The Lightning Wolf Chronicles (Evelyn and Nadia) novel Chapter 66

Chapter 66: Better Than Expected

Evelyn’s POV

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I sprinted toward the first obstacle – a maze of wooden posts standing at least ten feet tall with frustratingly smooth surfaces. The posts were spaced irregularly, making the gaps challenging even for tall werewolves. For someone my size, it looked nearly impossible.

Taking a deep breath, I jumped onto the first post, landing solidly and immediately scanning for my next move. The random arrangement was clearly designed to throw off any rhythm. I couldn’t make the same long strides as taller warriors, so I’d need to maximize every

jump.

When I leaped to the second post, I nearly shouted in panic – the distance was wider than I’d calculated. My toes barely caught the edge, my body tipping dangerously forward before I managed to steady myself.

“Focus,” I muttered, moving carefully to the next post.

After clearing that section, I faced a thirteen-foot smooth wall with virtually no handholds. I backed up a few steps, chose my approach, and sprinted forward, jumping as high as I could. My fingertips just barely caught the top edge. Gritting my teeth, I pulled myself up with shaking arms, finally rolling over the top.

Next came a series of hanging rings suspended at different heights, spaced about six feet apart. I launched myself from the wall to grab the first ring, using my momentum to start swinging. When I’d built enough height, I released and flew toward the next one.

By the sixth ring, my arms were trembling, knuckles white with strain. My shoulders burned fiercely – those weeks in the hospital bed had definitely weakened me. But I wasn’t about to quit.

I moved onto what they generously called a “balance beam” – a wooden strip barely three inches wide with an uneven surface. Obstacle poles jutted out from both sides, ready to sweep unwary trainees into the mud below.

I took my first careful step, noting how the beam subtly swayed. This was trickier than it looked. I tried to move deliberately while keeping my body loose enough to react quickly.

After the balance beam came a sixteen-foot water gap with floating wooden platforms that looked sketchy at best. I needed to cross by stepping on these boards, knowing each would start sinking after bearing weight.

My first step confirmed my suspicions the board sank much faster than expected. I barely jumped to the next one before it submerged completely. By the time I reached the other side, I was soaked through.

A low wire net waited next. Sharp stones covered the ground beneath it, forcing me to crawl on elbows and knees. The net got progressively lower until it was only about sixteen inches high, forcing me to press almost flat against the ground. The stones bit into my skin, but compared to what I’d lived through, this was nothing.

Several vertical climbing ropes came next, attached to a horizontal bar sixteen feet up. I grabbed the rough hemp, pulling myself up with already exhausted arms. At the top, I had to hang upside down and traverse the entire horizontal bar, inching along despite my muscles

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Chapter 66: Better Than Expected

screaming in protest.

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The next section featured jumping platforms of different heights, each less than two square feet in area. The distances between them

varied unpredictably, forcing me to calculate each jump carefully while maintaining my balance.

The final stretch was a weighted sprint through soft sand that seemed to grab at my feet with each step. I pushed my burning legs to

accelerate, lungs on fire and muscles twitching, but refusing to slow down.

ZD

When I crossed the finish line, I could barely stand. Sweat soaked my uniform, and every muscle in my body trembled violently. Hospital recovery had definitely wrecked my stamina, but I’d managed to complete the entire course that’s what mattered.

–

I forced myself to regulate my breathing and stand straight as I approached Taric. Even feeling like I might collapse, I refused to show

weakness on my first day.

Standing next to Taric was a red-haired woman who I guessed was my floor supervisor. She looked me up and down with a critical eye.

“Barely acceptable,” she remarked coolly. “At least she didn’t collapse halfway through.”

I stood before them, fighting to control my breathing while pain radiated through every muscle.

Taric scribbled something on his clipboard. “Better than expected,” he said briefly.

The red-haired woman turned to me. “I’m Seraphina, supervisor for your floor. Come to me with any needs, assuming you last until

tomorrow.”

I nodded politely, still waiting for some feedback on my performance. When none came, I gathered my courage and looked Taric in the

eye.

“Warrior Taric, what areas should I focus on improving? I need clear goals to get better.”

Seraphina looked surprised by my directness, but I kept my attention on Taric.

“This was just a baseline assessment,” he replied, “to gauge your post-injury recovery and fitness level. Your training plan will need adjustments details tomorrow.”

He checked his watch. “One hour until dinner, Seraphina, show her around. And you,” he directed at me, take a twenty minute hot bath for those ribs. Tomorrow you’ll really feel today’s training.”

“Yes, sir,” I responded, recognizing the dismissal.

“Follow me, newbie,” Seraphina said, heading toward the fitness area and pool. “The others should be finishing up training now.”

I silently followed, trying to memorize our surroundings to avoid getting lost later. Until I made friends here, I had to assume I was on my

own.

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Chapter 66: Better Than Expected

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70

As we approached the massive hot tub already filled with tall, muscular warriors, nervousness swept through me. Everyone here towered

over me and was obviously much older.

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