Crowned by Fate

Chapter 9: First Day of Training

The sun had barely risen when a sharp knock sounded on Elara’s door.

“Training starts now!” a voice called.

Elara was already awake. Sleep had been fitful, her mind replaying the palace, the rejections, and the weight of leaving everything behind.

Focus, Lunaris reminded her. This is the first step of what comes next.

“I know,” she whispered.

She stepped outside, the morning air crisp and alive with motion. Wolves were already moving across the training grounds—shifting between human and wolf forms, sparring, running drills, and testing their strength.

Elara’s chest tightened with a familiar mix of anticipation and doubt. They’ll see me for what I am… or judge me for what I’m not.

Ignore them, Lunaris urged. We’re here to grow, not to impress.

Taking a deep breath, Elara walked toward the training area. A few wolves glanced at her, some with curiosity, others with thinly veiled skepticism.

A tall, broad male wolf smirked. “So this is the new one?”

“Doesn’t look like much,” another muttered.

Elara kept her head high. She had survived far worse. Judgment from strangers was nothing compared to what she had faced at home or the palace.

Alpha Nyra stepped into the center of the grounds, her eyes sweeping over the group. “This is Elara Silverfang. She will train with us starting today.”

Murmurs spread.

Nyra’s gaze returned to Elara. “I don’t care what you think you know. Every wolf earns their place. That includes her.”

She turned to Elara. “Shift.”

Elara froze for a fraction of a second, then let the change overtake her. Bones shifted, muscles tightened, fur sprouted, and within moments her wolf form stood in place of her human body.

There was a brief pause among the other wolves—surprise, assessment, curiosity.

Stay calm, Lunaris whispered. We know what we’re capable of.

I hope they can see it too, Elara thought.

Nyra circled her slowly. “Good control,” she said. “Now, speed.”

Without warning, Nyra lunged forward.

Instinct took over. Elara dodged, twisting with precision. A few of the other wolves flinched at her speed.

“Again,” Nyra commanded.

This time, Elara anticipated the move. Her reflexes were sharper, guided by Lunaris and everything she had endured. She sidestepped perfectly, keeping her balance, her heart racing with exhilaration.

Nyra shifted back to human form, studying her. “Interesting,” she murmured.

Elara shifted back to human as well, breathing a little harder but standing steady.

One of the wolves snorted. “Beginner’s luck.”

Nyra’s gaze didn’t waver from Elara. “No,” she said softly but firmly. “Not luck.”

Elara felt a spark of something deep inside—strength she hadn’t fully acknowledged before.

Lunaris stirred with quiet pride. I told you. We are more than they think.

Elara allowed herself a small, fleeting smile.

Maybe… just maybe… she truly was.