The Lightning Wolf Chronicles Novel

Chapter 67: How Did You Get In Here? Evelyn's POV 74 "Evelyn! You made it!" A familiar voice called from the hot tub. Sophia waved excitedly, her face lighting up. "That strategy you came up with during trials was brilliant. I knew you'd end up here!" She climbed out and gave me another wet hug. "Sit with me. I'll introduce you to everyone." I carefully rolled up my pants and dipped my feet into the water. The warmth immediately melted into my sore muscles, bringing instant relief. Mental note: bring actual swimwear tomorrow, though plenty of Sentinels didn't seem too concerned about modesty.

"How many people from trials got picked?" I asked, curious. Mark sat back down with a splash. "You're the last one to show up. Though your situation is... different." Sophia started rattling off names and roles of people around us - too many to remember at once. A blond guy sitting across from us raised an eyebrow. "So how'd you end up with 'Number One' as a nickname?" Mark and I exchanged amused glances. "He was my first opponent," I explained. "Didn't have time for introductions, so I just gave him a number in my head." "Nicknames after one fight? Sounds suspicious," Blondie smirked.

Sophia jumped in before I could respond. "She didn't just nickname him. This girl took over our entire team during the challenge phase. Analyzed the field, developed a complete strategy, even patched up Raven's broken nose while still giving orders. Our team scored highest in the whole event." 'I couldn't have done it without your scouting," I said, meaning it. "Your intel was crucial." "No joke," Mark added. "When enemies hit us from both sides, she slipped straight through their lines and snagged four flags without getting caught.

Had to see it to believe someone so small could move that fast." 1 "Wait - that was you?" A warrior named Cyrus suddenly stared at me with new interest. "You're the one who dislocated my shoulder in the simulation?" Blondie's eyes widened. "Her? No way! You described her as a 'dangerous hulk like some wild buffalo! She's tiny!" Cyrus rubbed his shoulder awkwardly, clearly embarrassed. I couldn't help laughing. "Just used your weight against you. Not my fault you charged at me without thinking." 1/4 18:23 Sat, Jan 10 Chapter 67: How Did You Get In Here?

"Remember our final strategy?" Sophia turned to Mark. "Evelyn made each of us play to our strengths. Like conducting an orchestra. *She fought everyone in our squad," Mark added. "Don't let the size fool you. On the field, she's like a shadow impossible to catch." Blondie leaned forward, studying me. "So, shadow girl, what's your story? Sentinels usually take adults who've finished their education. Taric personally brought you there must be a reason." I hesitated. The last thing I wanted was to drag Acacia and all that darkness into my fresh start. These people didn't need my baggage.

"Honestly, didn't expect to come this early," I finally said. "Just did well in the Polaris City selection. Later, Nathan and Taric decided I should train here." I shrugged. "Their call, not mine." "Using the Alpha King's and Sentinel's names," Seraphina's cold voice cut in from the other end of the tub. I hadn't even noticed her there. "Your arrogance is remarkable." "They asked me to call them that," I answered truthfully, though I shifted uncomfortably. "Proper respect should still be maintained," she said icily. "Don't think being special in your old pack means anything here.

No one will coddle you." I couldn't tell if she genuinely disliked my attitude or was just jealous of my apparent special treatment. "Yes, ma'am," I replied, trying not to sound sarcastic but probably failing. She studied me silently, eyes narrowed. Great. My floor supervisor was clearly not a fan. A bell suddenly rang throughout the training grounds. 'What's that?" I asked. 'Dinner warning, Mark leaped out of the water. "Ten minutes till food. Trust me, you don't want to be last in line. I followed quickly, with Sophia right behind. 'Which floor are you on?" she asked while drying off.

'Second, middle section. You?" "Third. I'll come find you after changing. Wear black sweats and a long-sleeve, don't forget slippers." "Wait, there's a dress code for dinner?" That seemed oddly formal. "Just an unwritten rule," she explained. "Training gear in training areas, but comfy clothes at dinner when there's no training afterward. Everyone dresses the same, so nobody stands out. Seraphina definitely wouldn't bother telling you this stuff." 2/4 18:23 Sat, Jan 10 Chapter 67: How Did You Get In Here? As we climbed the stairs, she lowered her voice. "She's got it out for you." "Why?

I've been here like four hours and only did the basic assessment." "That might be exactly the problem," Sophia muttered. "We'll talk later. Now hurry up. Mark wasn't kidding about dinner this pack of hungry wolves won't leave crumbs for latecomers. Eating here is survival of the fittest." She walked me to my door. "Three minutes. Don't make me wait." I rushed inside and changed quickly, not wanting to hold her up. What had Sophia meant about the connection between Seraphina's hostility and my basic test?

I'd barely finished when there was a knock, followed immediately by Sophia pushing the door open. I was already learning to appreciate her directness - she and Nadia would definitely get along. "Move it! All the good food will be gone! Her eyes sparkled with genuine excitement. "The chef team here is amazing. Everything tastes incredible!" Her childlike enthusiasm for food made me smile. "What's so funny?" Mark and Cyrus were waiting at the staircase. "Sophia turns into a five-year-old at the mention of food," I laughed. "Is it really that good?

Is that why we can't be late?" "Pretty much," Cyrus answered, true to his minimalist speaking style. As we turned the corner into the common area, a wave of noise hit us. People were already lining up for food when we entered the dining hall. The room buzzed with conversation and laughter, everyone radiating an infectious energy. It gave me goosebumps - even my wolf stirred happily inside. This unspoken bond between everyone was exactly what I'd always craved. 'Only 8:05 and it's packed," Mark whispered. "That's why you can't be late.

Always chaotic when everyone's here." We joined the buffet line facing an impressive spread - roasted meats, salads, pasta, and desserts. Remembering Orion's comment about me being too skinny, I loaded my plate. If training was as intense as they claimed, I'd need the fuel. "Space over there," Sophia pointed to a far table, leading us through the crowd, " The dining hall had an industrial design practical without unnecessary decoration. The walls featured murals of battle scenes and photos of veteran Sentinels. We sat at an ancient oak table covered with years of scratches and marks.

"So tell me about Seraphina," I asked, cutting into my roast beef. "Why does she hate me already? What's the connection to my basic test? Feels like information I need to survive probation." 3/4 18:23 Sat, Jan 10 The Lightning Wolf Chronicles : admin