The Apocalyptic Queen's Werewolf Journey (Thora and Darius) novel Chapter 24

**Shadows Hearts by Joseph King**
**Chapter 24: I Never Leave My Teammates Behind**

**Thora’s POV:**

As dawn broke the following day, I found myself strapping heavy sandbags to my legs, preparing for the run to Astralis College. The weight was familiar, a challenge I had embraced, and I was determined to push through.

Stepping outside the villa, the crisp morning air filled my lungs, and my gaze fell upon Felix’s car parked just a few feet away. It was as if he had been waiting for me, the engine idling softly, a beacon of unexpected company.

I approached him, my heart racing with a mix of anticipation and irritation. He didn’t utter a single word; instead, he simply honked twice, a sharp sound that sliced through the stillness of the morning.

“There’s no need to wait for me, Felix. I’m running there,” I replied, casually rolling my ankles to ease into the rhythm of my workout.

“Running?” He scrutinized me, his brow furrowing as he took in my determination. “It’s ten kilometers from your home to school.”

“Yeah, I know,” I nodded firmly, a wave of confidence washing over me. “I’ll make it in time for class.”

“Suit yourself,” he muttered, annoyance dripping from his words as he peeled away, leaving behind a cloud of exhaust that made me cough.

Tsk, what a brat…

I shook my head, a mix of exasperation and amusement bubbling within me, and began my run.

But I hadn’t gone far when I noticed Felix’s car slowing down ahead. Confusion washed over me as I jogged closer. “Did your car break down?” I called out, genuinely puzzled by his sudden stop.

His face turned a deep shade of crimson, anger flaring in his eyes. “I shouldn’t have bothered waiting for you!” he snapped, the frustration evident in his voice.

In an instant, he accelerated away, leaving me standing there, bewildered. It dawned on me—he had been waiting to offer me a ride, but his pride wouldn’t let him admit it. After I had turned him down twice, he had let his embarrassment morph into anger.

Why couldn’t he just say he wanted to help?

A soft laugh escaped my lips, and I resumed my steady pace, the 20-pound sandbags swinging heavily with each stride.

In my previous life, running such a distance with an additional 100 pounds would have felt like a warm-up, but this body was still getting accustomed to the strain.

Just one more corner, and I would finally catch sight of the gates of Astralis College.

I was right on track.

Suddenly, the sounds of a commotion reached my ears, echoing from an alley up ahead.

Instinctively, I lightened my steps, straining to listen.

At least ten voices clashed in the narrow space, their breathing ragged and charged with hostility.

A brawl this close to the college? Didn’t they care about the security stepping in?

I had no intention of getting involved and turned to walk away, but fate had other plans.

With a loud thud, someone was kicked out of the alley, crashing right at my feet.

“But you crippled him!” The suit’s voice turned icy, a threat lacing his words. “We could let the other stuff slide, but not this. The boss said since you took Wesley’s arm, you have to pay with your own. As for your two classmates… guess they’re just unlucky.”

Their exchange clarified the nature of their grudge.

Underground fight clubs, huh?

That lawless underworld could actually serve as a stepping stone to building my own power…

Ashton shot me a surprised glance, clearly taken aback by my calm demeanor amidst the chaos.

In their eyes, I was still just a useless mixed-blood. Yet here I was, unfazed.

“Can you still fight?” Harvey asked Ashton, concern flickering in his eyes.

Ashton steadied himself against the wall, his knuckles pale but a determined smile gracing his lips. “Of course.”

Despite their frequent clashes at college, they always had each other’s backs in moments like this.

Harvey clenched his fists, shifting into a fighting stance, ready for whatever was to come.

“Thora, I’ll say it one more time. Run! The college’s just ahead. If you make it inside, you’ll be safe,” he urged, his voice low but urgent.

“I never leave my teammates behind.” I met his gaze, unwavering, and added calmly, “Even if you’re not quite there yet.”