Chapter 22

Elena was caught off guard by the sudden attack, but her wolf was prepared. She growled at me and attempted to pick me up, but I struggled in her grasp, forcing her to release me. Elena swiftly turned and landed a few blows to my head. I managed to dodge the last two and rolled away, my breathing ragged. As I regained my senses, Linda retreated in my mind.

I lay on the ground, trying to catch my breath. Elena walked over to me, her proud expression fading instantly.

"Good, but you gave up too quickly," Elena commented, offering both a compliment and a reproach in one sentence. "Next time, allow your wolf to fully defend you," she advised. "That's all for today." With that, she quickly made her exit.

I let out a long breath and closed my eyes. My head was pounding from the few blows I had received; they had been powerful enough to ring in my ears for a moment. I reminded myself not to underestimate Elena. Nonetheless, today's training had been productive, and I smiled, looking forward