The forest fell away like the fading edge of a dream.
They broke through the last line of trees just after sunrise, the golden light filtering through the branches like fire through stained glass. The air shifted—cooler, sharper, but not natural. It carried the weight of ancient power, of blood spilled and vows made in stone. It settled on her tongue like ash and lightning.
The boys slowed, a hush falling over the group as they emerged onto a wide clearing carved directly into the mountainside.
Rhea’s breath hitched.
The Alpha Training Academy stood like a fortress carved from shadow itself. Its towering blackstone walls stretched into the misted sky, cruel and elegant in their design, each block etched with glowing runes that pulsed faintly like a heartbeat. The outer walls were flank
