The training yard slowly emptied, the murmurs fading into awe and disbelief. Korra still felt the tremor of adrenaline in her palms, the echo of her wolf’s heightened instinct humming under her skin. She folded her arms around herself, wanting nothing more than to hide, to disappear before more eyes turned toward her.

“Korra,” Mara whispered as she approached. “You were incredible.”

Korra forced a smile. “I just… reacted.”

“That wasn’t a reaction,” Mara said, shaking ...