The lesson ended in silence.
The elder who had been instructing Aisha stepped back, folding his hands as if he’d just finished reciting something sacred.
Around them, the training room slowly emptied—wolves leaving in quiet groups, casting looks at her they didn’t bother hiding.
Aisha stood where she was, chest tight.
Callen hadn’t said a word the entire time.
When the last wolf left, one of the elders cleared his throat. “The pack will gather tonight.”
Aisha looked up. “For what?”
The elder hesitated—just a beat too long. “To formally acknowledge your presence.”
Not welcome. Not celebration.
Acknowledgment.
Her stomach turned.
Callen finally spoke. “It’s required,” he said, voice even. “They need to see you standing beside me.”
“Tonight?” she asked.
“Yes.”
Another elder add
