Chapter 99

Marcus stepped forward, his presence commanding attention in the wake of Shea's powerful declaration. "The challenge has been issued and acknowledged. Now we must set a date for this trial by combat." His eyes swept across the gathered faction leaders. "I propose within the month, giving both sides adequate time to prepare."

Donovan shifted his weight, a calculating look crossing his features. "The next full moon falls in three weeks. It would be... fitting for such an occasion."

"The full moon holds power for all of us," Marcus noted, turning to address the other faction leaders. "Do any object to this timing?"

The Silverfang leader crossed his arms. "Three weeks provides sufficient preparation time."

The Nightshade representative melted further into the shadows, but her voice carried clearly. "The lunar cycle's peak is an appropriate choice."

The Wolf Nation alpha grunted his approval, while the Crimson Brotherhood's silent nod completed the round of acknowledgments.

Marcus turned to Lucius. "Von Lunar, do you accept these terms? Three weeks hence, under the full moon?"

Lucius stepped forward, his presence radiating quiet power. "The Von Lunar faction accepts. Three weeks from tonight, we will meet to settle this challenge."

"Then it is decided," Marcus declared. "The trial by combat will take place during the next full moon. May the strongest prevail, and may our ancient laws be honored."

The tension in the room slowly dissipated as the faction leaders began to disperse. Donovan's smile never wavered as he strode past Lucius, his shoulder brushing against him in a deliberate show of dominance.

"Three weeks," Donovan's voice carried across the chamber. "Make them count."

Marcus stepped between them, his presence acting as a buffer. "The terms are set. Let's maintain civility until the appointed time."

Lucius's jaw tightened but he gave a curt nod. As the Hawkins faction filed out, he turned to Shea and Achilles.

"Well, that could have gone worse," Marcus said, running a hand through his hair. "At least now we have a clear path forward."

"Clear but dangerous," Lucius replied. His eyes fixed on Shea. "We'll need to intensify your training immediately. The full moon may grant us power, but it also brings unpredictability."

Achilles moved closer to Shea, his hand finding hers. "We'll be ready."

"The Hawkins aren't known for fighting fair," Marcus warned. "They'll try everything they can to gain an advantage before the trial."

"Then we'll be prepared for that too," Shea's voice carried steel beneath its softness. The past few weeks had changed her, strengthened her resolve. She squeezed Achilles's hand. "We've come too far to back down now."

"Indeed we have," Lucius agreed. He gestured toward the exit. "Let's return home. We have much to discuss and even more to prepare for."

The group made their way back to the Von Lunar mansion, the weight of the upcoming trial settling over them. Shea's fingers remained intertwined with Achilles's as they walked, drawing strength from his presence.

"The training grounds will need to be modified," Marcus said as they entered through the grand doors. "We'll want to simulate various combat scenarios."

Alaric appeared with refreshments, setting them down on the study's mahogany table. The butler's efficiency was a comfort amidst the tension.

"First, we need to assess what we're up against," Lucius settled into his chair, his fingers steepled. "Donovan's faction has several skilled fighters, but their real strength lies in their numbers."

"And their lack of honor," Achilles added, his jaw tightening. "They'll try to wear us down before the trial even begins."

Shea leaned forward, her green eyes bright with determination. "Then we need to be smarter. More strategic." She turned to Marcus. "You mentioned combat scenarios - what exactly did you have in mind?"

Marcus smiled, appreciating her focus. "We'll start with defensive maneuvers. The Hawkins tend to attack in groups, overwhelming their opponents. You'll need to learn how to handle multiple attackers while conserving your strength."

"I can help with that," Achilles offered, his thumb tracing circles on Shea's hand. "I've studied their attack patterns."

Lucius nodded, reaching for his drink. "Good. We'll begin at dawn tomorrow. For now, everyone should rest and process what happened at the meeting."

"I'll have some training equipment brought over," Marcus stood, straightening his jacket. "And I'll reach out to some trusted contacts - see what intel we can gather about Hawkins's recent movements."

…

Shea sat on the plush leather couch, her phone heavy in her hands. The screen showed her mother's contact, her thumb hovering over the call button. Guilt gnawed at her - it had been months since she'd moved to Lockewood, yet she hadn't reached out once.

She needed to clear her head before making this call. Standing up, she wandered through the mansion's halls until she reached Achilles's room. The door was slightly ajar, and as she pushed it open, her breath caught in her throat.

Achilles was doing pushups in the center of his room, his powerful body moving with fluid grace. Sweat glistened on his bare torso, highlighting every defined muscle as he rose and fell in perfect rhythm. His chocolate brown hair fell across his forehead, damp with exertion.

Heat bloomed in Shea's core as she watched him, her earlier anxiety forgotten. The raw power in his movements, the way his muscles flexed and tensed with each pushup, sent electricity racing through her body. She gripped the doorframe, her knees weak as desire pooled low in her belly.

A drop of sweat traced down his spine, and Shea's mouth went dry. Her eyes followed the movement, taking in every inch of his toned back, the way his shoulders bunched with each controlled motion. The sight of him like this, so focused and powerful, made her want to forget everything else and lose herself in him.

Achilles paused mid-pushup, his heightened senses catching Shea's presence. He jumped to his feet in one fluid motion, turning to face her. Sweat gleamed on his defined torso, his eight-pack abs rippling as he straightened.

"Hey," he said, grabbing a towel to wipe his face. "What's up?"

Shea's mouth went dry at the sight of him. Her eyes traced the hard planes of his chest, following a bead of sweat as it rolled down his stomach. She had to force herself to look up at his face.

"I..." She swallowed hard, trying to gather her thoughts. The sight of his muscled body was making it difficult to focus. "I need to call my mom. It's been months since I came here and I haven't contacted her once."

She twisted her phone in her hands, her anxiety evident in the gesture. "With everything that's happened - the training, the factions, us..." She met his eyes. "I don't know what to tell her."