Caleb's POV
Riley made her decision about training, but she refuses to let me help her. She thinks I'll be too soft on her, so Silas gets the honor instead.
Mason catches up with them as they head to the gym, and I trail behind with Jace. Silas says she's improving, Jace whispers to me, and I give him a short nod. The whole situation makes my chest tight. I hate that she feels like she needs this training. I hate that fear still lives in her eyes sometimes. But I can see it's helping her confidence, even though she's nowhere close to being able to handle a werewolf in a real fight.
Jace shoots me a knowing look. You realize this isn't about us, right? I think she just wants to feel like she has some control. Like she can defend herself, even if it's just a little bit.
I nod again, but his words don't settle the unease in my gut. There's something else driving this need of hers. Something that feels like preparation for a life where we won't be there to shield her from danger.
