ELLIE’S POV
The training grounds were alive with tension. Sunlight fractured through the trees, casting jagged streaks of gold across the sparring circle, but the warmth of the day did nothing to ease the chill curling in my stomach. The younger wolves and some of the seasoned warriors had gathered, forming a rough circle around the central space, murmuring amongst themselves. Today was different. Today, I would spar. Fully.
Jovani stood to the side, his eyes narrowing slightly, arms folded, every line of his body taut with caution and expectation. Maela lingered near the edge, her lips pressed into a thin line, worry flickering behind her gaze. She had warned me repeatedly about restraint, but restraint had never been my strong suit, especially when it came to the wolf within.
“Ellie,”
