The crowd’s cheers still echoed faintly in Evelyn’s mind as night fell over Silvercrest. The air was sharp with winter chill, the scent of pine and lingering adrenaline clinging to her skin. Every muscle in her body ached, but the ache was welcome—it meant she had won. It meant she had proven herself, if only for today.

From her spot near the old training arena, she watched the pack grounds come alive with whispers. Her name passed through the air like a secret no one dared speak too ...