THE ALPHA'S CLAIM

RA'

and dirt filled the air as the young warriors of the Crescent Moon Pack sparred under the watchful eyes of their

my head down and enduring whatever snide remarks came

ack, securing an alliance that could strengthen their rule. With them gone, Micah's youn

lace. I knew she wasn't happy about it. She despised me-perhaps because I wasn't like the

she smirked. "Try not to embarrass yourself, Elara. I wouldn't wa

ed, their amusement clear. They all loved Lila-either out of ad

mon for warriors to let their wolves take control during sparring. It helped them hone their instincts, sharpen their reflexes. But I couldn

ith impatience. Her golden fur gleamed under the sunlight,

" she c

sita

, Elara," she sneered

to see what I would do. But I had spent years controlling my wolf, h

" I said simply, kee

didn't argue. Ins

st. But I

again, her claws aiming for my shoulder, but I sidestepped, grabbing her scruff and

r ears flattened in frustration. I could tell she wa

" she s

I anticipated it, dodging at the last second. Instead of countering, I

no longer laughing. They

t was d

another attack, a blood c

me before I

gu

s moving with deadly precision. They weren't ordinary rogues. Their attacks were coo

claws meeting teeth and blood. Lila was frozen for a split se

asn't fas

r from behind. Witho

sharply to throw him off balance. He snarled, baring his fangs, but before he cou

me, her wolf

too fast.

the battle raged around us. I fought alongside the pack warr

I s

att

eve of one of the attackers, but I recogni

st random outcasts.

nd

ought alongside my father, the name th

ant they were looking fo

released, but I couldn't-I wouldn't. Instead, I ducked under the rogue's swipe and slammed

" I s

I sent her towards the river that bordered the training grounds. S

system. The current was fast, but I fought against

lled myself up, coughing as I gasped for air. Li

en I h

his

na

ara

re body

I turned

nd the trees, was a rogue. But

looking

me by a name he sh

eal

dread wash

eared into the shadows, vanishi

y breath uneven,

me, completely unaware

I

wasn'

ad fou

Micah wo