Chapter 210: Sparks in the Circle

The other trainees attacked Orion. The attack was disorganized; there was no pattern to their movements, giving Orion time to intercept each and every one. He hadn’t even broken a sweat and still had a smile on his lips, his breathing even and controlled while chaos unfolded around him.

Then, from the edge of the sparring circle, another figure stepped forward.

Sunlight caught on her blonde hair. Sophia’s eyes narrowed as the woman stepped up. She walked with confidence, and there was a smirk on her face like she knew she would win.

Holly hadn’t really done anything to make Sophia dislike her, apart from the fact that she had dated Orion—and had slept with him. Orion didn’t care about her, and that was all that mattered. Sophia had noticed Holly watching her during training, but since the woman hadn’t stepped up to her or even spoken to her, she ignored her.

But she couldn’t deny that Holly was one of the best female fighters among the trainees.

Her technique was brutal, but it suited her well. Even Sophia had to admit that Holly was good... a little bit.

She strode forward now, longsword in hand, her expression unreadable. But when Orion’s gaze lifted to meet hers, something subtle shifted. It wasn’t noticeable to the others, but Holly noticed.

Orion’s smile fell a little. His eyes became guarded, and even the smile he gave her was tight. Holly didn’t mind, though—she didn’t care.

Besides, soon enough, she would prove that Sophia was a demon sent to them, and when she did, everyone would acknowledge her for saving the pack, and she would take her rightful position next to Orion as his partner and mate.

Without a word, she stepped into the circle.

The murmurs began instantly among the trainees. Even those who had been too tired to keep watching straightened, attention drawn like moths to flame.

Orion tilted his head slightly. He should have known that when he started this lesson, she was going to partake, but he had forgotten that she even existed at some point—all his attention had been on Sophia. Even this session had a hidden agenda, and it had to do with Sophia.

He didn’t expect Holly to try to attack him alone. She was a good fighter, and she was getting better. She was good, although his shorty was better than her. Holly fought to impress; Sophia fought to learn and get better. There was a reason Sophia was superior to Holly in training, even if it wasn’t showing now.

"You want to fight me alone?" Orion asked her.

She nodded. "I’m confident I can do this," she told him with a smile.

Orion only gave her a nod. "Show me then. Let’s see."

Immediately he said those words, she moved, lunging at him with her sword.

The sound of their swords meeting cracked through the training grounds.

Holly attacked with clean precision—no hesitation. Her movements were tighter than before—measured, focused. She swung in quick arcs, forcing Orion to deflect rather than dodge. Sparks flew where their blades kissed, metal singing against metal.

For the first time since the sparring began, Orion’s posture shifted. He wasn’t mocking now. His arms moved faster, wrists rolling with the practiced grace of someone who had been born holding steel. Still, his stance remained rooted within the circle.

The trainees fell silent. Even the wind seemed to pause.

Holly ducked beneath one blade, spinning low, and brought her sword up toward his ribs. Orion caught it mid-swing with the flat of his dagger, their eyes locking for half a heartbeat.

"Wow!" Joren said in awe. "She’s really good."

"Right?" Dren asked him. "And the way they fight... there’s so much chemistry between them."

Sophia turned to him sharply. "Chemistry? Where?" she asked him.

"Um... open your eyes, Sophia. Those two are flowing together like they were made for each other."

Sophia rolled her shoulders. She was very close to punching Dren in the face.

"Made for each other?" she asked him.

Nia laughed. "I have to agree with Sophia on this. I don’t really see it, but there’s something there."

Sophia wanted to scream that the only thing there was a teacher teaching a student—two people sparring and nothing more—and that they should stop making it out to be something it wasn’t. But she calmed herself down. There was no need to get worked up over something that wasn’t real after all. But then Laia’s words made her pause.

"There’s a reason why they’re getting married, after all."

Sophia looked stunned. "What?!" she asked in a shrill voice.

"Sophia, I know you’re in shock, but please tone down the voice," Laia said, hands over her ears.

"Well... what did you just say?" she asked in disbelief.

Micah chuckled. "I’m sure you don’t know, but everyone knows that Alpha Orion and Holly dated a while ago. The council is pressuring him to get married, and everyone knows he’s going to rekindle his love with Holly."

"I heard her telling someone they were together," Nia spoke up. "And besides, did you guys forget when he basically said his womanizing days are over?"

Sophia could not believe her ears. How and where did this information stem from? And Holly and Orion getting back together? She doubted it. She did not believe it even a little.

"Wait, so you guys are assuming that just because they dated before, they will get married? Is that it?" Sophia asked them.

"Holly confirmed it herself. I know what I heard," Nia told her.

"Well, I find that hard to believe," Sophia said.

"Me too," Cat spoke up. "I don’t like Holly. She gives mean girl vibes, and from the gossip I heard from my mother, Alpha Orion wants nothing to do with Holly. He’s been pushing her away."

Dren sighed. "Cat, no offense, but your information is always wrong."

"But I know what I heard," Cat said to him.

"And you are wrong. Can’t you see them?" Dren asked, pointing toward Orion and Holly, who were still fighting. "They even look good together."