When the lesson finally ended, the clearing was silent except for the sound of their breathing. Lara's arms ached, her hair clung to her damp forehead, and her tunic was streaked with dirt. Thornak had pushed her harder than ever before, but she'd kept up.
Almost.
Thornak let out a deep breath, then sank down onto the grass, one knee bent, his forearm resting casually across it.
Lara hesitated, then lowered herself a few feet away, legs crossed, careful not to disturb the quiet.
"You learn fast," he said after a pause, glancing at her from the corner of his eye. "Faster than most of my men."
She smiled faintly. "You're a demanding teacher."
He gave a soft, low chuckle. "You'll thank me when you're not dead."
Lara laughed, shaking her head. "Comforting."
Thornak's gaze lingered on her for a momenr. Then, he remembered Nymeria.
"Where is your wolf?" Thornak asked quietly, studying her. She should have still been able to feel the mate bond.
