Finally..
The morning of the competition arrived with noise.
So much noise.
I woke before the sun had risen… not because I wanted to, but because the palace was already alive. Voices echoed through the halls. Footsteps rushed past my door. Even the air felt restless, buzzing like it knew something important was about to happen.
The clans were arriving.
I sat up slowly on my bed, my heart pounding. Today was the day Kaelen had warned us about. The day everyone would watch. Judge. Decide who was strong… and who wasn't.
I crossed the room and looked out the window.
The palace grounds were crowded. Banners from different packs waved in the wind… deep reds, dark blues, silver, black. Wolves in fine armor and ceremonial clothes filled the courtyards. Some laughed loudly. O
