Chapter 0190

Athena

"Enough!" I snap, glaring down at my swollen stomach. The twins were developing rapidly, and their favorite pastime seemed to be kicking each other—or my bladder—relentlessly. It was driving me insane.

Alexander raises a brow, a faint smile playing on his lips as Brianna jogs toward us. I sigh inwardly, having forgotten she was participating in today's training session.

She halts before us, her gaze immediately narrowing at my belly. "Should you even be out here while pregnant?"

"I'm not training. This is my only escape from being confined indoors!" I retort sharply, causing her to drop her eyes.

For years, Victoria and Dominic had kept me imprisoned within four walls. My world had shrunk to the backyard, until I finally tasted near-complete freedom.

Now, I would give anything to feel real grass under my bare feet. To bask in sunlight without constant surveillance. But until Zachary sends word, I'm forbidden from leaving Alexander's sight. The artificial turf of the training grounds would have to suffice.

I understood it was for my protection. For the twins' safety. But every fiber of my being screamed to break free, to escape this suffocating... entrapment.

Alexander knew. He would reassure me in that calm, steady tone, reminding me this was temporary. Necessary. Promising I could still do most things—as long as he could see me. But to me, this "best thing" felt like losing my sanity piece by piece. If I had any left at this point.

It wasn't just about safety. It was about monitoring me. Ensuring I didn't become the monster I feared most.

"Where would you like me, Alpha?" Brianna beams at Alexander. I desperately want to wipe that artificial smile off her face. It reeks of forced pleasantry. I'd bet anything she possesses a spectacular resting bitch face behind closed doors. I haven't seen it yet, but my instincts scream it's there.

Alexander directs her toward a group of seasoned guards. He'd already mentioned wanting to assess her capabilities. I questioned why—I was living proof of what she could do. I'd felt her power firsthand when she set her mind to it, and that was right after her turning.

What could she achieve with years of training?

"It's prudent to know everyone's capabilities. We may need to utilize them. Or prepare against them." Alexander winks at me.

I glance up, but his crimson eyes remain fixed on the sparring groups. Does he secretly distrust Brianna too?

Nyx murmurs, beginning to voice her opinion. I tell her to be silent. It's easier without her commentary; this way, I can focus on restraining the monster within.

I lower myself onto the grass, observing the combatants. Training had been off-limits since my pregnancy was confirmed. Not that formal training ever mattered when I was fighting for survival. I simply shifted and obliterated threats within seconds. Tearing out hearts, just as Gabriel did to Sophia.

Was that a Rogue trait? Targeting the heart? Or was it simply the most efficient method? Then again, Rogues often toy with their prey. The heart wouldn't be their first target.

In those moments, it was just pure instinct. I never consciously aimed. My claws simply found their mark. Except with Ethan. Him, I tortured.

A smile threatens to surface, and I force it down as Alexander clears his throat. His crimson eyes lock onto mine.

"You've been listening?" I whisper.

"Difficult not to." His voice drops low as he crouches before me. "Brianna warned you about allowing dark thoughts to fester."