The Alpha's training yard bustled with life. Wolves sparred in human form, muscles straining in the afternoon light, while others shifted to test their strength, speed, and control.
A few practiced with spears, bows, and knives, steel flashing as sunlight kissed the blades. Off to the side, Mira knelt beside a circle of pups, showing them how to spot snares hidden in brush and how to free themselves before a hunter's rope could tighten.
At the center, the Headmaster stood tall, his voice commanding yet calm. He demonstrated how to halt a shift mid-form, to still claws before they broke skin, to stop fangs from splitting lips.
The young wolves tried in turn. Some managed a clean snap back to human fingers; others trembled and shook as their nails half-curved into claws before fading. Tristan watched from the fence, violin case clutched in one hand.
