The War God Alpha's Arranged Bride (Evelyn and Alexander) novel Chapter 162

**Chapter 162: A Proposition And A New Drive**

[Evelyn’s POV]

“You want to train me?” I asked, skepticism lacing my voice.

Even the mere act of vocalizing that thought felt utterly absurd. My gaze flickered between the two soldiers, a mixture of confusion and disbelief etched on my features. What could they possibly see in me that warranted such an offer?

Both men nodded earnestly, their expressions filled with an expectation that I found hard to comprehend.

“Many of us back at the camp believe you have significant potential,” one of them stated, his tone earnest.

A doubtful frown creased my brow.

“No offense intended,” I replied, my voice steady yet tinged with uncertainty, “but I really don’t think I’d excel as a soldier.” I gestured vaguely, indicating my frailty. “As you can see, I’m not exactly equipped to handle pain.”

The soldiers exchanged amused glances, their laughter lightening the atmosphere.

“You’ve misunderstood us, Luna,” one of them clarified, his voice reassuring.

“We have no intention of putting you in armor or handing you a weapon,” the other added, shaking his head.

“We were thinking more along the lines of self-defense,” he continued. “Mainly, hand-to-hand combat training. Developing those skills will help you gain a better sense of control.”

Gradually, the tension in my shoulders began to ease, a flicker of curiosity igniting within me.

“Really?” I questioned, my interest piqued.

“Absolutely,” they affirmed in unison. “With this training, you’ll learn to manage emotions like anger, fear, energy, and focus.”

I bit the inside of my cheek, contemplating their words. It felt like a glimmer of hope in the midst of my chaotic life. Right now, I was grappling with all those emotions, and the thought of gaining some control over them was undeniably appealing.

“The only thing is…” His voice trailed off, leaving an air of suspense.

“What is it?” I pressed, my curiosity deepening.

The two soldiers exchanged a meaningful look before turning back to me. “You won’t be able to wear the mask while you’re training.”

A heavy weight settled in my chest. I should have anticipated a catch to such an enticing offer. Yet, as I mulled it over, it made sense. The mask, while providing coverage, also created significant blind spots. Training with it on would only complicate things further.

“Oh. Well…” I stammered, grappling with the implications of their condition.

“If it helps ease your mind,” one soldier added, “we can assure you that you won’t be the only one there with scars.”

Their words were tempting, the offer tugging at my resolve.

“You know,” one of them continued, a hint of mischief in his tone, “I’m surprised you haven’t sought out a serum or something to help with those injuries.”

My eyes widened in disbelief.

“He’s got a point,” the other soldier chimed in. “You have a real talent for working with plants and their medicinal properties. Everyone is still raving about the tea you made. There hasn’t been a single head cold outbreak since winter began.”

A rush of warmth flooded through me. Although I was never one to easily accept praise, it felt gratifying to know my efforts had made a positive impact. Perhaps I wasn’t failing as a Luna after all.

Suddenly, Oliver’s authoritative voice cut through the air. “Erik! Thomas! Return to your posts. Alexander will be addressing the group shortly, and your presence is required.”

So, their names were Erik and Thomas.

I chuckled lightly, shaking my head.

“Are you kidding? If I did that, I’d never leave,” I joked, feeling a sense of camaraderie.

He extended his hand, offering me the doctor’s number. Yet, I could see a flicker of concern in his eyes, as if he was wrestling with something he wanted to say.

“What is it?” I asked, sensing the weight of his unspoken thoughts.

“Does your being in here, buried in papers, have anything to do with what Erik and Thomas were discussing earlier?” he probed gently.

“Perhaps…” A small smile crept onto my lips. “They reached out to express their condolences after hearing about Isabella and Fiona. They offered to train me in some self-defense techniques.”

Oliver nodded, his expression thoughtful. “That wouldn’t be a bad idea. Alexander has been hinting at something similar for a while now. Did you agree to it?”

“I told them I needed to think it over,” I admitted, my tone serious. “It’s become glaringly obvious that I haven’t been fulfilling my duties and responsibilities as Luna.”

“Evelyn, you must realize that no one is holding that against you,” he reassured me, his voice steady. “Given the recent circumstances—”

“Oliver, I need this,” I interjected, gesturing to the cluttered table before me. “I need to focus on something that could potentially help people and, hopefully, myself. It might just be the only way for me to move forward.”

He lowered his gaze, taking a moment to gather his thoughts before speaking again. “May I ask you a direct question?”

I raised my brows, intrigued. “Of course. You know you can always be honest with me.”

“Don’t you think Alexander has a right to be by your side during this difficult time?”

The question hung in the air, heavy with implications, as I pondered the truth behind his words.