Someone I trusted turned out to be a knife in the dark.
The discovery came during combat training. Professor Hale had us working on advanced defensive techniques. Pair work. Strategy building.
I was partnered with Marcus, one of the Betas who'd been helping Caleb track the rumors. We'd spent the last week developing countermoves for Alpha-level attacks.
Private sessions. Just us. Building tactics I could use if either Darius or Gideon ever lost complete control.
But when we sparred, Hale stopped us immediately.
"Miss Bennett, your guard is completely exposed on the left. Any Alpha worth their salt would exploit that instantly."
I adjusted my stance. "Like this?"
"Better. But you're still leaving yourself vulnerable to a sweep. Didn't you work on that weakness?"
"I did. With Marcus. We developed a counter."
"Then use it."
I tried. But Marcus anticipated every move. Blocked every counter. Like he knew exactly what I was going to do before I did it.
Because he did.
