all at once. She couldn't stop thinking about the silver wolf's amber eyes, the way they seemed to reach into her soul and stir something

ouldn't ignore what had happened

lves were

very time he looked her way. The woman who had introduced herself as Elara-a name that echoed with ancient power-had sta

her first dream whe

n. The trees seemed to call to her, their twisted branches beckoning her to step deeper into their shade. Her breath fogge

, and she turned to find Elara enterin

rved, her voice measured. "But

t I'm ready for. I don't understand all th

more each time you connect with them. The bond is ancient, Aria. It runs deep in your bloodline. Your family was once tied to the M

he words. "But I don't know how to

and so will your blood. There's a trial, you know. It's not something you ca

spine at the mention of blood. "

full moon hanging heavy in the sky. "Tonight. Tonight, you will f

ped a beat. "Judg

e pack's legacy. They will decide if you are worthy to le

e weight of the decision presse

f you fail, the wolves will leave you. The pact will

th her, but she forced herself t

d, her voice filled with finality. "You will lead them as the heir to the pact.

ia felt the weight of them settle on her shoulders

e pack has been waiting for you to awaken, Aria. Your ancestors

overtake her. But as she looked toward the darkening for

but she knew one thing for certain

llenge her, maybe even try to break her. But she woul

ter th

that

raced, each beat thundering in her chest as she gazed around at the pack gathered before her. The

were holding its breath. Jesse stood a few paces behind her, his presence comforting

the wolves' gaze on her, each one measuring her, testing her resolve. The silver wolf-the one who had cal

nd, the words curling like smoke arou

efore a powerful force slammed into her chest, knocking her backward into the e

he very air around her. They were testing her str

body ached, but she refused to give in. She wasn't just a girl from a small

ed with hers, a silent chal

. Prove you

e power that had awakened in her veins, the power that c

y to face whatever trials th