Hades' Cursed Luna novel Chapter 85

Eve~

Kael blinked, clearly taken aback by my request. For a moment, I worried I’d crossed some line or made a fool of myself. My heart pounded as I rushed to explain, the words tumbling out in a flood.

"I just… I’ve been feeling helpless lately, and I hate it. I can’t keep depending on others to protect me. Jules has been amazing, but—" I paused, searching for the right words, "—I need to be able to stand on my own. For myself. For her. For—"

"For him?" Kael interjected, a faint smirk tugging at the corner of his lips.

Heat rushed to my face, but I didn’t deny it. "Maybe. I just need to learn how to fight. To survive. And I think… I think you could help me."

Kael’s expression softened, his usual humour tempered by something gentler. He studied me for a long moment, and I shifted under his gaze, suddenly unsure of myself.

"You don’t have to justify it to me, Your Highness," he said finally, his voice quiet but steady. "You’re right. You should be able to stand on your own. It’s a strength not many think to seek until it’s too late."

I blinked at him, startled by his understanding. "So… you’ll teach me?"

He nodded once, his easy smile returning. "Of course. But don’t think I’ll go easy on you because you’re royalty."

Relief flooded through me, and I laughed, the sound almost foreign after everything that had happened. "I wouldn’t expect you to."

Kael’s eyes sparkled with amusement. "Good. We need a tight schedule."

He was the beta of course he was going to be busy. We needed a precise time and place. "I have nothing to do all day. I am ready when you are." I told him earnestly.

Kael stroked his chin, his expression contemplative. "The right wing training deck would work. It’s quiet enough in the evenings, especially after the day’s rush. Not many people linger there once the sun starts to set."

I nodded, eager to solidify the plan. "What time are you thinking?"

He glanced toward the skyline, where the city lights were beginning to twinkle. "Right after dusk. I can spare an hour before my evening duties start. Three days a week to start. That should be enough to get you into the rhythm without burning you out."

"Evenings work perfectly," I agreed.

Kael’s lips quirked into a sly grin. "Don’t expect this to be easy. We’ll start with the fundamentals—strength, coordination, and situational awareness. You’ll probably hate me by the second session."

"I’m ready," I said firmly, meeting his gaze. "Whatever it takes."

He nodded approvingly. "We’ll need the right gear—nothing flashy, just practical."

"I will have that arranged."

"Good," Kael said, satisfied. "Tomorrow evening, east wing training deck. Don’t be late."

I hesitated for a moment, then asked cautiously, "What do you think Hades will say about this?"

Kael’s smirk faded slightly, his expression darkening. "Depends. If he’s in a protective mood, he might not take it well. Training yourself implies you feel unprotected, and he might see that as a personal failure."

I frowned, a mix of frustration and worry knotting in my chest. "That’s not fair. I’m not doing this because I doubt him. I just… I don’t want to be a liability." It was not always about him.

Kael leaned back, folding his arms. "Then make that clear to him. Hades is stubborn, but he respects strength and conviction. You’ve got both—just show him."

I sighed, glancing towards Hades’ side of the bed. "I’ll talk to him tonight. He deserves to know."

Kael’s teasing grin returned. "Good luck with that. If he decides to go all brooding and dramatic, don’t say I didn’t warn you."

I couldn’t help but smirk despite the nerves churning in my stomach. "Thanks, Kael. For agreeing to this. It means a lot."

He pushed off the door and started toward the corridor leading to the elevators. "Don’t thank me yet, Your Highness. Save it for when you can actually keep up with me. Tomorrow evening, right wing. Be ready."

As Kael disappeared into the shadows of the hall, I turned toward the right wing. One more conversation stood between me and tomorrow’s training, and I wouldn’t let it stop me.

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Hades~