Dawn broke across the mountains, spilling pale gold light over the jagged peaks. Frost still lingered in the hollows, and every breath of wind carried a sharp chill that stung exposed skin. My body ached in familiar ways, muscles tight, joints stiff, but my mind was alert, my senses heightened. The previous day’s trials had left more than physical fatigue; they had left a new awareness, a knowledge that strength alone would not carry me through what was to come.
Sera’s instructions were clear: today we would patrol the northern ridges. It was not a training exercise. Unknown wolves had been spotted near the border, lone scouts, perhaps, or spies from a neighboring faction. This was the first time I would face an actual threat outside the controlled environment of drills. My pulse quickene
