I shrugged off my jacket and tossed it aside, leaving me in just a tank top as I stepped into the arena. My muscles tensed in anticipation, and I was grateful that I had kept up with my training - it was finally paying off.
"Come on," Benedict said, motioning for me to step forward. "Let's get this over with."
Benedict lunged toward me, shifting mid-air into a massive golden-brown wolf. Gasps erupted around us, followed by Rick’s furious roar.
I shifted instantly, my crimson wolf emerging in a flash of speed, but Benedict was already upon me. His sheer size and strength were overwhelming. He slammed me into the ground, pinning Mira beneath his massive paws. My wolf growled in frustration, struggling against his weight, but he was too powerful. Then, pain - blinding and sharp - erupted t
