Control is power, and I was learning fast.
Twelve hours after the council meeting. Twelve hours since Lady Katheris asked how long my strength would last. Twelve hours processing the political warfare that had nearly destroyed us.
And now. Training.
Because Katheris was right. Strength alone wasn't enough. Needed mastery. Control. Power that couldn't be questioned or dismissed.
The training ground was empty, the grass still wet with morning dew that soaked through my shoes. Dawn light barely breaking, painting the sky in streaks of pale gold and lavender. Darius waited, already shifted partially. Wolf form evident but maintaining human awareness, his eyes a burning amber that caught the early light.
"You sure about this?" he asked through the bond, his mental voice carrying an edge of concern.
"We need every advantage. If political warfare continues, if Silvermoon keeps attacking, if Gideon escalates—we need power they can't counter."
