The morning sun painted the training grounds gold. Tamara stood in the center, trying not to look nervous. Around her, the pack had gathered to watch.
"First lesson," Kai called out. "Pack tactics."
He moved to stand beside her. The hollow feeling where his grief used to be was still strange through their bond. Like a tooth missing from a smile.
"Wolves fight together," he explained. "Never alone. Watch."
He signaled to three young wolves. They circled Tamara slowly.
"They're looking for weakness," Kai said. "Testing. The one on your left will move first."
The wolf lunged. Tamara dodged, but barely.
"Good. But you're thinking like a human. Think like pack. Feel where they'll be before they move."
They practiced for an hour. By the end, Tamara could sense the attacks coming. Not per
