Chapter Sixty Five - Training Begins - Maya's POV

I'm not sure how to respond to him. His words echo in my mind and, for some reason, they're starting to reassure me. Still, it's hard to push aside the fear creeping under my skin. Everything has changed so fast, and I'm not sure if I'm ready for all of this. Even if it is what he says it should be. 'I feel like I'm drowning. Everything has happened so fast since you bought me. I barely know who I am anymore, let alone what is expected of me, because you won't talk about the prophecy." The words spill out before I can stop myself and once they're out in the open, I feel a bit lighter. It's like I've finally said what has been weighing me down. Damian doesn't respond immediately, and I'm grateful for that. He doesn't even push me to explain myself any further. Instead, his fingers trace small circles on my back, soothing me without words. This shouldn't be possible. I shouldn't be this comfortable lying in his arms. Not yet. But his presence is steady and unwavering. Though overwhelming, it also brings comfort, stirring something deep within me that I can't explain. 'No one has all the answers," he whispers. 'Not even me. But I'll be here with you through it all." I close my eyes, trying to absorb them and accept it. I want to believe him so badly and believe that there's still a way for me to navigate this world of wolves and other paranormals. But it feels impossible. 'I don't want to become someone I'm not just because of a bond between us," I say, my voice stronger than before. 'You won't. I won't make you change who you are and that isn't what the bond does. You're you." I let his words settle over me, like a gentle balm. He seems to always be steady, despite the chaos that swirls around me. Maybe I can finally breathe a little. Suddenly, Damian shifts and I pull away from him. 'It's time to train." I look at him in complete confusion before I realize what he is talking about. 'You're right." My gaze drifts to the window, catching sight of the early morning rays streaming through the sheer curtains. I sit up slowly; the covers slipping off my body as I stretch. His gaze is on me, not the hungry kind, though. It's one of full consideration, as if he is studying me. I don't mind it as much as I thought I would. He slips out of bed first, then offers me his hand. I take it and let him pull me to my feet. The movement feels so natural, like we've done this a thousand times. The room feels a bit lighter now as he leads me to his closet. 'Wait, I can't keep wearing your clothes. I need mine," I say, hoping to remind him of the situation in my room. 'It should be clean now," he says, a smile on his face. My gaze narrows. 'How? It was a mess last night." He shrugs and sifts through some of his shirts. 'They took care of it." As he ruffles through his clothes, I just stand there, wondering if I can leave, but I don't ask. 'Where are we training?" 'Out back. We have a training ground for everyone," he mumbles as he throws a shirt over his shoulder. 'You'll need to be ready for anything, so I suggest wearing yoga pants and a long t-shirt." I frown, unsure about the whole training thing, though I am the one who asked for it. 'Yoga pants and a long t-shirt? Are you sure?" I ask, my eyebrows raised in confusion. I'm not even sure what his training looks like, but something about Damian's tone suggests I need to be more prepared than just showing up in casual clothes. He glances over his shoulder at me, a smirk playing at the corner of his lips. 'Trust me, you'll need to be able to move and be comfortable." I roll my eyes, but can't help the smile that tugs on my lips. There's something about his quiet confidence that makes me feel like I'm overthinking this. After all, Damian knows what he is doing, and he shouldn't put me in any situation I can't handle. 'Fine, I'll go find clothes, if that is okay. But I'm not running circles like an idiot and not doing anything." 'I won't make you run circles and only circles. But you will need to warm up. That starts with a little bit of running to loosen muscles." I cross my arms over my chest, not thrilled with the idea of running. Deep down, I know it's probably a necessary evil. I can't expect to be thrown into combat situations without preparing my body. Not after what happened the other day. 'Fine, I'll run." 'Good. Just keep an even pace and you'll be fine. Now go get ready." I roll my eyes but follow his instructions. I turn and walk out of the edge of the closet and head straight for his door into the hallway. When I turn to the right to head to my door, I fear what might still be in my room, but I'm pleasantly surprised when I open the door, only to find a clean room. I don't know how they remained quiet and cleaned like this with us just next door. It's immaculate. Without hesitating, I step inside and try to not let last night's scenes play through my mind. But it's hard not to when everywhere I look reminds me of the chaos. I head straight into the closet, sorting through some of my things, only to realize more is there than before. My father sent my things, and I didn't even know. Instead of taking the time to think about it, I sort through bins of clothes until I find some yoga pants and a long loose t-shirt, just like Damian told me to. I shed his clothes and fold them before putting mine on. It all becomes a blur as anxiety takes over. I don't know what to expect, and I'm afraid I'll never fit in. After a few seconds of doubt and standing there in a daze, I grab his clothes and leave my room. When I step out into the hallway, I feel a little bit better. Damian is waiting for me by his door, dressed in nothing but a baggy t-shirt and gym shorts. His eyes are focused on me. 'You look ready." 'I am."