"This one will tear you from the inside," Elder Magnus said, his voice echoing across the training grounds. His silver eyes scanned the young alphas standing before him, their shoulders squared, expressions unreadable.
"Today," he continued, "you will be tested on loyalty. Not strength. Not speed. But your hearts."
The air shifted as the illusion field went into life around them. The mountain disappeared, replaced by a bloodied battlefield. Fires crackled in the distance. Wolves howled in agony. And in front of each alpha stood two paths.
"You must choose," Another elder said, his voice hard as stone. "Your pack... or your mate."
Maverick's jaw clenched. His illusion shimmered. On one side, Rory was in a coma, and even at that, her eyes filled with fear.
"Make your choice, Alpha," a v
