The meeting ended but nobody left.
Wolves clustered in small groups. Whispering. Staring. Some looked at me with new respect. Others still seemed doubtful. A few were openly hostile.
Elena pushed through the crowd. Pulled me into a tight hug. “You did it. You actually did it.”
“I didn’t do anything. Sienna did.”
“You showed up. Stood there while they tore into you. Didn’t run. Didn’t break.” She pulled back. Gripped my shoulders. “That takes courage.”
Garrett appeared next. Nodded at me. “The trials are tough. But fair. You’ll do fine.”
“What exactly are they?”
“Can’t tell you. Part of the test is figuring it out.” He glanced at Lycian. “And he can’t help. That’s against the rules.”
My stomach twisted. “So I’m on my own?”
“Not completely. You can have a mentor. Someone to guide yo
