The backyard was wide, open, and scarred with the history of too many training sessions.
It's been five days since Aiden took over Edda and the house.
Cracked stone tiles, patched walls, a few suspiciously new support beams that had clearly replaced old ones.
Aiden stood a safe distance away, arms folded, eyes flicking between the two women in front of him.
Luna and Thristle faced each other.
The air between them felt charged—playful, competitive, dangerous.
Luna rolled her shoulders, tail swaying behind her. Her ears twitched with excitement as she glanced back over her shoulder.
"Master," she said brightly, eyes shining. "What will be my reward if I win?"
Thristle snorted, planting her feet firmly. "Oi. Same question. If I win, what do I get?"
Aiden chuckled, rubbing the back of his head. "You two are impossible."
He thought for a moment, then smirked. "Fine. Whoever wins gets… head pats."
There was a beat of silence.
Then—
Luna gasped.
Her ears shot straight up.
