The Lycan King’s Mark (Nevara) by Tiffanie L. Campbell novel Chapter 59

evara

The sun had barely started its descent when Kael called the end of training.

My limbs ached from sparring drills, sweat clung to my spine, and I was more than ready for a long shower and dinner in bed. But when he raised his voice and motioned everyone to gather, my stomach dropped. I

already knew what was coming.

The assignments.

Every trainee was buzzing with nervous energy as we formed a loose circle around him on the training field. A few people whispered their predictions, placing bets on who would end up with who. I stood silently, arms crossed, jaw tight. Please let me get someone competent. Or at least not a raging asshole.

Kael cleared his throat.

“All right, listen up. Tomorrow begins the off–site mission. As you all know, the first two days will be team–based, followed by two days of solo survival. Today, I’m announcing your groups of three. You’ll leave at dawn, so I suggest getting your gear and your head in order tonight.”

Everyone quieted.

He started reading off names.

“Bennett, Kline, Mercer.”

A few feet away, the three of them exchanged satisfied nods. No drama there.

“Aliyah, Daniels, Troy.”

Another decent mix.

Then he looked up and said the next three like they were no different than the rest.

“Hopkins, Jones, Laurent.”

My heart dropped like a stone in my gut.

You have got to be kidding me.

From across the circle, Hopkins and Jones turned toward me. Hopkins grinned like a wolf who just got handed his prey.

They bumped fists.

“Looking forward to it, king fucker,” he called, smirking.

A few of the others snickered.

I felt the flush of rage creep up my neck, but I bit it down and said nothing. Kael continued with the list like

< Chapter 59 – Team Spirit

+25 Points

he hadn’t heard a damn thing, and when he finished, he gave the standard speech about accountability

and survival expectations.

“Dismissed,” he said finally.

Everyone began breaking apart, chatter rising instantly as people discussed gear, strategy, and how early

they’d be waking up.

I stormed straight to Kael.

“You paired me with them?” I hissed.

He looked at me without flinching. “Yes.”

“You know how they treat me. Like I don’t belong here. Like I’m some kind of-”

“Then show them you do,” he said flatly.

I blinked, thrown off by the bluntness.

Kael folded his arms, voice even but firm. “This is a team–building exercise, Laurent. Anyone can succeed

when they like the people they’re working with. That’s not a challenge–it’s comfort. Growth happens in the difficult partnerships. I paired everyone in this program with people they’ve had issues with. You’re not the exception. You’re not being punished. You’re being challenged.”

My jaw tightened. “They hate me.”

“Then make them respect you.”

His eyes locked with mine, unyielding. “Or don’t. And fail out of the program.”

I stared at him, pulse thundering in my ears.

He didn’t blink.

Didn’t offer sympathy.

Didn’t take it back.

Just stood there, daring me to rise or fold.

1 swallowed hard.

“Fine,” I said, teeth clenched. “I’ll show them.”

Kael’s mouth twitched like the ghost of a smirk was trying to form. “That’s the spirit.”

He turned and walked off without another word, leaving me simmering in frustration, anger and determination.

Because now I had to win.

Not just survive.

< Chapter 59 – Team Spirit

Win.

+25 Points

I barely waited for Kael to finish his speech before I was storming across the training grounds, headed straight for Thoren’s office.

I needed to see him–just for a minute. Just to breathe in his scent, steal a kiss, remind myself that I had something real waiting for me when I got back.

And also tell him about Michelle. And the letter to Tobias. And how my instincts were screaming that something wasn’t right.

But when I got to the heavy oak doors of his office, the lights were off.

I knocked anyway. Waited. Tried the handle.

Locked.

“Seriously?” I muttered, pressing my palm against the wood like it could answer me.

I stood there for another few seconds, chewing the inside of my cheek, debating whether to wait or just come back. In the end, I turned and headed for my room. If I moved fast, I could shower, throw on something comfortable, and try again before I completely lost the night.

The hot water stung my sore muscles in the best way. I moved quickly, not bothering with shaving or hair masks–just a rinse, a scrub, and out. My gear was already packed and waiting by the door, my bag zipped up and ready. I’d checked it three times earlier, like a nervous little rookie.

Still… something didn’t sit right.

With

my hair still wrapped in a towel, I padded back to Thoren’s office.

Still dark.

Still locked.

“What the hell,” I whispered, frustrated now.

I went back to my room and grabbed my phone, shooting off a quick text:

You around? Need to see you. Mission nerves. And something else.

I waited.

Nothing

I called.

Straight to voicemail.

I was still staring at my phone when the knock came.

I opened the door, and there was Sabrina holding a tray and looking entirely too smug

“How did you know I wanted to eat dinner in here tonight?” I asked, stepping aside to let her in

< Chapter 59 – Team Spirit

+25 Points:

She walked over and set the tray on my desk, lifting the lid to reveal roasted chicken, mashed potatoes, and buttered carrots–my comfort meal. “I didn’t. The king did.”

That made me pause. “He did?”

She nodded. “Said you’d probably want something warm and easy in your room tonight, since you’ve gotta

be up at dawn. He told me to make sure you had it waiting.”

That softened me a little. Even if he wasn’t here, he’d thought of me.

“Oh,” Sabrina added with a grin, pulling something from her pocket. “And he gave me this.”

She handed me a folded note sealed with dark wax bearing the royal crest.

I peeled it open slowly, already bracing myself.

Nevara,

I’m sorry I’m not there tonight to eat with you and tuck you in before your mission. Something came up- business that couldn’t wait. I won’t be back until after you’ve already left and I won’t have any cell service

where I’m going.

I considered texting you or leaving a voicemail, but since you won’t have your phone on this mission, I figured a note was better. This way, you can take me with you. Pack this in your bag, and when things get tough–and they will–pull this out. Remember what I said. You’re stronger than you think. You belong

here. And I’m proud of you.

Also… I love you.

I know I probably should’ve said that in person, but I’ve been afraid of scaring you off. Still, you deserve to hear it now. And it’s okay if you’re not ready to say it back. I’m not going anywhere.

I waited four years for you. I’ll wait longer if I have to.

Now go show them who the hell you are.

-Thoren

I stared at the note, eyes burning.

He loved me.

He loved me.

And even though I wasn’t sure I was ready to say it back, I folded the letter carefully, pressed it to my heart, and whispered, “You’re coming with me.”

I slipped it into the front pouch of my pack.

Then I sat down to eat–quiet, calm, and more ready than I’d ever been.

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Into the Wild

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