"Kara, wake up we have training this morning." Mia's voice cuts through my dreamy slumber.

"We just got back this morning." I grumble, not wanting to leave my cozy bed.

"You know that doesn't matter. Training field in ten minutes." Mia calls out, already making her way out of my room.

"UGH!" I groan, dragging myself out of bed. It's only seven in the morning and I just arrived four hours ago. But I know there's no use arguing with Mia about it. I quickly throw on my black leggings and a sports bra, pulling my long hair into a tight bun to keep it out of my face.

I grab a cold bottle of water from my mini fridge before sluggishly making my way to the training field. The winter sun is just beginning to rise, casting a dim light over the area. Despite the cold wind whipping against my skin, I've grown used to it after three years here.

As I reach the field, I notice that no one else has arrived yet. Rolling my eyes, I plop down on the grass and start stretching my tired muscles, preparing for whatever intense training our instructor Deliah has planned for us today.

Soon enough, I hear the low murmurs of a group approaching. I turn to see Velvet and Mia walking towards me.

"Seriously, you woke me up and I'm the first one here?" I ask annoyedly.

"Yep. Had quite a time getting this one out of bed though," Mia replies, pointing at Velvet.

"Hey, I was comfy." Velvet defends herself with a lazy yawn.

They join me in stretching and we wait for Deliah to arrive.

Suddenly, everyone falls silent. Looking around, I spot Anna standing alongside a man who is causing every woman present to drool. And I can't blame them - he looks like a literal god walking among mortals. His short, dark hair falls into his eyes, which are the deepest shade I've ever seen. His bone structure is perfect, his jawline sharp. With his shirt off, his tanned skin glows in the rising sun, showcasing a myriad of tattoos covering almost every inch of exposed skin. His abs are defined to perfection, with a sharp V-line leading down to his black sweatpants.

It's safe to say that every straight woman here just had their panties drop at the mere sight of him. And honestly, I can't blame them.

"Everyone," Anna's voice reverberates through the field. "Please welcome your new trainer, Azron. He'll be here for a while and you are to show him the utmost respect. Give him your full attention and based on the drool I see from some of you, I doubt that will be difficult." She says, causing some to hastily wipe their mouths and others to laugh.

"Hello," we all reply in unison.

Azron and Anna nod at each other in mutual respect before she takes her leave, leaving us in the hands of our new trainer.

"Good morning ladies." Azron's voice is deep and smooth like silk.

"As I am new to all of you, I'd like to get a sense of your strengths and weaknesses. I have a few questions." He tells us.

"What makes a great warrior?" He asks the group as he looks around.

Several hands shoot up in response. Not wanting to be the center of attention, I try to blend into the crowd.

"You, with blonde hair and a pink top," he points to Velvet.

"Heart." She answers confidently.

"That is correct. If your heart isn't fully invested in what you're fighting for, you won't go very far." Azron nods in agreement.

"We all have our strengths and weaknesses. It's important to recognize and address those weaknesses. Know yourself, and know how to overcome those weaknesses so your enemies can never use them against you." He explains, his voice full of wisdom.

"Many of your targets will be men. And the number one weakness for most men? Women. That is your biggest advantage." Azron declares, sending a knowing smile my way.

Internally, I can't help but think back to last night's mission and how true Azron's statement is.

"Today, we will be embarking on a team training exercise," announced Azron to the group of twelve individuals in front of him. His voice boomed through the spacious training room, filled with anticipation and excitement.

"I will select two team captains, who will then choose their teammates for each of the three courses. Each person can only participate once," he explained loudly, as the group exchanged looks and murmurs among themselves.

"And as an added bonus, the winning team will get to check out early and avoid the dreaded ten mile run," he added, causing cheers and high-fives to erupt from some of the participants.

Azron scanned the group before his eyes landed on Bethany at the front row.

"You there in the front," he pointed to her with authority.

"My name is Bethany," she replied seductively, flashing a confident smile at Azron.

"You are one of the captains for today's training," he announced, to which she let out a triumphant fist pump and positioned herself next to Azron with a flirtatious flutter of her eyelashes.

"Seduction may work on some men, but not on me," Azron said dismissively, much to the amusement of those around me.

"And you there, with the short curly red hair," Azron's finger now pointed towards Mia, who stood tall and proud at attention.

"My name is Mia, sir," she replied confidently.

"Team captain number two. Bethany gets first pick," Azron declared as Mia joined him on his left side.

"Courtney," Bethany said without hesitation, earning no surprised reactions from the rest of us.

"Velvet," Mia declared proudly, her chest puffed up with determination.

"Melony," chirped Bethany happily, already forming a strong bond with her chosen teammates.

"Kara," Mia called out, gesturing me to join her side with a warm smile.

As the teams were finalized, Azron stepped forward and addressed us once again.

"Now, you will only find out the task at hand when it is time. Make wise choices with your team members and focus on each other's strengths," he commanded authoritatively, as we all prepared ourselves for the challenges that lay ahead.

"First up," Azron declares, gesturing towards a large fabric that hides something behind it. My team and I exchange puzzled looks - how did we overlook this challenge?

"The rules are simple: one teammate will be blindfolded and led through the course by their partner. The first team to complete the course gets the point," he explains.

We huddle in a group, waiting for our leader Mia to assign roles.

"I think Velvet should lead, she's great at communicating," Mia suggests confidently, "and Bailey, you've always been good at following instructions. You'll be perfect for this."

Bailey and Velvet step forward, as do Melony and Charice from Bethany's team - two strong choices.

With a dramatic flourish, the host unveils the course. Our gasps echo through the clearing - this is no easy task. There are barbed wire obstacles to crawl under, a balance beam over hot coals, and a daunting rock climbing wall.

As we watch our teammates begin the challenge, Bethany's team can't seem to contain themselves. They scream and shout directions at their teammates, but we remain silent and focused. We trust in Velvet and Bailey's abilities and know they need to stay focused on the task at hand.

Despite a few missteps from both teams, ours manages to finish first.

"Team Mia, one point. Team Bethany, your loud distractions were unhelpful. Your teammates needed to communicate with each other without interference. Trust in your team." Azron delivers his verdict with a blank expression.

"Teams need to learn the importance of synchronization," Azron declares, his commanding voice carrying over the group. "Which brings us to our second course."

My heart races with anticipation as I watch him lead us to a clearing in the forest. The ground is littered with fallen leaves and twigs, and I can hear the distant sound of a river nearby.

"Two teammates will be tied together back-to-back," Azron explains, gesturing towards two lengths of rope lying on the ground before us. "You will have to work together to get to the finish line."

I exchange a determined glance with my partner Joanne, feeling confident in our ability to work together. But then Azron adds, "The trick is, you cannot walk, run, or skip."

My stomach drops at his words. Tricky shit, I think to myself.

Mia, our team leader, steps forward with encouraging words for Joanne and me. I admire her leadership skills, but right now I am focused on the task ahead.

Meanwhile, Bethany's team is already struggling as they try to roll themselves along the ground. They yell at each other in frustration.

But Joanne and I remain calm and begin strategizing quietly. After a few minutes of planning, we start flipping ourselves over each other in a synchronized fashion. It takes some time and effort, but we manage to cross the finish line just before Bethany's team.

We automatically win this round and our team erupts into cheers while Bethany scowls at her teammates for their failure.

But our victory is short-lived as Azron announces a third course. If Bethany's two remaining members can beat our last two members in this round, they will replace those they defeated and go home early while the rest of us continue on.

Azron leads us around the building to a large swimming pool and my heart sinks. This can't be good.

"One teammate will be tied underwater to those weights," he says, pointing towards a set of heavy-looking objects at the bottom of the pool. "The other must retrieve one key at a time and swim back to their partner to unlock the restraints. There are three locks, and the first pair to free themselves wins."

My hands start to shake as I realize I will be the one tied underwater. And to make matters worse, Azron warns us that the water is freezing cold and if anyone goes into distress, they will be removed from the water immediately.

Mia turns to me with a nervous expression. "You and me, Kara," she says.

I know what she's going to say even before she says it. "I'll go under," I tell her, resting my forehead against hers. "I trust you."

With a deep breath, I wade into the frigid water and feel it take my breath away. But I force myself to relax, knowing that staying calm and keeping my heart rate slow is crucial for this challenge.

As others join us in strapping ourselves into the restraints, I close my eyes and focus on my breathing. I trust Mia completely and have full faith in our ability to work together as one team.