The Apocalyptic Queen's Werewolf Journey (Thora and Darius) novel Chapter 138

**Shadows Hearts by Joseph King**

**Chapter 138: A Question**

“Keep staring at me like that, and I’ll start thinking you’ve got some weird thing going on,” Thora’s voice sliced through the air, cool and teasing, pulling Tristan from the depths of his thoughts.

With a wicked grin spreading across his face, he shot back, “You’re overthinking it.” He continued to run, his heart pounding in rhythm with his words. “But really, I need to ask you something.”

“Catch me first, then maybe I’ll answer,” Thora replied, her tone playful yet challenging.

Without a glance back, she propelled herself forward with a burst of energy, leaving Tristan in her dust.

Tristan twisted his neck, a confident smirk dancing on his lips, as if he already knew he would close the gap. His muscles tightened, coiling like a spring, and he surged after her, determination fueling his every stride.

As they neared the end of the grueling weighted run, Luke lagged behind, panting heavily. He had expended all his energy in that initial sprint and was now struggling to keep pace.

Thora should have crossed the finish line first, but she deliberately slowed her pace, allowing Tristan to slip past her.

Even in victory, Tristan held his question close, waiting for the right moment to unleash it.

Later that night, the air was thick with focus as Thora practiced alone at the shooting range. Tristan arrived, a pistol in hand, drawn in by the sight of her poised stance and the fluidity of her shots. He couldn’t help but admire her; she made each drill look like an art form, a performance that captivated him.

Moving to the adjacent lane, he began firing shot after shot, trying to match her precision.

Thora holstered her pistol, her expression turning serious. “What do you want?” she asked, breaking the silence.

“During the weighted run, I beat you,” Tristan stated bluntly, also securing his weapon.

A sly smile crept across her lips as she brushed off her pistol. “A bet is a bet,” she replied, her tone light yet laced with challenge.

Tristan raised an eyebrow, intrigued. He was well aware she had slowed down on purpose, but a win was a win, and it gave him the right to ask the question that had been burning in his mind.

“I want to know—are you a man or a woman?” His voice dropped, serious and rough, carrying a weight that hung in the air between them.

Thora’s reaction was unexpected. She raised an eyebrow, a playful smile gracing her lips. “Take a guess,” she said, before turning on her heel and walking away.

“Commander Green, that’s cheating!” Tristan called after her, a mixture of irritation and amusement bubbling within him.

A glint of mischief sparkled in her eyes as she replied, “I said you could ask. I never said I’d answer.”

Without breaking her stride, she slipped into the shadows of the night, leaving Tristan standing there, teeth clenched, caught in a whirlwind of frustration and exhilaration.

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