The training yard was full when Aria crossed it.
Warriors moved in formation with wooden swords cracked against shields. Wolves circled the perimeter, their fur rippling in the cold wind and at the center stood Rowan.
He was correcting a young warrior's stance, his voice was blunt and direct, carrying across the yard without effort. "Your grip is wrong, if you should hold your sword like that, you'll lose your fingers. Adjust it or go sit down.”
The warrior adjusted his poise and Rowan nodded as he moved.
Aria stopped at the edge of the yard to watch. She had never seen an Alpha train with his pack before. In Nightfang, Kael had watched from the dais, he only observed but Rowan sweated alongside his wolves, his tunic was damp, his hands calloused, and his voice sharp but never cruel.
