Tangled

105 Ava: Training (II)

Halfway around the track, Jericho pops up again.

There’s never been a person I’ve love–hated as much as him, and I have a fucked up family that inspires all kinds of hate to go with the love a family shares.

“What,” I grunt as I lunge forward, stretching my legs and dipping down with my wildly weak arms. They’re beyond trembling. They’re like jello, and I can barely raise the dumbbells from my sides.

But I don’t stop.

“Straighten your back,” Jericho growls, eyeing my pose critically. “Keep your core tight.”

I adjust my stance, trying to maintain balance as my leg muscles quiver. Jericho grunts, apparently finding my form acceptable, before shoving something at me.

“Here. Two pound dumbbells. Never had to start someone so low before.”

I glance down at the weights, surprised to see they’re a cute, bright pink color. They look pristine, like they’ve never been touched.

105 Ava Training (1)

“Did you have someone buy these for me?” The question slips out before I can stop myself.

Jericho’s eyes narrow. “None of your business,” he barks, turning on his heel and storming off towards Lisa, who’s struggling through her own set of lunges.

I can’t help but giggle–in my head, because I have no breath to spare–as I continue the exercise, the small weights clutched in my hands. Despite Jericho’s gruff demeanor, the fact that he went out of his way to get these for me sends a unexpected wave of warmth through my chest.

It’s a small gesture, but it speaks volumes. Beneath his tough exterior, maybe Jericho isn’t quite as cold as he

seems.

“Lift those arms higher, Grey! You think this is a game?” Jericho’s voice cuts through my momentary warmth like a knife.

my muscles. Sweat pours down my face, stinging

Jericho

15:23

Ava: Training

merciless drill sergeant determined

break me.

hair plastered to my forehead. He meets my gaze, unflinching, a smirk playing at the corners of

across his chest. Sᴇaʀᴄh thᴇ Find_Nøvel.ɴet website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of novels

Instead, I force myself to

sure this is what dying feels like. But I won’t give Jericho the satisfaction of seeing

it

calls out from somewhere to my left, her voice

course, Jericho yells at her, too. Poor Lisa. She’s

words

15:23

Training

support. We’re in this together, suffering under Jericho’s tyrannical rule.

to do this. For myself, for Lisa, and maybe just a little bit

Jericho.

ounce of determination I possess, pushing through the pain, the exhaustion, the overwhelming desire to collapse on the ground and never move

waged against my own limitations. But I keep going, fueled by sheer stubbornness and the refusal to

Jericho break me.

make it around the track. I have no idea how long it’s been. I’m

control over my shaking arms. I’m panting, my heart racing, my entire body drenched in

wolves go through this

even close” Jericho scoffs,

is born as weak as you are right now.”

had the energy, I’d protest his cruel

I don’t have any.

said, I’m basically dead

through her own exercises, pipes up. It’s amazing how she still has the energy to talk. after everything.

mean, I’m basically

just loud enough for us to hear. “Please. These are conditions for a human baby, and yet