Chapter Eleven: Shadows of the Past
The morning sun filtered through the thick canopy, dappling the training grounds with light. Rina stood at the edge, watching as Kael sparred with two of his fiercest warriors. The strength in his movements, the precision—it was a dance of power and control.
She flexed her fingers, feeling the faint pulse of the bond still alive beneath her skin.
A soft voice broke her reverie.
"You're ready to learn," Maris said, stepping beside her with a smile. "The pack needs you strong—not just as healer, but as mate."
Rina swallowed, nodding. The path ahead was daunting, but with Kael by her side, she felt a flicker of courage.
Suddenly, the ground trembled—a low growl rolling through the trees.
Kael's head snapped up, eyes scanning the shadows.
"Trouble," he muttered.
From the forest emerged a figure cloaked in darkness—an old enemy. Varek's eyes burned with hatred, but this time he wasn't alone. Behind him, twisted shapes slithered—rogue beasts, half-wolf, half something far darker.
Rina's heart hammered.
Kael moved to her side, protective and fierce.
"This is far from over," he said.
And deep inside, Rina felt it too—the shift wasn't just within her. The battle for their future was just beginning.