My heart pounded so loudly I could hear it in my ears, drowning out all other sounds. Memories from the previous day flooded back, making my skin prickle with tension.

Alpha Zion emerged from the clearing, his posture rigid, hands folded behind his back. His all-black attire stood in stark contrast to the lush greenery around him. His eyes locked onto mine with a cold, assessing gaze.

"Having trouble completing even a single lap, little wolf?" he taunted, a cruel smile playing at ...