The Moment It Changed
(Flashback – Two Years Before the Rejection)
The river sang that night.
Its voice was soft but sure, threading through the dense pine forest like a lullaby only wolves could hear. The moon, full and pale, hung low over the treetops, its silver light casting long shadows across the earth. Rowan stood at the edge of the training glade, his breathing even but shallow, his gaze following a figure ahead of him.
Caleb moved with grace that wasn’t showy, but quiet—like the way snow falls or how leaves drift down in autumn. There was no flourish, no arrogance, and yet Rowan couldn’t look away.
They had just finished sparring.
Rowan had won, of course—he always did—but Caleb had lasted longer than most. He always did that, too.
“You’re holding back,” Caleb said, brushin
