er known true terror. The alpha, a towering figure with piercing green eyes, studied her in silence. The rest

he alpha said at last, his voice dee

, her throat dry. "I

But the question remains-

t comprehend. She wasn't sure if she could accept what she

he said finally. "I

able. "Then prove yourself. The p

her grew louder, and Selene knew-

_____________

g pine trees surrounding them seemed to close in, their shadows flickering under the glow of torches held b

but firm. "This trial isn't just about

hed her fist

control their urges, their instincts, is a danger to the pack. Y

derstand the changes happening within her. How was she supp

with dark auburn hair and sharp amb

at her feet. Her breath caught in her throat. It was a rabbit, its tiny b

into her like a

oat. Her body ached with the need to hunt, to strike, to sink her teeth into soft flesh.

ing her eyes shut. "W

have to resist. Show them you

rred, colors sharpening, the sounds of the night amplifying to an unbearable degree. She could

through the haze. "If

lunge, but she forced herself to stay still. Every instinct in her body screamed for her to surren

eath, she forced he

to the underbrush, disapp

g heavy in

approving, others doubtful. The auburn-haired wo

ort-lived. The alpha's expression remaine

per into the forest, where a large, worn circle of stones marked an ancient battlegroun

e auburn-haired woman

he had never fought anyone in her

-hardened man with broad shoulders and a confident smirk.

reached her ear. "Stay light on you

said th

to react, dodging his swipe by the skin of her teeth. Instinct ki

fast. T

oving before her mind could catch up. She ducked under a strike, twisting her body to deliver

side. Pain bloomed, hot and searing, but she refused to fall. Instead,

al rumbled from t

ckle of blood from his l

ide her. When he charged again, she feinted left, then spun right, slamming her elbow into his side. He stumbled, an

she pressed her forearm aga

ring fel

broke throug

watching her with something almost res

breath coming in ragged gasps. Every muscle in h

man nodded. "She pas

she knew the worst was yet to c

"Tomorrow night, under the full mo

aint, her ability to fight. But tomorrow, she woul

rs