Three Weeks Later
The Advanced Showdown was here at last. I sat on the cold metal bench, awaiting my turn, with a calm that surprised me. No nervous jitters, no second-guessing. Just the solid assurance of my training and a steady focus. I’d pushed myself relentlessly, preparing for this moment—my first step toward becoming a warrior in Carlo’s pack. I’d trained my body and mind to their limits, ready for the ceremony that would bind me to his pack once I proved myself today.
The air was thick with a somber energy, the crowd more subdued than in previous years. Normally, the Showdown was a celebration, but the rogue attack had changed everything. Over the past month, the pack had shifted; more people joined the ranks, determined to protect their home. The Beginner's Showdown had stretche
