- THORN BETWEEN THE BOND
Delilah
“My queen, there are things you need to understand when dealing with magic. Firstly, know the source of the magic. Secondly, learn the right way to control it,” Rosa said, her voice steady and instructive.
I listened carefully, nodding occasionally.
“There are two kinds of people when it comes to magic: those born with it and those who practice and learn it. The ones born with magic are naturally powerful, and getting rid of them is almost impossible unless they are betrayed,” she explained, her words carrying a weight that couldn’t ignore.
We were at the training field, a place Rosa had chosen for my lessons. It was an open area surrounded by tall trees, the sound of rustling leaves blending with the hum of distant voices. This was my third day of training. Tomorrow, the Gamma who introduced himself yesterday promised to teach me combat techniques. I was looking forward to it.
“Are you listening, my queen?” Rosa’s firm voice pulled me out of my wandering thoughts.
“Yes, I’m with you,” I replied, offering her a warm smile.
She studied me for a moment, then continued. “Your emotions control your power. Magic isn’t something that operates separately from you. It mirrors your heart and mind. If you’re calm, it’s controlled. If you’re angry or chaotic, it becomes unpredictable.”
I nodded, absorbing every word.
“Remember,” she added, “your magic shouldn’t control you. You must stay in charge, no matter the situation. Use your other gifts to your advantage. Read minds. It will help you predict your opponent’s next move and decide when to attack or defend.”
“I understand,” I replied firmly.
“Good,” Rosa said, her eyes narrowing playfully. “Now, I’m going to distract those nosy onlookers with
something unpleasant so we can practice without interruptions. We don’t want anyone discovering your secret, do We?”
I glanced at the group of females gathered nearby. Their curious stares had been on me since we started. Rosa clearly noticed too.
With a wave of her hand, a chorus of screams erupted. The women scattered, fleeing from massive snakes slithering toward them. My laughter bubbled up uncontrollably. Rosa grinned. “Now we’re alone,” she said, amusement twinkling in her eyes.
“Let’s begin. I’m going to attack you with magic. Your job is to defend yourself. Be alert.”
She smirked, her expression mischievous, and I immediately knew she was up to something. I focused, trying to read her mind. She was deliberately projecting one plan while hiding another.
Suddenly, an invisible fireball launched toward me. I dodged, but it curved back in my direction. I realized she was controlling it with her mind.
I summoned my thoughts, envisioning defense. The fireball reversed course and struck Rosa. She stumble fell to the ground.
My heart raced. “Rosa!” I rushed to her side, but before I could reach her, the fireball hit me squarely, and I tumbled to the ground.
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1/3
- THORN BETWEEN THE BORD
+25 BONUS
“You tricked me!” I exclaimed, laughing as I sat up.
“Lesson one,” she said, offering her hand to pull me up. “Always trick your opponent first. Let them believe they’ve won before you strike.”
I dusted myself off and tied my hair into a high ponytail, determined to focus.
“You did well,” Rosa praised. “But remember, never get too close to an enemy, even if they seem injured. It could be a trap.”
“Noted,” I said, my voice resolute.
Before we could continue, voices rose in the distance. My attention snapped toward the commotion. Alpha Farrell was here. My chest tightened. What did he want?
“What game are you playing, Alpha? Are you trying to hurt my mate?” King Maxwell’s voice carried irritation.
Farrell’s response was calm but firm. “Hurting her would be like hurting myself. You know that as well as I do. She means the world to me.”
His words rang true. I could feel the sincerity, but it did nothing to soften my resolve.
“Is there a problem?” Rosa asked, stepping forward.
“Not really,” I said. “But we need to go to Maxwell’s office. Farrell is there. Rosa, I need you with me in case I lose control.”
“That’s why we trained today,” she reminded me gently. “Control your emotions.”
We left the field immediately, using a golf cart to speed up the journey. As we entered the palace, the guards bowed in respect.
Inside the office, Maxwell greeted me with a warm embrace. Farrell’s gaze burned into me, but I refused to acknowledge him.
“Is there an issue?” I asked Maxwell, ignoring the tension in the room.
“Alpha Farrell is here to summon you for a challenge,” Maxwell explained. “His pack elders demand a fair fight between you and his Luna to determine who is his true mate.”
I raised an eyebrow. “I accept,” I said without hesitation. “Not because I want him, but because I’m tired of Sandra meddling in my life. It’s time she learns her place.”
Maxwell smirked, leaning in to kiss me briefly. Farrell’s jaw clenched, and I heard the turmoil in his mind. He was hurting, but it didn’t faze me. He had no idea how much pain he’d caused me when he cast me out of our home and chose Sandra over me.
Maxwell stepped back. “I’ll leave you two alone. You need to talk.” He left the room with Rosa, the door closing softly behind them.
The silence stretched for a moment before Farrell spoke, his voice almost pleading. “Can I touch you, please?”
“No, you can’t,” I replied coldly, glaring at him.
“Delilah, I don’t want anything else,” he said, his voice breaking. “I just need to feel you. You have no ide I’ve been through since I found out you’re my mate. I can’t eat, I can’t sleep…”
hat
For a fleeting moment, I felt a pang of sympathy. But then the memories of his betrayal surged forward, and my heart hardened.
2/3
- THORN BETWEEN THE BORD
+25 BONUS
Before I could respond, he stepped closer. His hand caught mine possessively, and before I could push him away, his lips claimed mine. The kiss was fierce, desperate, and filled with unspoken regret.
My body froze, torn between the bond pulling us together and the anger that refused to let me forgive him.
