ered through the trees, washing away the crimson glow and replacing it with soft silver and gold. The pack stirred

th a sharp in

at of the forest, the flutter of wings far above, the distant rush of water over stone

tly, pressing a

e earlier th

h careful intensity. He looked the same as he always did-strong, composed, untouchab

," Elara said quietly.

senses have crossed the threshold. Y

dge of the stone she had slep

d. "It never d

screetly. Some with curiosity. Some with aw

a fe

n. The unspoken quest

y

. "Ignore them," he said softly. "Th

olves," she replied. "

ed. "Because you ar

stepped forward. His expression w

ay among the pack, she needs to learn contr

ded once.

quickened. "

s. "We begin with balance. Power answers emotion first.

settled heavil

aves. The ground was cool beneath her bare feet. Aeron stood close-c

eyes," Kaele

e

e low and steady. "Not like a human. Li

is guidance. I

But slowly-gradually-the chaos softened. The s

urmured. "You fe

. "It's like... the

darkened. "Be

reach for the power. Do

d. Fear flicke

I lose

of her, meeting her gaz

-absolute, unwavering

and reach

there wa

h

e

. It coiled inside her, vast and patient, l

eneath her f

ind s

wolves s

elen warned

se to her emotion-fear, confusion, longing. Th

oved in

r shoulders, firm but gen

ened h

ing. "You are not alone," he said. "Yo

lammed agai

altered. Th

in the gr

ll over th

ron caught her effortlessly, his arms

she whispered.

he said immediately. "Thi

stinct," he said. "Raw, powerful, and unco

rmured quietly. Some wit

ut through

dange

ere sharp.

stif

en, Aeron's second-in-command.

continued. "And that was without intent. Wh

body wen

be harmed,"

suggesting harm. I'm suggesting caution. You'

tion landed

chest tightening. She hadn't meant to cause

voice low and dangero

ut his eyes burned with somethi

felt i

host

ha

ing qu

hing

ere

uldn't explain, a chil

the moment passing, but the tens

ssion softening. "Training will con

don't want to

nd that's why you're str

or a moment longe

ssed between them-tru

the distance, uns

it

urmuring among themselves, their gazes lingering on Elara longer than she liked. She could feel their e

unset

re sensing them," he said quietly as they moved away

lied. "It feels like I'm i

esn't ask permission. Contro

ver smooth stones. Aeron knelt, scooping water into his hands and offering

, neither of

he silence. "Riven

ven trusts strength. He fe

making a mistake

emotion over logic," Aer

surprised. "So you a

steady, unguarded.

nded heavily

eading through her chest that had n

nesty could be. "You shouldn't have to carry this alo

t his words. Not the Ancient Wolf.

ming her restless senses. Slowly, the noise of the world softened.

eron said eventually. "

t lost c

gain," he replied.

the quiet weight of responsibility he carried so effortlessly

y. "No. But you lea

standing more tha

l words. Scouts had reported movement near the borders of the terr

hat familiar chill cr

er than usual. Elara was given a sheltered space near the h

here," Aeron said.

?" she

intly. "Close enough

oked away quickly. "Thank you

ion unreadable. "You d

said. "But I'm

er-a sudden, sharp pull in her chest. Instin

fro

ween them. Her fingers rested against his skin, warm and

," she admi

her, his gaze intense

ised her.

world does not take kindly

r knuckles in a touch that lingered just a second

h the gaps in the trees at the stars beyond. Her

elt i

fe

po

res

chi

d the safety of the pack-something shifted. A sha

he territory, eyes fixed on

is," he murmured to himse

ze har

bring peace," he whisp

, the Ancient Wolf stirred-not in anger

ack in trust

ent and cruel,