This is what a strong pack looks like. This is what unity feels like. And today is only the beginning.

Jadon steps into the sparring ring with Christa, rolling her shoulders as the rest of the warrior testing group pairs off. Christa bounces lightly on her feet, nervous energy radiating off her.

“Okay,” Jadon says, settling into her stance. “Show me what you’ve got. Don’t hold back.” Christa nods, swallowing hard. “Right. No pressure.”

They circle each other. Christa throws the ...