The morning sun painted the ceremonial grounds in a warm, golden hue as I joined the line of eager trainees, my heart doing a drumroll in my chest. Surprisingly, I found myself as the lone she-wolf among the group, a fact that winked at me from the corner of my mind.

Under Alpha Zion's watchful gaze, Beta Cillian stepped forward, his commanding presence silencing the murmurs of anticipation among the trainees.

"Welcome, young trainees, to the beginning of your journey. I am Beta ...