The Wolf She Came to Kill

Practice Makes Perfect

Night had fallen again over the mountain temple.

The moon hung high above the open ceiling, bathing the ancient chamber in pale silver light. The glowing symbols carved into the walls shimmered softly, reacting to the presence of the MoonBorn.

Aria stood at the center of the stone platform.

Her eyes were closed.

Silver energy flowed gently around her hands like mist drifting across water. Unlike the violent bursts of power from before, the magic now moved smoothly, responding to her thoughts.

Lyra circled the platform slowly, watching closely.

“Again,” she said calmly.

Aria inhaled.

The silver light around her fingers expanded outward… then stopped.

It hovered in the air like floating threads of moonlight.

Torren, lounging against a pillar nearby, raised his eyebrows.

“Okay,” he said. “That’s getting a little impressive.”

Darius nodded thoughtfully.

“She’s adapting faster than expected.”

Kael leaned against one of the tall stone columns, arms crossed, his golden eyes fixed on Aria.

There was something different tonight.

Something he couldn’t quite explain.

The power around her had changed.

It felt calmer.

Stronger.

And somehow… familiar.

“Pull it back,” Lyra instructed.

Aria slowly closed her hand.

The floating strands of silver light obeyed instantly, folding back into her palm before dissolving into a soft glow around her skin.

She opened her eyes.

A smile tugged at her lips.

“That was easier.”