24. Strength amidst despair

WILLOW’S POINT OF VIEW

Well, this has to be the most depressing Tuesday ever. It’s like there’s a dark cloud looming over the pack, making the mood desolate, somber. But, like Alpha Michael said, we can’t afford to falter, we must push through. And so, the air is also filled with resolve.

The Cadets gather at the indoors gym, a sea of sad faces, in stark contrast to the usual vibrant energy. Gamma Rhys leads us and does his best to show strength, but I can see the strain in his eyes. He guides us through cardio, weightlifting, and sparring. As my legs pump and my lungs burn, I feel a sense of release. Each pounding footstep seems to drive away a little of the darkness that has taken over me.

Then, I do my best to get distracted by Gamma Rhys’ and Olivier’s history lesson. They go over a historical battle, analyzing the terrain, the different strategies, possible alternatives, and what they could’ve resulted in.

I’m sure it would be a very interesting lesson if my mind was fully