Dawn broke over the forest in pale, fragile light, but I didn't notice. Sleep had been impossible after the events of last night. The adrenaline hadn't worn off, and my wolf was still restless, twitching beneath my skin, craving motion, craving control.
Kael waited at the edge of the clearing, calm as ever, though I could sense his tension. Even an Alpha could not ignore the rogue wolves' audacity.
"Today begins your training," he said quietly, his golden eyes scanning the horizon. "You'll learn to control your shifts, fight, and harness your power. And by tonight… you'll face your first real test against the rogues again."
My stomach twisted. I had survived yesterday, yes. But surviving and actively defending myself were two different things.
Kael must have sensed my fear because he stepped closer, his voice softening. "I'll be beside you. Always. But you must learn to trust your own strength."
I nodded, though doubt gnawed at me. My wolf stirred in agreement. Strength. Power. Control. The words resonated deep inside.
The first exercise was simple in theory: shift completely on command, maintain control of my senses, and return to human form at will.
Easier said than done.
The moment I shifted, the forest erupted. Every sound was magnified. Every scent was a storm. I struggled to focus, but Kael's voice cut through the chaos.
"Breathe. Feel the forest, not fight it. Your wolf is not an enemy—it's your guide."
Slowly, I adapted. The world sharpened without overwhelming me. My paws sank into the soft earth with precision. I could feel the wind's direction, the distant river, the subtle heartbeat of a squirrel hiding in the leaves. I was alive in ways I hadn't imagined.
"Good," Kael murmured. "Now fight."
He didn't attack. He simply advanced, teaching me the fundamentals: stance, claw control, speed, and intimidation. Every swipe, every leap, every growl taught me how to merge instinct with intent.
Hours passed. Sunlight faded. Shadows stretched. By nightfall, I felt ready—or at least close enough.
Kael led me back to the clearing where the rogues had appeared before. The wind carried a new tension; my wolf bristled.
"They're testing us," Kael whispered. "And you."
The forest erupted. Three dark figures emerged, larger and more menacing than before. Their eyes burned like embers, and their snarls echoed across the trees.
The lead rogue stepped forward, lips curling. "You've awakened faster than expected," he hissed. "But strength alone isn't enough."
Kael growled low. "You leave now, or you will regret it."
The rogue's eyes flicked to me, and I felt the pull of challenge. My wolf surged, instinctively responding.
"No," I said, more firmly than I expected. "I won't run."
The rogue's smile widened. "Then let us see if you're truly ready."
They attacked together, a blur of dark fur and teeth. I dodged, pivoted, and countered instinctively. My claws slashed through the air, connecting with one of the rogue's shoulder. A grunt, a stumble—they underestimated me.
Kael was beside me instantly, his movements a fluid dance. Together, we were unstoppable, a perfect balance of power and precision.
The battle lasted minutes but felt like hours. Every attack tested my control, every dodge honed my instincts. And then, with one coordinated move, we forced the lead rogue back, snarling in reluctant respect.
The forest fell silent again.
Kael's eyes glowed softly. "You're ready, Aria. But this is only the beginning. The rogues will return, stronger. You'll need every skill, every ounce of power."
I nodded, chest heaving. My wolf purred inside me—a low, triumphant vibration.
For the first time, I felt it fully: I was not prey. I was not weak. I was a silver wolf, marked by destiny, ready to claim my place in the pack and face whatever dangers lurked in the shadows.
The Night of the First Howl had awakened me. Tonight, I became something more