THE FIRST TEST
The forest was alive with whispers. The wind rattled the trees, carrying scents that made Nara’s skin crawl. Even in her wolf form, senses heightened, every sound and movement amplified. She had survived the initial attack, controlled her energy for the first time, and yet, the forest seemed different. Dangerous. Waiting.
Kael moved beside her, massive and protective. Every muscle was coiled, every sense alert. The red glow of his eyes reflected the moonlight as he scanned the shadows.
“You’re ready,” he said quietly, voice low and commanding. “This is the real test. Tonight, you prove you can control your power under pressure… or you fail.”
Nara’s heart skipped. Ready? She barely survived yesterday. And now, he expected her to face more? Her chest tightened, lungs burni
