Page 85 of Green Ravens

“We will get our revenge,” Valor vowed.

Zorion nodded, his expression hard and determined. “Yes, we will.”

The two of them turned toward their respective trainers. The younger disciples were kneeling in perfect formations nearby as if in prayer while men in all-black robes stood before them.

Lion gestured for Valor to follow him, and Omega led Zorion in the opposite direction. He cast one last glance over his shoulder, catching sight of Zorion’s back before he disappeared into the dense woods.

The scent of honey and pine filled the air as Valor followed Lion deeper into the wilderness.

The rustling of unseen wildlife and the distant calls of eagles and hawks were the only sounds this far from the main grounds. The terrain was wild and unforgiving as Lion moved at a pace that showed he was used to it.

They reached a clearing where the ground was covered in moss and ancient trees stood along the borders.

After a long moment of silence, Lion dropped to his knees in a slow, fluid motion, and Valor did the same.

“You will first need to understand your element, Valor,” Lion began. “The jungle, the forest is alive. It breathes and speaks. And if you are wise enough to listen, it will teach you all it knows.”

Valor brushed his palm along the cool soil. “What does it say?”

Lion’s lips curved in the faintest grin. “That depends on what you ask it.” He gazed up at the trees. “The forest is not just a maze of branches and vines. It will answer you with the rustling of leaves and the chorus of insects. Being within it is not about dominance but balance. That every creature, no matter how small, has an intricate role to play.”

That sounded so familiar to Valor, but he didn’t interrupt.

“The jungle will teach you humility. If you rush through it blindly, you’ll get lost, but if you move through it with respect and awareness, it will guide you on the right path.”

Valor closed his eyes and dug his fingers deeper into the soft earth.

“An apex predator, a true hunter, draws its will from nature. The tiger is not feared solely for its strength, but because it embodies a perfect balance of patience and power in the wild.”

Lion faced him.

“An animal that wreaks havoc and disrupts the balance of nature will never find harmony, but one that walks in rhythm with it will be unstoppable.”

As if Lion had timed it perfectly, a sleek big cat emerged from the jungle, moving with ghostly grace. Her golden coat was speckled with dark rosettes that blended into her surroundings.

Valor swallowed as his heartbeat picked up pace.

“Calm, Valor. Big cats do not waste movement. They don’t engage in frivolous battle.” Lion crouched. “They wait, listen. And if they move, the fight is already over before it even began.”

Valor remained still.

“Persian leopards are this island’s apex predator. They do not follow commands. They respond to respect.”

The leopard’s golden eyes flicked toward Lion and then to him before she let out a slow, rumbling growl. She didn’t attack or show fear. She simplywas.

Valor watched in awe as Lion extended his hand and the leopard approached him, brushing her massive head against his palm.

“Holy shit,” Valor whispered.

“She’s in just as much awe with us as we are with her,” Lion said.

“I understand,” Valor said as the cat approached him and rubbed her big body around his lower legs before darting back into the woods.

“The animal within you is lost and needs to find harmony before you can fight…and be victorious.”

Without warning, Lion flexed his hands, curling his fingers into a claw. With a single swipe, he struck the bark of a massive tree trunk, and with a loud, splitting sound, deep gashes tore through its surface. Splinters flew and the bark peeled away as if it’d been raked by a pitchfork.

“What in the…?” Valor stared at Lion.

---