The next morning, the forest felt different. The air was quiet but alert, as if it was holding its breath. The packhouse was calm now, but the memory of the shadows still hung heavy in everyone’s minds.
Dennis gathered the alpha pack and the warriors in the training grounds. “We can’t wait for them to attack again.” He said. “We need to be ready. That means training—mind, body, and bond. Trinity, Asher, Gage, you three especially. You’re stronger together than anyone we’ve seen, but strength alone won’t be enough.”
I swallowed hard, looking at Asher and Gage. The thought of training wasn’t frightening—it was necessary—but the shadows had shown me just how dangerous things could be.
“We’ll do it.” I said. “We have to be ready.”
Dennis nodded. “Good. Then start with your bond. Focus on c
