Chapter 9

Aila Coraline

I didn’t understand why Zayn was teaching me how to backflip. Was that even necessary when we were dealing with enemies? Did we really need to be tumbling around like acrobats?

"Can you shut up? I'm trying!" I frustratedly snapped.

He kept telling me to go with the wind and lead my body. What did he mean by that? This was my first time attempting a backflip, and I seriously doubted its importance in a fight.

"Just trust the process, Coraline. It's about fluidity and control," he replied.

“Fluidity and control? We’re not doing gymnastics here, Zayn!” I shot back. “We need to learn how to take down opponents, not do tricks!”

He chuckled, clearly amused by my annoyance. “You’d be surprised how useful it can be. The ability to move unpredictably can give you an advantage in a fight.”

“Unpredictable? Sure, if I don’t break my neck first!” I exclaimed, shaking my head. “What’s next? A cartwheel? Should I bring a tutu while we’re at it?”

“Hey, don’t knock the cartwheel. It could be a game changer,” he teased.

I rolled my eyes, not in the mood for his jokes. “This isn’t a joke, Zayn. I’m serious! If I’m going to learn how to fight, I’d rather do it with actual techniques instead of these ridiculous routines.”

“Fine, fine,” he said, raising his hands in mock surrender. “But you’ll thank me when you’re flipping over an opponent instead of getting knocked down. Just give it a shot.”

I seriously didn't know if what he said was applicable. I had dealt with a rogue before, but I didn’t need to flip him over just to defeat him. Besides, it was always my wolf, Savannah, who did most of the fighting. But fine, if Zayn says so, then I must obey.

“Okay, okay,” I sighed, begrudgingly positioning myself for another attempt. “But if I fall and faceplant, I’m blaming you.”

“Deal,” he replied. “Now focus. Remember to lead with your shoulders and keep your head in line.”

I wonder if the rest of the she-wolves really did what I am doing right now or if Zayn was just playing with me. I had attempted the backflip several times, and twice I almost hit my face on the solid ground. Three times, I nearly broke my neck. This routine was going to be the death of me.

"Good landing. You're improving," he commented after I finally managed to land on my feet.

"Why do I feel like they didn’t do this last week and you’re just playing with me?" I complained, hands on my hips.

Seven and Seleira were down in the field handling the rest of the she-wolves, while we were up on this hill doing backflips. It felt absurd.

Zayn smirked. “I promise, it’s not a joke. Trust me, this is essential training.”

“Essential? Really? Because it feels more like a circus act!” I shot back, rolling my eyes.

“Hey, if you wanted to be a clown, you could’ve just said so,” he teased, crossing his arms. “But seriously, you’ll thank me later.”

“I think I’d rather take my chances with the enemies than continue this ridiculous routine,” I grumbled.

I've never wished for a day to end so quickly as I did today. When the sun began to set, a sense of victory surged through me. At last, I would be done with all these backflips and tumbling.

“Will I be joining the rest tomorrow?” I asked as we both made our way down the hill back to the flat field.

I glanced at him when he didn’t answer, but in my distraction, I failed to see a rock in my path and tripped.

Before I could fully process what was happening, Zayn reached out and grabbed my hand to steady me. However, my palms were a bit sweaty, and his grip slipped.

In an instant, I lost my balance and rolled down the hill, tumbling awkwardly over the grass.

“Coraline!” I heard Zayn shout.

I finally came to a stop at the bottom of the hill, lying flat on my back and staring up at the sky, slightly dazed.

“What just happened?” I groaned, trying to catch my breath.

Zayn hurried down the hill, his expression a blend of worry and barely contained laughter. “You okay? That was quite the roll you did there.”

“I’m fine,” I replied, pushing myself up into a sitting position, though my cheeks were burning with embarrassment. “Just my luck, right? Can’t even walk down a hill without ending up in a faceplant.”

This was the moment when I wished the ground would just open up and swallow me whole. I tried so hard to act okay and joke a little to hide the shame I felt. Maybe this was my karma for complaining so much today.

“Next time I’ll make sure to hold on tighter,” Zayn said after helping me to my feet.

I glanced at him, wondering if he was secretly hoping I’d trip again next time.

“Let’s hope there isn’t a next time,” I replied, trying to keep my tone light, though my cheeks were still flushed with embarrassment.

He chuckled, and the sound made me feel both annoyed and a little lighter. “You know, it could be a training technique. Learn to roll with the punches—or rolls, in your case.”

“Very funny,” I shot back. “I’d rather stick to actual fighting techniques, thank you very much.”

Zayn smirked. “Fair enough. But you’ve got to admit, it’s a good way to break the ice.”

“Or break my neck,” I muttered under my breath, shaking my head.

We reached the training area, and the other she-wolves were still finishing up their sessions, some shooting glances in our direction. I felt my face heat up again but forced myself to stand tall.

Cynthia and her gang were probably rejoicing at my embarrassment, not that I cared, but they likely thought it was my karma. Great. If Zayn had just answered me earlier, I wouldn’t have needed to look at him, I would have seen the rock, and for sure, I wouldn't have tripped. But, of course, it was all in the past now.

"You could pass for an action star," Seleira commented as I approached her.

Both of us weren't really close. Well, we used to be, but things changed over time. Still, we maintained a casual relationship.

"That might be my future," I replied, a half-smile creeping onto my face.

“Just make sure you don’t trip over any rocks during your audition,” she shot back.

I chuckled. “I’ll keep that in mind. Maybe I’ll even get an award for ‘Most Dramatic Fall’.”

“Hey, at least you made a memorable entrance!” Seleira laughed, and for a moment, the tension from earlier faded away.

“Just wait until I show you my stunt double skills,” I said, feeling more confident. “I’ll have you all impressed with my backflips… or at least with my ability to roll down hills.”

“Next training session, I’ll make sure to bring popcorn,” Seleira joked, and we both burst into laughter.

Then I realized it had been a long time since I’d laughed like this and had a conversation like this. It felt good to have someone to talk to. I heaved a sigh, trying not to remember the memories of the past.

Just then, a loud alarm echoed through the air, cutting off any further banter. The sound was sharp and urgent, sending a chill down my spine. What is happening?

“Someone attacked the north farm!” a voice shouted, panic lacing the words.

My heart nearly stopped beating. The last word that escaped my lips was a whisper: “My mother…”

Panic surged through me as I turned to Zayn, desperation flashing in my eyes. I had to get to her.