Page 84 of Green Ravens

“It’s precise and controlled, fluid. The snake does not fight with brute strength but with intelligence, patience, and lethal accuracy. Its strikes are swift and unpredictable. It coils, evades, and then hits vulnerable points—the eyes, throat, organs, and places where the enemy cannot withstand an attack. You, Zorion, with the spirit of the hawk, will learn the art of patience and the wisdom of waiting.”

Elder Xian added, “The hawk watches from above, and a snake waits from below. You will learn when to strike and when to retreat. When to coil and when to soar.”

Lion nodded. “Together, you will be a balance. One fights with the might of an apex predator, the other with the cunning of nature’s most deceptive counter.”

Omega slid his hand into Lion’s open palm.

“Understand this, your greatest strength will not be your individual mastery of your animals, but the way they fight together.”

Valor didn’t hesitate. “Then we begin,” he said simply

A flash of approval crossed Lion’s face as he raised his wine glass. “Tonight, you are guests at my table. Tomorrow, disciples training by the code of Aga Kahn.”

They toasted.

“To discipline and honor,” Lion intoned.

“To discipline and honor.”

Chief Aiken Oakley

Valor

The scent of morning dew drifted through the open doors of the foyer as Omega and Lion stood outside waiting to start their training.

He and Zorion would be apart all day, and he didn’t like it, but he’d trust the masters knew what they were doing.

Valor tightened his grip on Zorion’s waist and drew him closer. The warmth of his body was grounding, a reassurance of the bond they’d solidified the night before.

He stared into Zorion’s green eyes, which shimmered like iced jade in the dawn’s light.

“I can still smell myself inside you,” Valor said too low for anyone else to hear, nipping at Zorion’s earlobe. “You willalwayssmell like me.”

Zorion gazed up at him with an intensity that made the world around him fade.

They both knew what lay ahead—hours of grueling training, pain, a transformation that would shape them into warriors worthy of their animals and the honor of Imuma Aga Kahn.

Zorion brushed his fingers along the edge of his jaw before pressing a tender kiss to his lips.

“Good luck today,” Zorion whispered, his voice still rough and husky from sleep.

Valor smiled against the rough skin of Zorion’s other cheek, nuzzling deeper under the light fabric of his hood.

“I don’t need luck. But you…try not to get tossed off a cliff, my sexy hawk. Let Omega know you can only fly when wearing the suit.”

They both chuckled before easing into another snug embrace, their lips instantly finding each other again.

Valor went deeper, past the taste of mint to his natural flavor. The soft hum of appreciation made him want to turn around and take Zorion back to bed.

“Cherished,” Zorion murmured, his fingers tightening around the folds of Valor’s tunic.

Before he could respond, a sharp voice cut through their moment.

“Enough.”

Lion’s command was firm and left no room for disobedience. He and Omega were clad in black. They had no weapons, yet they radiated danger.

Valor sighed, his jaw tightening as he pressed one last lingering kiss to Zorion’s lips.

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