THE FIRST TRIAL
The morning air was crisp, carrying the faint scent of pine and damp earth as Elara followed Kael to the training grounds. The sun was low, spilling gold across the grass, and the pack was already gathered—muscles tense, eyes alert, weapons in hand.
Elara’s stomach churned. Training had never intimidated her before, but today felt different. Today, she carried the weight of her new abilities, and the bond with the moon pulsed through her like a living thing beneath her skin. She flexed her hands subtly, aware of the faint silver glow clinging to her palms, hoping Kael hadn’t noticed.
Kael’s gaze met hers as he walked beside her, storm-gray eyes scanning the pack and then settling on her. His hand brushed against hers for a fraction of a second—barely enough to anchor her
