Morning unfolded across the training grounds like a restless tide of movement and watchful silence, while the wolves of the pack gathered in loose groups beneath the pale sky where the early sun stretched long shadows across the packed earth that had once been stained with the sweat and blood of endless drills.
Elara stepped through the wide iron gate slowly.
Her boots touched the dirt with quiet confidence.
Yet she felt the shift immediately.
Eyes.
Dozens of them.
Watching.
Not hostile.
Not exactly welcoming either.
Just… measuring.
"Hmm."
The small sound escaped her lips as she folded her arms loosely and walked toward the center of the grounds where warriors practiced in pairs, their movements sharp and controlled while the low sounds of clashing wooden staffs echoed across the open field.
A few wolves nodded respectfully as she passed.
Others looked away too quickly.
Some simply stared.
Elara muttered softly under her breath.
"Yeah."
"Still getting judged."
