The days after the funeral settled into a heavy, determined rhythm.
Elena pushed herself harder than ever in training, ignoring the lingering ache from her wound.
She led morning and evening sessions, focusing on coordinated defense and using the pack link to anticipate attacks.
More wolves attended each day — including several who had once stood with Garrick. The younger ones especially looked to her with growing respect.
But the older traditionalists remained wary.
During one afternoon session, Garrick watched from the sidelines with crossed arms. When Elena demonstrated a new maneuver pairing a partial shift with defensive positioning, he finally spoke.
“You move well, Luna,” he said gruffly. “But speed and skill won’t matter if your blood weakens the next generation. We’ve surv
