They did not use the main training grounds.
Too visible. Too easy to observe from the ridgeline. Too familiar.
Instead, Aria chose the old quarry path behind the western cliffs, where stone walls rose high on three sides and the fourth opened only to dense forest. The place had been abandoned years ago after a rockslide made the route inconvenient. Now, it was perfect.
Hidden.
Quiet.
Unwatched.
At least, she hoped so.
A small group gathered before dawn, when most of the pack still slept and the mist clung thickly to the earth. Six warriors stood before her—men and women she had learned, through careful observation and Lyr’s quiet guidance, were loyal beyond question.
They did not ask why they were there.
They trusted her.
That trust settled heavily in Aria’s chest.
Kaden stood o
