The Lightning Wolf Chronicles (Evelyn and Nadia) novel Chapter 57

Chapter 57: We Cannot Fail

Evelyn’s POV

“What exactly do you mean by ‘everyone else’?” I locked eyes with Acacia, my voice sharp. “I’m a warrior, not some random nobody. The patrol schedule is set for the next month and won’t change. Whatever strings your daddy usually pulls won’t work this time. Griffin handles assignments, and since you can’t even finish basic patrol, there’s no special treatment happening. Try putting in actual effort

instead of expecting daddy to fix everything.”

Panic flashed across Acacia’s face.

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“By the way, Evie,” Elliot added, “I need your evaluation report on Chloe by tonight. Griffin wants assessments for all new patrol members.

Remind Nadia about Zoey’s too. At least you two bother showing up.”

He guided me away with a hand on my shoulder.

“You know you just stirred up trouble, right?” I muttered once we were alone. “I don’t get these political games, but they’ll definitely come

after me and Nadia now.”

“Even if they blindfolded you and tied one hand behind your back, you could still wipe the floor with them,” Elliot shrugged. ‘Besides, after your hospital speech, Acacia’s been less eager to confront you directly. She’s figuring out how much you matter to us.”?

I realized that making peace with Elliot was practically punishment for the triplets. Since I’d started talking to him again, the three brothers had grown increasingly agitated, occasionally growling and muttering in the hallway.

At lunch, I picked an isolated corner table, needing some quiet. I was so lost in thought I didn’t notice anyone approaching until Zoey appeared in blue, with Chloe trailing behind in bright pink. They kept glancing around nervously, clearly not wanting to be seen with me.

“We can’t fail,” Chloe blurted in a hushed voice, real panic in her eyes. “We have to do something! Today’s patrol was a disaster, and Thomas keeps giving us these judgy looks. If Acacia’s dad can’t help, you have to.”

“What?” I blinked, caught completely off guard.

‘Please, Zoey begged, “We know we sucked and probably don’t deserve your help, but we really can’t mess up again.”

“Acacia dragged us into this,” Chloe added with a fake smile. “We didn’t even want to join, but she said it was the only way to get close to

the guys,”

‘I guess I could give you some tips,” I said cautiously, still suspicious. “But it’s not easy you’ve barely shown up to training, and you’re

nowhere near the fitness level you need.”

“We’ll do anything,” Chloe said desperately. “Like wearing cute outfits to get attention, or…”

“Stop! Don’t even go there,” I cut her off, feeling sick. “If you actually want to improve, go to bed early tonight, drink more water, eat real

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Chapter 57: We Cannot Fail

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food that’ll help with your exhaustion. Wear dark clothes on patrol; we’re supposed to stay hidden. Show up to basic training every day and actually try. Consistency is the only way to build stamina.”

They hurried away with quick thanks, clearly relieved.

“What was that about?” Orion’s voice came from behind me. I didn’t turn, but his scent gave him away.

“Elliot told them I’d be writing evaluation reports, I explained without looking at him. “Guess they’re scared that if Acacia’s dad can’t save

them anymore, they might actually get cut. Probably never had to work for anything before.”

“Hmm,” Orion made a sound that somehow contained paragraphs. Then a tray slid in front of me. “Eat more, you’re still too skinny.” He

turned and left.

The plate had all my favorites – sandwiches, chips, carrot sticks, an apple, and water. I finished everything before heading to class, aware

of the footsteps trailing behind me.

The next few days settled into a strange rhythm. Chloe had actually started following my advice. Her progress was minimal, but at least

she was trying. Friday morning, Nadia mentioned Zoey was making similar efforts.

“Tomorrow after training, we’re getting ready for the ball in Luna’s suite,” Nadia informed me, her tone leaving no room for argument. “No

complaining. We need to be ready by seven because Luna wants to meet in the dining room before we leave.”

She spent the day adding more preparation activities, which was starting to drive me crazy. I couldn’t understand why we needed so much

time to get ready. I’d agreed to go with her and the boys, and decided to try enjoying it, if only for her sake. Her excitement was contagious she practically vibrated when talking about it.

After our last class, we headed to the gym. Since the incident, nobody had let me train alone. Elliot, Milo, and Nadia took turns as my workout buddies, though we rarely talked during sessions. The triplets hadn’t taken their turn yet, and I wasn’t sure if their distance made

me feel relieved or abandoned.

‘Luna has everything ready,” Nadia said during our workout. “The ‘after-party outfits’ will be in your room so we can change without

anyone noticing.”

My eyebrows shot up, and I stopped mid-squat. “Seriously? I’m already wearing your chosen dress. Why do I need another outfit?”

‘Dresses are for women, formal attire is for men,” Nadia corrected, laughing. ‘Besides, I wouldn’t argue with Luna about this.”

I rolled my eyes and finished my leg workout. An hour later, we found all the boys “coincidentally’ gathered in the kitchen. Elliot and Milo smiled knowingly, while the triplets just stared at me with unreadable expressions.

Orion barely glanced my way, silently pushing over a glass of honey-lemon recovery drink before leaving. Moments later, I heard the front

door close.

“He’s off to patrol,” Milo explained, “But still making sure you refuel.”

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