Kael led Aria along the narrow forest path behind the training grounds. The earth beneath their feet was soft with pine needles, the air cooler here, scented with damp soil and moss. With every step farther from the clearing, the noise of sparring wolves faded—clashing blows dissolving into distant echoes—until only the whisper of leaves and the low call of birds remained.
The quiet wrapped around Aria like a gentle blanket.
For the first time since arriving in the pack’s territory, she could breathe.
Still… she felt it.
Rina’s stare.
Even though they were long out of sight, Aria couldn’t shake the sensation of eyes burning into her back, sharp and accusing. It clung to her skin like an invisible mark.
Kael noticed her silence almost immediately.
“Did they scare you?” he asked quiet
