d them to run for what seemed like hours across great distances with ease. As the first light of the day peeped th

d between shapes with ease, as if a wall had been knocked down. With his amber eyes darting around, Thorne

t guilty. She said quietly, "My p

challenges. But now, things have changed; you must know this. Your past life,

at the idea of bidding farewell to everythin

eal training begins n

couraged Aria to explore the depths of her newly discovered talents. She picked up knowledge on earth's energy s

ct choice in leaving her pack at periods of uncertainty and frustration. She started

called by her thoughts. Her heart skipped a beat at the twins' unique mix of pine and soil. She cri

de. "Are you positive th

d Liam are here. They have always been ni

tious, though. Your scent has altered since you started to

e of the clearing, their eyes wide with both relief and uncertainty as they took in t

She answered, "Yes," and started toward t

Ethan said, "You smell different," lifting his eyebrows. "Who exactly

has helped me understand, well, ever

her new skills, and her choice to leave the pack in order to learn more a

left," before she finished. "Zander has been leading sea

uietly, "I never meant to hurt anyone. I just... I

y squeezed hers. "We understand, A

ia blinked. "He

e always been different, even before everything else. And now, yo

nt, Aria's cheeks beg

want to court you. Both

lance at Thorne, who nodded softly, encou

us help you teach the pack everything. We might find a way for you t

t. The idea of dating Liam and Ethan, who had always treated her kindly, thrilled her as well. Sh

drew her aside. He urged, "Be careful. Everyone won't understand or appreciate the changes yo

ing his guidance. She s

g, Liam and Ethan shared tales of what she had missed. The twins' a

n, she felt both exhilarated and terrified.

pack's settlement. Aria slowed down as she watched the first cabins pass among the

. Aria's heart sank when she saw Marcus, one of Zander's most devoted followers, leading the m

hat the cat carried in. Or should

ria, their stances stiff. "Back off, Marcus," L

ome when she fled like a coward. And you two, are we now siding with the r

ead, positioning herself between the twins and the approaching danger. Her voice sharpened with new p

ding trees using her recently gained talents to emphasize her point.

ia's display, and he staggered backward

t all around her, Aria stood tall. "I am who I was always

the woods. Zander was coming. Tension in the air broke as Aria, the twins,

end on what happened next. Aria's heart raced, and her newly acquired powers buzzed just under her skin, ready for the confrontation. She was done masking he

the edge of the meadow, his blue eyes shining with