Vera's POV The next morning came faster than I expected. The air felt colder, heavier, as if the sky itself knew what kind of day it would be. I stood in front of the mirror, already dressed and prepared, but nothing could calm the storm building inside me. My heart thudded loudly. Today was the second stage of the challenge—the part where I had to prove my wolf side. The part I dreaded most. Lisa was ready too. I had caught a glimpse of her outside, her eyes sharp like a blade, her expression calm and confident. She walked like someone who already believed she had won, she looked determined today. Pack members filled the training grounds, murmuring to one another, curiosity buzzing like bees. The excitement was clear on their faces, but beneath that, I could feel the tension. Everyone

