at stirs-a flame that burns brighter with each test overcome and each victory and defeat. She was no longer merely clinging to stay. She was fighting to belong. Leah tossed a waterskin in h

harder, edged with curiosity. "Not bad," he said quietly. Raven met his gaze. "Did I pass your test? " Kieran straightened, his expression unreadable once more. "We'll see." Before she could respond, the door swung open. A warrior hurried in, bowing slightly before speaking. "Alpha, we've received word. A rival pack has crossed into our territory." The atmosphere in the room shifted instantly, tension crackling in the air. Kieran's jaw tightened. "How many? " "Two dozen. Scouts say they're moving fast." Kieran turned to Raven, a challenge burning in his golden eyes. "Looks like you'll get to test your theory sooner than expected." Raven's fingers curled into fists, adrenaline surging through her veins. The time for training was over. Now, it was time for war. She felt the weight of many eyes upon her, their expectations palpable. Kieran's unwavering glare cut into her, needing self-confidence, assurance that she would not crumble under the barrage of brutality. "What is our attack strategy?" Kieran asked, his tone not open for discussion. Raven swallowed hard, pushing away the wad of terror that clung to her. "We must put our strongest fighters on the border to isolate them," she said, her voice strengthening. "They'll expect resistance, so we'll pretend to be weak at first." The tension in the room was palpable as the warriors crowded in, their eyes fixed on her words. "Then, when we get them to come in, we can send out our flank units from behind the trees. If we can get moving fast enough, we can surround them." Kieran nodded thoughtfully, his expression serious. "And what if they don't take the bait?" Raven paused little. "Then we improvise. We've prepared for this; we know the land better than they do." The grumbling affirmations were soft but growing more assured as her confidence increased. The pack was starting to regard her as what she aspired to be-a leader. Kieran's golden eyes glowed with approval. "Okay. You've earned your position in this fight. Get the pack moving as soon as possible should be our concern." "And what about the women and children?" Leah interrupted, her brow creased with concern. "They shouldn't be here; we need to get them to safety." Kieran tossed a hand through his hair, tension thickening. "Agreed. They must be moved to the cave systems further in; it's the safest location.". We can make it better as we go through this." Raven's heart raced as she glanced back and forth at them, excitement and fear