Training began at sunrise.
Lila stood barefoot in the clearing, dew soaking into her skin, heart thudding as Kael circled her slowly. He was fully healed now — too fully — strength rolling off him in waves that made the air feel charged.
"Rule one," he said calmly, "you don't fight the power."
"I thought I wasn't supposed to trust it," Lila replied.
Kael stopped in front of her. "You don't trust instinct blindly. You listen to it. There's a difference."
She nodded, exhaling. "Okay. I'm listening."
"Close your eyes."
She did — and the world sharpened instantly.
She could hear Kael's heartbeat, steady and deep. Smell the forest waking. Feel the moon's fading echo still humming inside her chest like an afterglow.
"Good," Kael murmured. "Now call it."
Lila hesitated. Fear flickered. Then she remembered the way she'd shielded him. The way the power had answered love instead of panic.
She reached inward.
Warmth bloomed. Silver light curled faintly around her hands.
Kael's breath caught. "That's it. Control. Not force."
She smiled — then gasped as the ground shifted beneath her feet, balance tilting.
Kael moved instantly, catching her waist.
The contact sent a sharp pulse through the bond — heat, want, something darker.
They froze.
"Sorry," Lila whispered, pulse racing.
Kael didn't let go. His voice dropped. "You felt that too."
She nodded. "It's getting stronger."
"Yes," he said. "And harder to ignore."
He stepped back reluctantly. "Again. This time, shape it."
"Shape it how?"
"Think of protection," Kael said. "Not me. You."
Lila inhaled, centering herself. The light responded, drawing inward, forming something solid around her — not armor, but presence. The forest seemed to lean toward her.
Kael smiled — sharp with pride. "You're learning fast."
Before she could respond, a sharp whistle cut through the trees.
Kael stiffened. "Down."
Too late.
The air split.
Something dark slammed into the invisible field around Lila, bouncing off with a hiss like burning ash. She stumbled back, heart pounding.
"What was that?" she gasped.
Kael was already moving, eyes blazing. "Not wolf."
The shadows shifted — and a figure stepped into the clearing, tall and cloaked, eyes glowing a dull silver-black.
"Well," the stranger drawled, "that confirms the rumors."
Lila's skin prickled. "Who are you?"
The man smiled, sharp and knowing. "A collector."
Kael stepped in front of her, growling. "You're trespassing."
"Am I?" The stranger tilted his head. "This power doesn't belong to your pack, Alpha. It predates it."
Lila's chest warmed — angry this time. "I don't belong to anyone."
The man's gaze snapped to her, interest flaring. "Oh, she speaks."
Kael snarled. "Leave. Now."
The stranger laughed softly. "Soon. Not today." His eyes lingered on Lila. "But I'll be back. When she's ready."
"Ready for what?" Lila demanded.
"For the truth," he said. "And the cost."
The shadows folded in on themselves — and he was gone.
Silence crashed down.
Lila's hands trembled. "He knew what I am."
Kael turned to her, face grim. "He knows what you could become."
Fear crept in — but it didn't take root.
"What aren't you telling me?" she asked.
Kael hesitated. Then: "There are others like Selene. Older. Not wolves. Guardians of ancient lunar bloodlines."
"And they want me?"
"Yes."
Lila swallowed. "Alive?"
Kael's eyes darkened. "Preferably."
She let out a shaky laugh. "That's comforting."
He cupped her face, grounding her. "I won't let them take you."
She leaned into his touch. "You can't fight everyone for me."
His thumb brushed her cheek. "I don't have to."
The bond pulsed — agreement, shared strength.
Lila straightened, resolve settling into her bones. "Then train me harder."
Kael smiled — proud, dangerous. "Careful what you ask for."
The moonlight flickered faintly even in daylight.
Somewhere beyond the forest, the collector watched — and smiled.
The game had begun.