Page 39 of Shattered and Saved

A small chuckle escaped me as I followed promptly. “You’re not telling me what you have planned, are you?”

“No, but I can give you a hint,” she offered as we started walking, side by side. “Since we didn’t party yesterday, I thought we could have our own day-off today. Theo told me you asked him to train you one last time, but I think you should relax before facing the trials tomorrow.”

With a sigh, I conceded, “As you wish, Alpha.”

Despite Avril’s attempt to keep the mystery, I soon recognized the trail to the waterfall, narrow and winding, cutting through towering trees and bursts of wildflowers. The further we ventured from the heart of the territory, the louder the rush of water grew, a steady roar that seemed to drown out everything else.

When the falls came into view, I stopped in my tracks. Sunlight danced off the cascading water, turning the mist into shimmering rainbows. The last time we had been here, Kea and Avril had stolen my entire attention. I didn’t have a chance to appreciate how beautiful the scenery was before.

Avril stepped closer, her voice softer now. “Sometimes it’s good to stop and breathe. To remember why we fight.”

I glanced at her, caught off guard by the wistfulness in her tone. "And when do you stop and breathe?"

She looked toward the waterfall, her expression unreadable. “I’m working on it.”

We didn’t speak for a while, letting the sound of the water fill the silence. She finally motioned toward the base of the falls. "Come on. There’s a spot down there where we can sit."

Carefully, we both climbed down the slick path. When we reached the edge, I chose a flat rock close to the water. Avril settled beside me, close but not crowding.

For a while, all we did was enjoy the rare opportunity to just unwind. Casual, easy conversation filled the silence here and there, but we also cherished simply being in each other’s company, relishing the sounds of nature.

As the sun climbed higher, I stretched out on the warm rock, letting the rhythmic crash of the waterfall lull my senses. Avril stood and paced along the edge of the pool, carefree. It was rare to see her this relaxed - she usually carried a troubled expression, her muscles always tense. The sight was more calming than our surroundings.

“So,” I began, breaking the comfortable silence. “What are we having for lunch? Don’t tell me you brought me all the way out here for some soggy sandwiches,” I teased.

A grin stretched across her face as she turned to me. “Oh, no. This isn’t some sort of picnic.”

“Well, your lack of detail kept me guessing,” I said humorously. “Care to finally reveal your plans?”

Without hesitation, she excitedly answered, “We’re hunting.”

I sat back up, looking straight at her. “I thought we weren’t going to work today.”

“We’re wolves, Koen,” she countered. “Hunting’s not work - it’s instinct. Give in to your true nature,” she instructed, opening her arms and tilting her face to the sky as she let Kea out.

Because it was impossibly amusing to witness her lightheartedness, I had no choice but to oblige.

I had underestimated Avril’s ability to plan out a date. We had a great time in the forest, enjoying the day in both wolf and human forms. It was surely relaxing, and we didn’t feel the need to return to the real world until the sun started setting.

“See, I do know how to have fun,” she joked.

“You do,” I agreed, matching her playful tone as I added, “I’m honestly impressed. Didn’t think you had it in you.”

“Don’t get used to it though,” she warned.

With a smile, I replied, “Too late.”

A soft laugh escaped her, and I immediately joined her. But, as we reached the town square, I was reminded of the challenge I would face tomorrow. Although I felt ready, I didn’t wantto leave any room for failure. As an idea crossed my mind, I stopped, causing Avril to look at me.

When she noticed the change in my expression, she worriedly asked, “What’s on your mind?”

After a quiet moment, I found the courage to ask, “Can we spar one last time?”

The disappointment was palpable on her face. “The whole purpose of our day-off was to ensure you would be able to rest for tomorrow.”

“I won’t be able to rest unless I know I’ve done everything I can to ensure I’ll win,” I told her determinedly.

“You know this isn’t a life or death test, right?” She furrowed her brows, kindness in her eyes as she cupped my cheek with her hand. “Koen, whether you succeed or fail tomorrow, it doesn’t change anything.”

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