Forest:
I stormed out of the training hall, my muscles still tense from my match with Brooks. He was reckless—always distracted, always chasing after girls instead of taking his responsibilities seriously. We were almost twenty-one. It was time to grow up.
I ran a hand through my damp hair, my frustration still simmering beneath the surface. The weight of what was coming—taking the throne, leading the pack—pressed heavier on me every day. I could handle it. I wanted it. But Brooks? He acted like he had all the time in the world.
Needing to clear my head, I headed toward the packhouse, still breathing hard from the fight. My shirt clung to my skin, sticky with sweat, but I didn’t care. I was too lost in my thoughts—until something small and soft crashed into me.
My reflexes kicked i
