Hades' Cursed Luna novel Chapter 87

Eve~

I stepped into the right wing training deck as Kael had directed, my heart thumping in my chest like a drum. The space was modern and sleek, clearly designed for intense training. Overhead, industrial-style lights cast a warm glow across the room, illuminating its features with sharp precision. The floors were a matte black, made of some kind of shock-absorbing material that softened each step, and the faint scent of cleaning agents mingled with a trace of sweat and effort lingering in the air.

In the center of the room was a raised sparring ring, its edges padded with thick cushions and its ropes taut and gleaming under the lights. The corners held sturdy metal posts, their bases scuffed from years of use. To the side, there were punching bags of varying sizes suspended from reinforced beams, along with rows of kettlebells, free weights, and resistance bands stacked neatly on racks.

Mirrors lined the back wall, giving the illusion of more space and reflecting the equipment that filled the room. A long row of floor mats stretched out in front of the mirrors, clearly used for warmups or hand-to-hand drills. Near the entrance, a water dispenser and a small bench suggested this room was both functional and welcoming, though its purpose was anything but leisurely.

The atmosphere was serious yet strangely inviting. It was a space designed for building strength and skill—a room where sweat, discipline, and determination came to life.

I glanced down at myself, fidgeting with the hem of my old workout gear. It wasn’t anything special—just a simple fitted black tank top and a pair of loose-fitting, high-waisted leggings. They were comfortable, practical, but not exactly what I should be wearing for my first real training session. The leggings were a bit too loose, the fabric clinging to my legs but not giving me the firm control I needed. The top—though snug—didn’t offer much in terms of support for anything more than a leisurely stretch.

But they were the only things I had. My old yoga clothes. I’d hoped they’d be enough for tonight.

I couldn’t stop the gnawing feeling of unease that swirled in my stomach. Was I being ridiculous? Was Kael expecting someone more… prepared? More fierce? But then again, it wasn’t about impressing him, right? It was about doing this for myself.

I took a deep breath, exhaling slowly as I took a few tentative steps inside. My sneakers, new and still stiff, barely made a sound on the floor. I wasn’t sure whether I should feel embarrassed or proud of myself for showing up. This was it—the first step toward learning how to stand on my own two feet, without relying on anyone else.

The thought of Hades flickered in my mind, and a fresh wave of nervousness washed over me. What would he say if he found out?

The thought made me straighten, trying to shake off the doubt that clung to my skin like the faint traces of perfume in the air.

I reached the center of the room, where Kael was waiting, a shadow in the soft light. He was leaning against the edge of the ring, arms crossed, his stance as casual as ever. But there was something about his gaze—sharp. For a moment, it was the beta that had taken me from my cell that was staring at me.

"You’re here," he said with a faint grin, his eyes drifting over my outfit for just a moment.

I flushed, self-conscious. "I, uh, didn’t have time to—" I gestured vaguely at myself, the words trailing off. "But I’m ready. I’m serious about this."

Kael’s smirk softened into something approving. "I can see that," he said, uncrossing his arms. "But we need to fix that outfit."

My heart skipped a beat. "What’s wrong with it?"

"Nothing," he said, his eyes twinkling with humor, "but you need something that gives you more freedom of movement. You’ll get tangled up in those leggings if we push too hard."

My stomach twisted again. "I don’t… I don’t have anything else."

Kael looked at me, really looked at me, and something in his gaze shifted—like he wasn’t just seeing the princess but the woman behind the crown. "That’s alright. We’ll make do with what we have tonight, but next session, we’ll find you something better. You don’t have to make do, Ellen. Not anymore."

I swallowed the lump in my throat, surprised by his kindness.

"Thanks," I said, my voice barely a whisper, but it was enough to make him nod in acknowledgment. He gestured toward the mats in front of the mirrors.

"Alright then. We’ll start with stretches. No need to rush, just get a feel for your body, your highness."

"Call me Ev--Ellen," I said and he nodded. I tried to relax. This was it. My first step in taking control of my own fate.

It was time to stop being afraid.

I dropped onto the mat, legs folding beneath me as Kael instructed. His voice was calm, firm, guiding me through a series of stretches that, at first, felt awkward and unnatural. I mimicked his movements, twisting my torso, reaching forward, pulling back. My blood pumped hard, rushing in my ears with every bend and reach.

The tightness in my muscles burned, a sting that made me wince but also stirred something deeper—exhilaration. I wasn’t used to this, to feeling my body pushed like this. The ache in my thighs, the pull in my shoulders—it was uncomfortable but thrilling, a strange kind of proof that I was alive.