Chapter 39

I began to do laps around the manor, never stopping, and on my third lap, I noticed Cody and Connor standing by the wall, cheering me on. So I pushed myself faster and harder, and everything around me blurred. I lost count of how many times I lapped the manor when I noticed a black shadow on my right. With his long legs, Conri kept up with ease. I caught him glancing at me, but I paid him no attention. My sole focus was on the path before me and chasing the wind. With him constantly staring at me, I wondered how he didn’t trip over his paws.

“Race you to the pond.” I heard him call over the sound of the wind. A sense of determination flooded my entire body as I pushed myself to my limit, stretching my legs as far as possible. My lungs ached and burned as I ran and ran near the bottom of the hill. Conri was still staring at me as he slammed into the base of the mountain as I ascended it. I couldn’t stop the laugh from coming out as amusement exploded inside me. I stood on top of the