TWENTY SIX

LAUREL’s POV

I reach the training ground.

Thunderous shouts from the warriors in training echo across the valley as they move in a uniform line, all struggling to reach the finishing line. Their ankles are shackled to heavy iron balls that weigh them down, making each and every step a torture.

This is a basic training that every warrior in training has to undergo; one which will ultimately help in strengthening the muscles in their legs and enable them to outrun their foes in the event a war or fight breaks out.

“MOVE IT, YOU WEAKLINGS!” Helios roars from the finishing line and my eyes dart over to where he stands. And boy, is he a sight to behold.

He is in black jeans that hang off his hips and his naked muscular chest is glistening in sweat. He is glaring at the trainees, eyes blazing. To say that he is displeased would be an understatement. He is pissed. He crosses both arms under his massive chest and yells, “ARE YOU PREDATOR OR ARE YOU PREY?”

“Predators!” the warriors shout