For several moments after Rowan called an end to the test, nobody moved.
Ayla stood in the center of the arena, her chest rising and falling heavily as she struggled to catch her breath.
The staff in her hands felt heavier now.
Not because of exhaustion.
Because everything that had just happened still felt unreal.
She could still feel her wolf.
The connection was faint, but it was there.
Alive.
Awake.
Watching from somewhere deep inside her.
The realization alone made her heart race.
Then the silence broke.
Cheers erupted throughout the arena.
Moonveil warriors who had watched her struggle moments earlier were now clapping and shouting her name.
The sudden change caught Ayla completely off guard.
She blinked.
Confused.
A few minutes ago, most of these people had been watch
