By dusk, the old training circle outside Hollow Mountain was lined with torches and lanterns. Warriors stood at its edge, arms crossed, eyes wary. Pups and elders sat on large logs dragged in from the forest, murmuring with nervous curiosity.

The scent of woodsmoke and wet earth clung to everything. A storm had rolled through midday, leaving the ground damp and the air heavy with expectation.

Celeste stood at the center of the circle, arms folded. She could feel Luna pacing in her head, ...