The outer clearing buzzed with life as dawn spilled golden light over the treetops. Rows of tents stood in perfect lines, canvas fluttering with the morning breeze. A long banquet table stretched beside a massive fire pit, laden with steaming platters of roasted game, fresh fruit, and pitchers of juice and wine. The air was thick with the scent of meat and pine. They called it a Victory Breakfast. Alpha Gideon stepped forward and raised his wine glass. "This meal marks your triumph. Let it remind you that every victory is hard-earned-and every bite, a testament to your worth as Alphas." Around the clearing, packs of freshly washed Alphas howled in triumph and clinked their tankards together. Private shower stalls hidden behind the trees had been a blessing, especially for me. I had cleaned up too, at least enough to not smell like swamp water and smoke. The Academy had provided a spare uniform a simple black set, snug, sterile, and far too clean to feel like mine. The Alpha Instructors mingled among themselves, leaving us to our celebration. The atmosphere was lively, loud with Jaughter and adrenaline-but my mind was stuck on Ronan's whispered words. "I saw a white she-wolf in the woods. Did you see it too?" My breath caught Why would he bring that up! He hadn't reacted at all when I was in my wolf form, didn't so much as flinch. But now, when I was standing here as Seth , he was asking about her? My fingers clenched around the coffee mug. And those eyes of his… "Careful." Finn's voice cut through my spiraling thoughts as he moved my hand away from the scalding machine . "Hm?" I blinked up at him, still dazed. "You were about to burn yourself," he said with a teasing grin. "Where's your head at, champion?" I rolled my eyes. "Don't call me that Finn chuckled. "But you are the champion. Look around-you'll see what I mean." I did, and he was right. Eyes were on me. Some stared with open surprise. Others whispered behind tankards, their glances sharp and speculative. A few those who hated what they couldn't predict, glared with something darker. Because I had returned. And I had won. "No one expected you to storm in just before sunrise ," Finn said, grinning. "Not with a hundred bison thundering behind you, while the rest of us dragged in the last of our catches. You were bloodied but victorious. Every jaw dropped." I smirked, reaching for a plate of sizzling steaks the cook had just set out. "I wasn't trying to prove anything to them. I was just focused on finishing the trial. They judged me for my size-but I don't give a damn what they think. Anyone who gets in my way " My eyes flicked toward a cluster of Alphas watching me coldly. "I'll tear them down." Finn's smile faded slightly, sensing the tension . "Careful," he murmured . "the Alpha Instructors are still watching/ "I need water, Without another word, I walked away. I grabbed a bottle, then headed toward the opposite beneath a tree and sat down alone with my food. The wind rustled gently through the leaves. Peaceful, just what I needed. But the peace didn't last. A presence. I felt it. I turned my head, and nearly choked on my own spit . Ronan Leaning against another tree just across from me, smoking casually. His gaze locked on mine, unflinching. Had he been watching me this whole time? And then, he said the most absurd thing I'd ever heard. "Are you following me?" "What?!" I choked..