My Marked Luna (Apphia and Nicholas) novel Chapter 52

**Apphia POV**

“Wake up, sleepyhead! It’s time for the gym!” Drake’s voice booms from the other side of my door, breaking the tranquil silence of my room. I groan inwardly, not quite ready to leave the warm cocoon of my bed. The soft sheets feel like a comforting embrace, and the thought of facing the day makes me want to burrow deeper. But the relentless knocking pulls me from my slumber, forcing me to sit up, my mind still foggy with sleep. Stretching my limbs, I finally muster the will to slip out from under the covers.

As I rise, I notice Shai stirring beside me. Her emerald eyes shoot open, glaring at me with indignation for disturbing her peace. “Good morning, Shai,” I whisper, gently stroking her soft fur, but she responds with a hiss, clearly unimpressed. I named her Shai, a name that holds a special significance for me, as it mirrors my middle name. It means “Gift,” a name bestowed upon me by my mother, who always said I was a precious gift from the goddess.

“Extra laps for delaying us!” Drake calls out again, his voice echoing through the house.

“Coming!” I shout back, a hint of urgency creeping into my tone.

I dash to my closet, quickly pulling on a pair of shorts and a sports bra. Standing before the mirror, I scrutinize my reflection, nodding in approval at my outfit. With a swift motion, I gather my hair into a high ponytail, slipping on my sneakers before heading to the door.

The walk to the gym is accompanied by a comfortable silence, the kind that speaks volumes without the need for words. As we arrive, I’m taken aback to see Lily, Knox, and Emiliana already hard at work in the ring. It’s been days since I’ve seen them, and I can’t help but feel a rush of excitement.

“Apphia!” Emily exclaims, her face lighting up with a radiant smile as she waves enthusiastically. I return her gesture, exchanging friendly greetings with everyone present.

“Let’s use the other ring, shall we?” Drake suggests, leading me to a space across the room. I begin my stretches, focusing on my movements, and when I finish, I turn to face him. He lifts his hands in front of him, a clear invitation for me to take a swing. I comply, but my punch feels weak, barely grazing his shoulder.

“My seven-year-old sister can punch harder than that!” he teases, a playful smirk on his face. Determined, I try again, but he merely sighs, shaking his head.

“C’mon, I know you can do better than this,” he encourages, his voice laced with a mixture of challenge and support.

Deep down, I know I can. I’ve thrown punches before, back in my pack… occasionally. But the thought of disappointing Drake is frustrating. I can feel my cheeks flush with embarrassment. As we continue, I struggle to land a hit, and I can sense Knox and Lily watching us, their expressions revealing their surprise at my lack of strength.

“Can I help?” Knox offers, stepping forward, and Drake nods, allowing us to pause for a moment. Knox enters the ring, taking Drake’s place with an encouraging grin.

“Look, just think of all the messed-up stuff you’ve been through in your life,” Knox instructs, his tone turning serious.

“Knox!” Lily interjects, a frown forming on her face.

“Not a messed-up life,” he corrects himself, a sheepish smile breaking through. “Um, just a tough life?”

“I’m not offended. It was a tough life,” I mumble, a hint of sarcasm creeping in.

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