The next morning, Lucien woke up early and made his way downstairs to the living room. But something felt off. It was Leia's presence that was normally so noticeable, but right now, it was missing from the mansion.
"Has Leia gone out?" he asked the maid as she approached with his coffee tray.
"I'm not sure, Alpha," she replied, setting the cup down with a small bow.
Before Lucien could press further, the front door opened and Leia strode in, dressed in fitted sportswear. Some strands of hair clung to her temples, her cheeks flushed, and a light sheen of sweat glistened on her skin.
"I'm here," she called out, catching her breath.
Lucien's gaze swept over her from head to toe. "Where did you go?" he asked.
"To train," Leia said. "I've only a month to get myself on par with the other she-wolves, and I'm not wasting a single day."
Lucien's lips curved into a faint smirk at her determination. "Well, I didn't know you were this serious about a contest."
