CHAPTER 57: ONE TASK

Kaya

"No."

The single word rings in my ears like a crash of cymbals, sharp and impossible to ignore.What is it about the way Magnus speaks that always leaves my mind spinning?

I should feel angry—at the very least, annoyed—that he won’t let me return to Damien.But instead... I feel relief.Damien is probably already declaring himself the Alpha of the Golden Lake Pack now that Alpha Arcanis is dead.He’s probably replaced me already—found another "precious mate" to fill the role like I never existed.

Maybe the real question is: What the hell is wrong with me?

"Let’s start," Magnus’s voice cuts through my spiraling thoughts.By the time I process his words, he’s already in the center of the makeshift training ring, his stance steady, his amber eyes fixed on me with a gaze so intense it nearly steals my breath.

"What kind of training is this going to be?" I ask warily as I step into the ring. "Are you planning to provoke me into shifting again?"

Magnus smirks—but there’s no humor in it. Only something unreadable.

Then, he lifts his right arm and rolls up the sleeve of his black shirt, revealing a vicious bite wound.It’s healing, but still angry and raw-looking, the bruised edges giving away just how deep it must have gone.

"Maybe not today," he says with a dry scoff, though there’s a flicker of amusement in his eyes now.

I freeze. "Was it... my wolf?" I whisper. "Did I attack you last night?"

Magnus shakes his head, dismissive. "Don’t worry about it. I’ve had worse."

It’s meant to reassure me. But somehow, it makes me feel worse. I always knew his role was dangerous, filled with fights and risks—but damn.

As if he can read the concern etched across my face, Magnus shifts the conversation with practiced ease.

"Do you remember anything from the moment you shifted?" he asks. "Any particular feelings you had?"

I pause, digging through the haze in my mind, trying to catch hold of something—anything.But the truth is, I have no idea what happens when the shift takes over. It’s like falling into a blackout.

"No," I admit, shaking my head in frustration. "I don’t think I have any control over it."

Magnus’s eyes darken slightly, just for a moment—but he exhales, steadying himself, and lets the shadow of worry pass."When we train," he says more seriously now, his voice low and commanding, "you need to pay attention to everything you feel—not just physically, but mentally, too."

He begins to circle me, hands clasped behind his back like a warden inspecting a prisoner.

"When wolves fight," he continues, pausing to draw a wide circle around his feet, "we release pheromones in response to danger, excitement, adrenaline. Emotions bleed into scent. A skilled warrior knows how to read those subtle shifts—to detect weakness, hesitation, intent. All we have to go on in a real fight might be the smell of fear... or rage."

I remain perfectly still, captivated by the quiet intensity of his voice. His words flow with calm authority, and damn it, his voice is so pleasant, so rich, that I lose track of what he’s saying more than once.I try to focus, but the emotions I don’t want him to detect swirl inside me. If he can actually smell them, I’m doomed.

Damn that hypnotizing voice.

"Don’t get distracted," he snaps suddenly, cutting clean through my thoughts.

Heat rushes to my face. I was too obvious.

"Today," he says, chin jerking toward the circle at his feet, "you have one task."

He meets my gaze evenly, then adds, "Push me out of this circle."

I’m staring blankly at him now, not completely realizing the assignment. "Push you out?" It seems relatively simple, though deep inside I know that I am wrong.

Magnus offers me a rather arrogant grimace. "Do whatever you can, employ every means possible, but you are not going back to your room until I am out of this circle."

I don’t know why, but this arrogant way of speaking is making me so wired up. I am aware that I might not leave this ring tonight until I collapse, but damn... He knows how to provoke me. Sly, handsome devil.

"Whenever you’re ready," he adds, probably seeing that little clench of my fists.

I take a moment to assess his posture. Magnus is relaxed, his arms are folded at his chest––tall and effortlessly poised, his stance alone is making a mockery of me. But it doesn’t deter me. On the contrary, I suck in a short breath, letting the air flare up the resolve within me like it’s a burning flame.

All I have to do is find an opening — to see, feel, smell, and experience. I am here to learn, not to prove a point. And yes, I will stay here till I collapse, if I have to.

With that, I start slowly walking around him, all my senses perked up and ready to receive the information.

Magnus throws a cautious glance in my direction, but then his eyes return to blankly stare at something in the distance. I stop behind him and close my eyes, taking in the faint veil of scent emanating from his body.

It’s more subdued today, something between bark and tree resin, though that peculiar hint of pine needles is still there. It’s sweet and comfortable, and that’s how I know that he is completely at ease.

I take a mental note, resuming my slow pacing around his circle. I need to get his scent to change. So what do I do? Yes, I launch a surprise attack.

"Ugh," I wince as Magnus grabs me by the wrist before I can even touch him. He tugs at my arm and brings me to face him, his bright amber eyes glowing in the dim light.

"Not bad," he smirks, loosening his grip on my hand as I do my best to notice the shift in his scent. "But not good either."

I frown, jerking my hand away; he lets go of me easily.

"What did you notice?"