The training changes after that.
No more fear-driven exercises.
No more forcing the seal to crack.
No more trying to “hold it back.”
Lauren says Samantha has passed that stage.
Now…
comes synchronization.
Jack hates that word.
He hates what it implies.
He hates that Samantha has to stand in the middle of a forest surrounded by witches while something ancient and powerful wakes up inside her.
But most of all—
He hates that he can’t fight this for her.
The clearing feels different now.
Not because of the witches.
Not because of the tension.
Because of Samantha.
Every day for the past week, she’s returned here.
Every day, something changes.
Subtle things.
Small things.
But noticeable.
Her senses have sharpened beyond even normal werewolf instincts.
She hears patrol wolve
