Eila made her way to the ladies' powder room to change into her training attire. She had crafted it herself, drawing inspiration from the garments worn by seasoned warriors. Her hands had stitched every thread with care, and she was secretly eager to show it off to her mates. After all, her skill with a needle rivaled even the seamstresses of the Alpha court.
The outfit was a practical yet graceful ensemble: a light green tunic paired with fitted khaki trousers, layered beneath a sturdy but soft jute overcoat. The fabric held up well in movement but still flowed gently with her steps. She plaited her hair tightly, ensuring it wouldn't fall into her face mid-practice, and gave herself a final once-over before stepping out.
By the time she arrived at the training hall, her heart was pacing faster than her feet. She had arrived early, filled with anticipation. Back and forth she paced, a mix of excitement and nerves coiling in her belly. But the twins were nowhere in sight.
An hour passed before Lukas and Zois finally made their entrance.
Lukas wore a soft, admiring smile as he took in her appearance, while Zois stared—unapologetically and intensely—his gaze lingering longer than necessary. Their attention made Eila blush, though she tried to appear unaffected.
With twin kisses pressed to her cheeks, they offered apologies.
"Father detained us," Lukas explained, his voice low and apologetic. "Some pack matters required our attention."
"Truly, we meant not to keep you waiting," Zois added, brushing his fingers lightly against her hand.
Eila waved off their excuses with a small sigh. "Let us begin, then. I've waited long enough."
The twins didn't need to be told twice. They eased her into warm-up stretches and then began the basics of close-combat training. Eila followed their guidance eagerly. Her limbs moved with purpose as she mirrored their demonstrations—kicks, punches, stances.
Though she was quick to learn, every attempt to land a strike on either of them failed.
Frustration curled in her chest, but Lukas chuckled softly and ruffled her hair.
"You'll get there," he said. "The first step is to stop thinking and start feeling your movements."
Zois added, "Precision takes time. But you're doing well—better than most on their first day."
Their encouragement helped, and by the time training came to a close, Eila was breathless, sweaty, and smiling.
As they cooled down, Zois offered, "Let us escort you home."
Eila hesitated. "That's not necessary. I can—"
"We insist," Lukas interrupted gently, his tone brooking no refusal.
She sighed in surrender. "Fine. But only if you both change first. I'd rather not draw more attention than I already have today."
The twins smirked, promised to meet her at the estate's exit, and disappeared toward their quarters. Eila returned to the powder room to wash and dress in a clean gown, pinning her hair in a simpler style. She wanted to visit Leonard too, but his voice came through the mind link before she could even ask.
Busy today, my love. The council has summoned me. Business awaits. I'll make it up to you soon.
Her heart sank a little at his absence, but she didn't complain. She simply replied with an understanding note and made her way to the exit.
The twins were already waiting. A carriage had been summoned, standing polished and ready at the gate. Lukas stepped in first. As Eila approached, Zois murmured something to the coachman before turning and helping her into the carriage. She took the opposite seat out of habit.
But neither of them looked pleased by the distance.
Lukas shifted suddenly, rising to his feet and crossing to her side.
Without a word, he pulled her gently but firmly into his lap.
Eila gasped, clutching at his shirt in shock. "L-Lukas—what are you doing?"
His arms tightened around her waist, lips brushing near her ear.
"Fixing a problem," he whispered. "I don't like having you so far away."
Zois smirked from his place across them. "Neither do I. But we'll take turns."