<h4>Chapter 468: Why We Need Punishments</h4>


    <strong><i>[Meredith].</i></strong>


    Oscar shook his head, clearly done with Dennis.


    On the other hand, Leviughed while Vivian smiled behind her fingers. And as usual, Wanda jerked her gaze away sharply.


    But when she turned back toward me, her expression wasposed. Almost neutral, like she was wearing a mask.


    My brows drew together subtly.


    Before, and even earlier, she never bothered to hide her jealousy. She always let it burn openly and recklessly. But now? She seemed to have better control, already pretending she didn’t care.


    <i>’What are you nning now, Wanda?’</i> A quiet tension wound inside me.


    On instinct, I softly reached toward her mind. Just a brush to sense her intentions, but something like a strong, hard wall blocked me.


    It was stronger than I expected. And it was a surprise to me that she would shield her mind this well, as if she had something to hide—something no one should ever find out.


    Suspicion sharpened through me, and I attempted again. But suddenly, Draven stepped into my line of sight, blocking herpletely.


    I blinked up at him,pletely taken aback by his actions,


    But he frowned as he put his hands on my shoulders and leaned in slightly. "Are you alright?"


    I nodded, utterly confused. "Yes... Why?"


    His voice dropped to a whisper only I could hear. "Your eyes were glowing."


    Instantly, my breath caught.


    Of course. Using my ability in public was reckless and dangerous.


    I lowered my gaze and whispered back, "I was trying to read someone’s mind."


    Draven exhaled slowly. "Do not do that here. Or anywhere public. You risk exposing yourself."


    I nodded, chastened. He was right. And just when the moment softened, Dennis shouted from across the grounds:


    "Hey! Lovebirds! What are you whispering about?"


    I answered dryly, "How to stab you."


    Dennis’s mouth twitched. The othersughed, except Wanda, whose smile stretched too broad to be real.


    Just then, the stablehands led the horses away toward the sheds, the animals snorting and stamping as they were guided back into their stalls.


    With the horses gone, Dennis pped his hands loudly. "Alright! Next game—let’s move to the training grounds!"


    He pointed toward the open field beside the arena—a ce with target walls, weapon racks, and enough space for drills. And everyone began walking.


    Levi and Vivian chatted quietly. Oscar walked with that silent, steady presence. Jeffery followed behind Draven, always alert. Wanda walked ahead of me intentionally, as though leading the way.


    Draven ced a hand on my lower back as we approached the training ground.


    The targets were already set up—circles made of stacked wooden boards, marked with red centres. And now everyone was here, ready for the next challenge.


    "It’s time for the knife-throwing." Dennis dered as he swept his arm dramatically toward the weapon racks.


    The mood sharpened immediately.


    Dennis smirked. "Before we begin, I have a modest suggestion..."


    Jeffery gave him a look. "This can’t be good."


    Dennis grinned wider. "Whoever loses three rounds in a row gets a punishment."


    Wanda’s eyes lit with predatory delight. Vivian covered a nervous smile while Oscar raised an eyebrow. And Levi chuckled under his breath.


    But Draven shut it down immediately. "No."


    Dennis straightened. "What? Why?"


    "I’m not permitting punishments for friendlypetition," Draven stated.


    Wanda rolled her eyes subtly as Dennis groaned loudly. "Draven, you’re ruining the fun!"


    But Draven totally ignored him, so we moved closer to the throwing area.


    Dennis handed out the knives and dered, "First round: uracy. Whoever gets closest to the centre wins."


    Everyone took their position, then he stepped back and raised his hand. "Luna Meredith goes first!"


    My stomach tightened as I lifted the knife with focus. Behind me, Draven spoke quietly so only I could hear.


    "Rx your shoulders. Throw with your wrist, not your arm."


    I breathed out. Then threw. The knife spun once and twice, then struck the target. Though it wasn’t the centre, it stuck.


    Dennis raised both brows. "Well, damn. Respect."


    Wanda’s jaw clenched. "I guess it’s beginner’s luck," she muttered.


    Jeffery snorted. "Hardly."


    "Surely, my wife is full of surprises." Draven’s smile touched his eyes.


    Dennis pped. "Draven’s turn!"


    Draven didn’t even take a stance. He simply flicked the knife, and itnded perfectly at the centre of the target.


    That was expected of him.


    Vivian pped politely while Dennis mumbled, "Show-off."


    Oscar was next. He threw the knife, but it hit the outer ring. It was a sloppy result for someone of his skill.


    The game continued. Jefferynded just inside the second ring. Levi’s throw grazed the target’s edge.


    Vivian’s knife dropped into the dirt before the board, and she covered her face in embarrassment.


    Wanda hit near the centre with her chin high and a proud smile.


    Then came Dennis. He exhaled, spun the knife dramatically, winked at no one in particr, and threw. It missed the board entirely.


    A moment of silence followed. Even the breeze seemed to pause. But just then, the sound of Levi’sughter broke the still. "Dennis!"


    Oscar coughed, almost smiling. Vivian tried to hide her amusement behind her hand while Wanda, however, glowed with triumph.


    "See?" she said sweetly. "This is why we need punishments."


    Dennis scoffed. "I’m sure you prayed so hard for this."


    "Do not me anyone for your failure." Draven raised a brow. "You missed the target on your own."


    Then, Wanda turned to Draven immediately andined, "Draven, this is exactly why you should have allowed punishments. Dennis actually deserves one, and now, he can’t get it."


    Oscar nodded calmly. "Agreed."


    I silently agreed too. My big-mouthed brother-inw deserved to be taught a lesson or two.


    Dennis looked around, horrified. "What is this? A coup? Why are you all suddenly on the same team?"


    Jeffery answered without emotion. "Because you earned it. Or don’t you think so?"


    Draven finally relented, but with limits. "Fine," he said. "Punishments are reinstated. But nothing excessive."


    Dennis stared at him, betrayed but pretending to be noble. "Very well," he sighed. "If my Alphamands it..."


    Then he perked up suddenly. "However! I will not be participating in the next round," he said, rolling his shoulder dramatically. "I strained this during training earlier today. I will supervise this time."


    Levi raised a brow. "How convenient."


    "...mm." Jeffery didn’t look surprised.


    "Coward." Wanda scoffed.


    Dennis held up a hand. "I’m injured, not a coward."


    Oscar snorted.


    I found myself quietly amused by Dennis’s tactics. I’m very sure he’s just afraid of losing again. However, I couldn’t shake one question.


    <i>’Oscar missing entirely, and Dennis missing a whole board?’</i>


    Dennis was a trained warrior. Oscar too. I had trained with Dennis before, and I believe his uracy was far better than what he disyed.


    Just as the realization struck, Draven’s voice slid into my mind, warm and steady.


    <i>"It’s normal to y dumb in games. Competitions like these... people hide their real abilities for fun. But you should do the same."</i>


    Understanding clicked instantly. Draven was protecting me from what the others must never see.


    I responded softly through the mind-link, <i>"I will. Thank you."</i>


    Draven nced at me from the corner of his eye, just a faint, private acknowledgement.


    Then Dennis pped his hands again, recovering his dramatic cheerfulness.


    "Alright! Since I’m retired from throwingpetitions, who is ready for the speed round? Form your pairs!"