I wanted to argue, but the warmth in his voice stopped me. He was right. I couldn’t let them drag me back—not while I was trying to build myself stronger.
“Come on.” Asher said, standing. “Let’s train. Use it. All of it. Turn it into fuel.”
I rose slowly, muscles screaming, and followed him into the clearing. Morning light filtered through the trees, casting patterns.
“Today we’re doing more than running. We’re working on control. Emotions rule you, you lose. You have to channel them.”
“How?”
“By letting me attack you until you get it right.”
I groaned. “Of course.”
“Ready?”
I nodded, setting my feet.
Asher came at me faster than yesterday. I barely ducked before his hand grazed my shoulder. Instincts screamed, but thoughts scrambled—don’t let emotions rule you. My adoptive mother
