voice steady.

Dorian's eyes swept over the training grounds, taking in the scattered practice stones and the makeshift target I had set up. "Alone? That seems dangerous."

"I'm fine," I said.

Amara stepped forward, and I got my first good look at her since the incident in Alpha Logan's chambers. Her left arm was wrapped in white bandages. Despite her injuries, she still looked strong and dangerous.

"So this is how you prepare for our challenge," she said, her voice cold. "Playing with toys in the dark."

Xander moved to stand beside his sister, his eyes fixed on me with obvious hatred. "Improvised training won't help you when you're facing a real warrior."

I felt my face burn with anger at their mockery. But I forced myself to stay silent, to swallow the humiliation rather than give them more reason to torment me. "Beta," I said, trying to keep my voice steady. "What are you doing here?"

"We're conducting a routine night patrol," Dorian explained. "Making sure the pack is secure while our Alpha is away."

The way he said it made my skin crawl. There was something in his voice, a subtle criticism of Alpha Logan's absence that made me uncomfortable.

I felt anger flare in my chest. "Alpha Logan is protecting the kingdom. He's exactly where he needs to be."

"Defending our Alpha now?" Xander sneered. "How touching."

"Tell me, Valencia," Dorian said, his voice deceptively casual, "where exactly are you from? Your accent... it's not from around here."

My blood turned to ice. "I told Alpha Logan. I'm a rogue."

Dorian's eyes turned cold, his gaze becoming calculating. "Which pack were you from before you became a rogue?" His voice carried the weight of authority. "Your parents may have been rogues when you were born, but rogues don't just appear from nothing. They come from somewhere."

I forced myself to remain calm, though my heart hammered against my ribs. "My parents were both rogues from birth," I said, "I've been wandering my entire life. We never belonged to any pack."

Dorian's eyes narrowed to slits. The silence stretched between us like a taut bowstring and ready to snap.

"Beta," Amara's sharp voice cut through the tension. Her tone was filled with disgust and impatience. "Don't waste any more time talking to this bitch. We need to finish our patrol." She gestured toward her left arm. "I still need to get back and change my dressing."

Dorian nodded, his expression returning to its neutral mask. But his eyes remained cold. "Be careful out here," he said, his voice devoid of any genuine concern. "The night can be dangerous for those who don't - ."

BOOM!

The explosion shattered the night air. The sound was so loud it made my ears ring. I spun toward the castle, my heart hammering against my ribs.

Everyone froze.