The Lycan King’s Mark (Nevara) by Tiffanie L. Campbell novel Chapter 56

Nevara

The morning sun was already brutal and unusually warm for this time of winter, hanging high and unrelenting above the training yard like it had something to prove. Sweat clung to my neck, my arms, my

lower back as I slammed my palm into the padded post again and again–precision, not power, I remind

myself. Speed over brute force.

“Keep your elbows tighter,” Kael barked from a few feet away, his arms crossed and his usual disinterest

cranked up to max. “You’re not throwing haymakers in a bar fight.”

“Thanks for the visual,” I muttered, adjusting my stance.

I went again–striking fast, controlled–when something in my periphery shifted. Movement. Not a traine

I slowed instinctively.

Michelle.

She was walking across the edge of the training yard, her arms crossed casually over her chest–but her eyes were anything but casual. They were scanning. Quick flicks left and right, like she was checking to

see if anyone was watching.

I lowered my fists slightly, pretending to stretch.

She wasn’t dressed for a casual stroll. She was too… polished. Not a hair out of place, not a speck of dust

on her shoes, not even a hint of the heat touching her. And when her gaze locked onto Kael, her whole

posture changed.

Focused. Intentional.

She approached him directly, slowing only when she was close enough to speak without being overheard.

Kael’s face didn’t change much, but his arms dropped, and he tilted his head to listen as she leaned in

slightly.

They were too far for me to hear what was being said.

But it wasn’t just casual small talk.

Michelle glanced around again–nervous, maybe–but then something made my gut twist.

She pulled something from her bag. A small cloth wrapped bundle.

She handed it to Kael with both hands like it mattered. Like it was meant to be seen as a gesture, not just

a snack.

Another muffin.

Kael took it without comment, giving it a once–over before slipping it into his jacket pocket like he didn’t want anyone seeing it either.

< CHAPTER 56 – Cracks in the Glaze

My pulse skipped.

+25 Points

I watched as Michelle gave a small smile and turned to walk away–but not toward the palace. She didn’t seem to be heading anywhere at all. Just… walking. Purposefully. Like her job here was done.

Kael stood there for a moment longer before turning back to the trainees, yelling something about

footwork and discipline, but I barely heard him.

Because my mind was racing.

Why bring Kael a muffin now?

Why act like it needed to be hidden?

And what the hell were they talking about that needed to be private?

I tried to shake it off–focus on my training–but that same cold sliver of unease I felt during the carrot

cake incident slid back under my skin.

Maybe it was nothing.

Maybe it was everything.

Either way, my gut wouldn’t let it go.

The rest of the day passed in a blur.

I told myself I was just tired, that I needed rest and space and maybe a good book to pull my brain out of the rabbit hole I was spiraling down–but the truth was simpler:

I didn’t want to run into Michelle.

Not until I’d figured out what the hell I was feeling.

So after training, I went straight to my room. Took a long, scalding shower, changed into soft clothes, and curled up in the window nook with the book I’d been pretending to read all week. The spine cracked gently

in my hands. I didn’t make it past page six.

Dinner came to the room around dusk–simple roasted chicken and vegetables. A safe meal. A screened

one. I didn’t touch the bread.

I wasn’t expecting company, but not long after the tray arrived, there was a knock.

Thoren stepped in, his shirt slightly wrinkled, his expression tight.

“Sorry,” he said, stepping inside. “Didn’t mean to interrupt.”

“You’re not,” I said, surprised but relieved. “Everything okay?”

He nodded, crossing the room and dropping a kiss to the top of my head. “Just wanted to check in. Let you know I’m working late.”

“Something wrong?”

2/3

< CHAPTER 56 – Cracks in the Glaze

+25 Points

“Just a few things I need to go over with one of the advisors. Nothing urgent. But it’ll keep me tied up until

late. I didn’t want to miss the chance to see you.”

I smiled softly. “Thanks.”

He brushed his thumb over my cheekbone. “You’re sure you’re alright?”

I hesitated. Then nodded. “I’m fine. Just needed a little time to myself.”

He glanced at the untouched bread and gave a slight frown but didn’t push it. “If you need anything-”

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