The morning light was pale and cold when Aria unwound the scarf from her neck and set it on the bed.
She had worn it for two weeks. During training, Through every quiet moment when she felt eyes on her and didn't want to know what they were looking at. But this morning, standing before the small mirror, she looked at the mark, the delicate crescent moon on the curve of her throat, and didn't reach for the scarf.
It was time to stop being afraid.
She dressed in her training clothes and walked to the yard with her head up. The warriors noticed the difference. But this time, instead of whispered speculation, there was quiet understanding. The mark was visible. The Alpha's scent was all over her. There was nothing left to question.
Nyssa met her at the equipment rack. Her eyes dropped to A
