Chapter 43

As the sun rose on their second day of training, Shea and Achilles made their way to the mansion's sprawling backyard. Lucius was already there, his imposing figure silhouetted against the morning light.

"Good morning," he greeted them, his voice carrying a hint of anticipation. "I hope you're both well-rested. Today's session will be more intense than yesterday's."

Shea nodded, her muscles still sore from the previous day's exertions. Beside her, Achilles stood tall, his presence a comforting constant.

"Before we begin," Lucius continued, "I wanted to let you know that Marcus will be joining us soon."

Shea's eyes lit up with interest. Achilles had told her about Marcus yesterday - the leader of the Ember Watch faction, a man known for his wisdom and diplomatic skills. She was curious to meet him and learn more about the intricate world of werewolf politics.

"When will he arrive?" Achilles asked, his tone betraying a mix of respect and wariness.

Lucius checked his watch. "He should be here within the hour. Until then, let's focus on honing your senses, Shea."

They began with a series of exercises designed to heighten Shea's awareness of her surroundings. Lucius had her close her eyes and identify various scents and sounds, pushing her to tap into her latent werewolf abilities.

As they worked, Shea couldn't help but feel a growing connection to her newfound heritage. Each successful identification, each moment of clarity, brought her closer to understanding the power that lay dormant within her.

Achilles watched from nearby, his eyes never leaving Shea. He marveled at her progress, a sense of pride swelling in his chest.

As Shea focused on her sensory exercises, a car pulled up to the mansion. she could sense it. Moments later, Marcus strode into the backyard, his presence commanding attention. His eyes, faintly glowing with elemental power, swept over the scene before settling on Shea.

"Good morning," he said, his tone formal and reserved.

Lucius greeted Marcus warmly, but Shea tensed, remembering their confrontation from the day before. She had stood up to him, refusing to be intimidated by his serious demeanor and probing questions about her intentions in Lockewood.

Achilles moved closer to Shea, his protective instincts kicking in. "Marcus," he nodded, his voice neutral.

Marcus turned to Shea, his expression unreadable. "I see you've begun your training. How are you finding it?"

Shea lifted her chin, meeting his gaze directly. "It's challenging, but I'm learning quickly."

A flicker of something - respect, perhaps - crossed Marcus's face. "Good. You'll need to, given the circumstances."

Lucius cleared his throat. "Marcus, I thought you might assist us today. Your expertise in elemental control could be valuable."

Marcus nodded, his attention still on Shea. "Very well. What have you covered so far?"

As Lucius explained their progress, Shea couldn't help but feel like she was being evaluated. Marcus's gaze was intense, searching for something she couldn't quite understand.

"Let's see what you can do," Marcus said finally, addressing Shea directly. "Show me how you've been accessing your abilities."

Shea took a deep breath, determined to prove herself. She closed her eyes, focusing on the energy within her. As she concentrated, she felt a warmth spreading through her body, a hint of the power she was beginning to tap into.

Marcus watched closely, his expression serious but attentive. When Shea opened her eyes, she saw a flicker of surprise cross his face before it settled back into its usual stoic mask.

"Not bad," he said, his tone grudgingly approving. "But you've barely scratched the surface. Are you prepared for what's to come?"

Shea met Marcus's challenge head-on, her green eyes flashing with determination. "I'm ready for whatever comes my way," she declared, her voice steady despite the nerves fluttering in her stomach.

Marcus raised an eyebrow, a hint of amusement breaking through his serious demeanor. "We'll see about that." He turned to Lucius. "May I?"

Lucius nodded, stepping back to give Marcus room. The elemental expert approached Shea, his movements fluid and controlled.

"Close your eyes," Marcus instructed. "Focus on the energy within you, but this time, imagine it spreading beyond your body. Feel the connection between yourself and the world around you."

Shea did as he said, her brow furrowing in concentration. At first, nothing seemed to happen. But then, slowly, she began to sense something new. It was as if invisible tendrils were extending from her, reaching out to touch the grass, the trees, the very air itself.

"Good," Marcus murmured, his voice low and encouraging. "Now, try to manipulate that energy. Start small - see if you can make a blade of grass move."

Shea focused on a single blade of grass near her feet. She imagined the energy flowing through her, down into the ground, and up through the plant. To her amazement, the blade of grass began to sway gently, despite the lack of wind.

Achilles watched in awe, a proud smile spreading across his face. Lucius nodded approvingly, while Marcus's expression remained neutral, though his eyes betrayed a glimmer of respect.

"Not bad for a beginner," Marcus conceded. "But you'll need to push yourself much harder if you want to survive what's coming."

Shea opened her eyes, a mix of exhilaration and exhaustion washing over her. "What exactly is coming?" she asked, her curiosity getting the better of her.

Marcus exchanged a look with Lucius before answering. "There are forces at work in Lockewood that would seek to use you for their own gain. Your power, if fully realized, could tip the balance of power among the factions. That's why it's crucial you learn to control and defend yourself."

Achilles stepped closer to Shea, his protective instincts flaring. "We won't let anything happen to her, I am her protector, it's my duty." he said firmly.

Marcus's gaze flickered between Achilles and Shea, noting their closeness. "Your bond is strong," he observed. "That can be both an advantage and a vulnerability. You'll need to learn to harness it without letting it cloud your judgment."