Isla's face. She stirred awake, her body aching from the previous day's ordeal. The rough cot beneath

rotesting the movement, and took in her surroundings. The room was sparse, containing only the cot she

open. Ryker stepped in, his towering frame filling the doorway. His express

said, his voice gru

er throat dry.

the doorframe. "We found you out in the woods yeste

m her frantic escape. "I... I had to leave," she murmured, the

d poured water from the pitcher into a cup, handing it to her. "Dri

arched throat. "Thank you," she said softly, glancing up at

away those who've been cast out. Everyone in this camp

just by her mate but by the life she had always known. The idea that ther

aid, her voice st

, we can teach you how to survive in this world. But you'l

ickering to life within her.

-

e in the Shadowfang Pack. The rogues lived off the land, relying on their wits and physical strength to survi

her limits, teaching her how to fight, track, and defend herself. At first, her body protested the intens

she grew

her was still faintly present, like a dull ache in the back of her mind. But it no longer controlled her. She f

he edge of the camp. The weapon felt awkward in her hands, but

Ryker said, his voice cutt

up at him, frustrated

ating the proper grip. "Hold it like this. If your hand slips

s movements until the dagger felt

id with a nod.

on. Ryker watched her for a moment before speaking again. "You've improve

ace him. "I don't have a choice. I can

ned slightly, his gaze d

amp carried their own scars. Isla didn't press him for details. She had le

raining, pouring all of her e

-

herself sitting by the fire with Kira. The older woman was sha

l," Kira said wit

ised. Compliments from Kir

Kira added with a smirk. "You'

feels good to be making progress. For the first time in

ness that made her heart skip a beat. "You've always been w

't know how to respond. She had spent so long feeling like she wasn't enough

gues, she was learning

-

e unknown. The camp was behind her, bustling with activity as the rogues prepared for a

gifted her. It was a simple weapon, but it had become a s

urned to see Ryker watching her with a cur

ead. "No. I'm ju

ing over the horizon. "You've been qu

ion since arriving at the camp. The pain of it still lingered, bu

id finally, her voice

expression calm and unre

words tasting bitter on her ton

ught he might say something angry or dismissive.

, and she looked a

sn't deserve you," Ryker said, his voi

blanket, and for the first time, she felt the

Asher's decision. Sh

a deep breath, feeling the stirrings of hope rise within her. The journey ahe

iving anymore. She w