The late morning sun warmed my skin as I stepped outside, the air fresher here than in the hotel's perfumed interior. Several werewolves and Lycans were already using the facilities, maintaining a careful distance from each other as if by unspoken agreement. Old habits died hard, even at a summit dedicated to unity.
I began with a slow jog around the perimeter, allowing my muscles to warm up gradually. The familiar rhythm of my feet hitting packed earth centered me, drawing my thoughts away from mate bonds and political complications to the present moment. I increased my pace, pushing harder with each lap until my breathing deepened and sweat began to dampen my skin.
By my third circuit, I noticed Elijah already waiting near the centre of the grounds, standing on one of the large trainin
