Lila stands frozen in the clearing, her heart pounding as Ethan holds a knife carved with her mark’s symbol. Asher pushes her behind him, his body tense, shouting orders to the pack. Zane grabs her arm, pulling her toward a cabin, while Rowan charges at Ethan, his knife flashing. Lila grips her own knife, her hands shaking, wishing she could fight. Ethan laughs, stepping back, his eyes locked on her.

Asher’s wolf leaps at a hunter, teeth snapping, driving the man away. Lila feels useless, her claws gone, her mark itching like it’s alive. Zane pulls her inside the cabin, slamming the door shut. “Stay here,” he says, his voice sharp, his hand lingering on her arm. That tug in her chest pulls tight, making her want to stay close to him.

Rowan bursts in, his shirt torn, blood on his knuckles. “Ethan’s gone, but he’s not alone,” he says, his eyes avoiding Lila’s. She thinks about the pendant in his bag, wondering if he’s hiding something. Asher enters, his face hard, checking the windows. Lila feels trapped, caught between fear and the strange pull to these guys.

Mira sits by the fire, her book open, looking at Lila. “Your hybrid powers are waking,” she says, pointing at Lila’s shoulder. Lila asks, “What powers?” but Mira only says, “They’re tied to the prophecy.” The pack outside argues, their voices loud, blaming Lila for the attack. Lila’s stomach twists, feeling like she’s ruining everything.

Asher kneels beside Lila, his hand on her knee. “You’re not alone,” he says, his voice softer now. That tug in her chest sparks, and she looks away, confused. Zane sits nearby, carving a stick, his eyes on her. Rowan leans against the wall, silent, making her wonder about that pendant again.

Talia enters the cabin, her arms crossed, her face less angry. “I pushed you out of that arrow’s way,” she says to Lila. Lila nods, saying, “Thanks,” but doesn’t trust her yet. Talia looks at Asher, saying, “The pack’s scared of her.” Lila feels small, like she’s a problem they don’t want.

Zane stands, moving closer to Lila, his hand brushing hers. “You’re one of us,” he says, his grin back. Lila feels a jolt, her heart racing, not sure why his touch does that. Asher glances over, his eyes narrowing at Zane. Rowan shifts, his boots loud, watching them all.

Lila sits on the cot, her backpack beside her, thinking about Ethan. The pendant’s glow haunts her, tied to her mark somehow. She feels Asher’s strength, Zane’s warmth, and Rowan’s secrets in her chest. The pack’s distrust makes her want to leave, but she stays. Her mark itches more, like it’s trying to speak.

Asher calls a meeting, standing by the door. “We need to find Ethan,” he says, looking at Lila. She feels guilty, like her past brought this danger. Zane squeezes her shoulder, saying, “We’ll handle it.” Rowan stays quiet, his eyes on the floor, making her suspicious.

Mira pulls Lila aside, her book still in hand. “The prophecy says a hybrid will change the packs,” she says. Lila asks, “Change how?” but Mira shakes her head, saying, “It’s not clear.” Lila feels frustrated, like everyone’s keeping secrets. The pack’s voices outside grow louder, arguing about her.

Lila walks to the window, looking at the clearing, her knife in hand. She sees pack members pointing at the cabin, their faces hard. Talia talks to them, her voice sharp, but she doesn’t sound as mean. Lila wonders if Talia’s changing her mind. She feels alone, even with Asher, Zane, and Rowan nearby.

Zane sits beside Lila, his arm brushing hers, sending a jolt through her. “You don’t need to worry,” he says, his voice calm. Lila nods, but her thoughts are on the pendant and Ethan. Asher checks the door, his knife ready, like he expects another attack. Rowan watches her, his eyes intense, like he knows something.

Lila opens her backpack, checking for her mom’s photo. The pendant falls out, glowing brighter, and she hides it fast. Her heart races, afraid someone will see it. She thinks about Rowan’s pendant, wondering if he’s working with Ethan. Her mark burns, like it’s connected to everything.

Asher steps outside, shouting for the pack to gather. Lila follows, staying close to Zane, her knife still in hand. Rowan walks beside her, his shoulder brushing hers, making her chest tug. The pack stares at her, some whispering, others glaring. Lila feels like she’s on trial, her mark itching more.

A scout runs into the clearing, holding a piece of paper. “It’s from Vark,” he says, handing it to Asher. Asher reads it, his face darkening, and shows it to Zane. Lila leans over, seeing the words: “Give us the hybrid, or the valley burns.” Ethan’s voice calls from the trees, and a woman steps out beside him, her eyes glowing with dark magic.