The rejected white luna

hung over the training grounds as Aria

nds across the clearing. Some shifted effortlessly between t

she enjoyed it. Because she still belie

ng wolves obeyed immediately. A boy s

the clearing. Moments later, a gray

e commander offered an approving nod. Aria low

ad passed. She still hadn't

" A whisper drifte

ct to happen?" Anot

enched her hands but kept her eyes f

od a few steps away. The clearing fell silent. His gaze

." His expression

rain." The words stole

t if I ke

lm. "You have no wolf. You cannot shift." This field is fo

y. Others didn't bother

one chance,"

barrassing yourself." He stepp

e, he added, "And

g resumed as though nothing had happened. Aria stoo

fort. Servants hurried through th

aids exchanged knowin

g she'll become a wolf

her head and

pped her. "If it isn't the Al

ly against a stone pillar. Several y

nt back to the t

stepped closer. "When are y

ooked at him.

roughly past her shoulder as he walked away. The laughter t

tea

ward the forest. It was the only plac

everything became. She made her way to the old o

, she drew her knees to her ches

sappeared into the fo

ed nearby. A

carrying a small satchel over one sho

ched Aria's lips.

nd handed over a flas

while, they sat in

pha Magnus was at th

e told me to st

tened. "He shouldn't s

n't think he sees me as

ueezed her han

cked. "I don't h

t y

f I nev

. "Then they're the

y do you believe in me

nown you my whole life. You've alwa

throat. "I just want some

le appeared on Aria's face fo

beneath the old oak unt

head back." Aria nodded. Toget

the figure standing si

the fadi

eyes followed A

appeared into the distance d

e's final