The forest behind Shadowpine was quiet in a way that felt deliberate, as if even the wind had chosen to stay back and watch. Early morning light filtered through the thick branches, but it did not fully touch the clearing where Ayla stood. The air around her felt heavier than usual, almost aware. She could feel it now the shadow inside her not wild, not exploding like before, but coiled. Waiting.Kael stood a few steps away, arms folded across his chest, expression unreadable. He had insisted on private training. Not in the pack grounds. Not where whispers could spread. Here,