Page 36 of The Silent Mountain
“That doesn’t matter,” I reassure him. “I would actually like to understand how the dragon shifters train, just for some perspective.”
“Oh, I can show you,” he says. “In return, you can show me how the werewolves train.”
“Deal.”
We, indeed, spend the next three hours training. The dragons train their agility much more than we wolves do, while we rely on our strength more. For me, as a female warrior, there are quite some tricks from the dragons that I find useful, whereas Ludwig is interested in learning some typical workout routines my fellow wolf warriors use.
Once we spar, I realize he was right; he is not really a fit for me, but it doesn’t matter, I’m glad to spar and even gladder not to have lost my edge. We are circling each other when I feelhispresence again, and the hairs on my skin stand in anticipation, while Ros gets agitated.
I focus my concentration on my mock battle with Ludwig, successfully sending him flying to the ground.
“I can’t believe it,” Ludwig groans, grabbing my hand to let me pull him up. “I wasn’t aware that you were truly that skilled.”
“I told you, didn’t I?” Favian asks, amused. “They don’t call her the Warrior Princess for nothing.”
His words really boost my ego, more than anyone else could. I’m scared to sound pathetic, which is why I keep these thoughts to myself, but him praising my skills and emphasizing that I am a warrior means so much to me.
“King Favian,” Ludwig mutters, only now realizing we weren’t alone. “We trained.”
“I see that,” Favian says. “And what do you think, Alana?”
“I learned a lot from Ludwig,” I admit. “The way you dragon shifters train is different.”
“I apologize for not being a good sparring partner,” he says. “I will try to become better and be a worthy training partner and bodyguard.”
“Your skills need some polishing,” Favian agrees. “But I made you Alana’s bodyguard because you have more to offer than just strength.”
Ludwig looks surprised and happy at his words.
Meanwhile, Favian turns to me. “Maybe I can offer myself as your sparring partner,” he says.
“Are you for real?” I ask. “That would be amazing!”
Ludwig looks at me like I’ve lost my mind. I’m well aware that I’m definitely nowhere close enough to take it up with an alpha king or dragon king, but Favian is easily the strongest dragon shifter. Training with him will take me really far!
“Do you really mean that?” Favian asks.
“Of course! Not even my father trained with me. Training with the king is such a great honor!”
“And it’s not weird for you because we are mates?” he asks.
“I’m not scared of you tossing me around,” I reassure him. “I think I will learn the most with you.”
Seeing my excitement, Favian humors me and takes over from Ludwig, despite probably not having planned on starting training me immediately. The difference to Ludwig is astounding. Favian is much more agile and stronger. I have no chance against him using my strength or my reflexes, just my agility is slightly better than his.
When he knocks me over the third time, I can see drips of red on the snow.
“By Aengus,” Favian curses, kneeling next to me. “I hurt you. I’m so sorry.”
I wipe the blood off my face. “That’s nothing,” I reassure him. “It’s not like I’ll get better by being coddled.”
“You are truly skilled,” Favian says. “Your agility is your strong point. You should work on your reflexes, as you could make that another strong point easily.”
“Can you show me some tricks next time?” I ask.
“You want to continue this?” Favian asks. When I nod, he groans. “I hate hurting you. I’m going to regret this offer, aren’t I?”
“You can’t turn back on it now,” I say, grabbing his arm. “Please train me again.”
