THIRD PERSON
Morning comes quieter than usual. Not because the pack is at peace, but because something has shifted.
At the training grounds, Claire is already moving. Not clumsy anymore. Not hesitant. Focused.
Her strikes land cleaner. Her footing steadier. She’s not the strongest, not yet. But she’s no longer the weakest either.
Across from her, Erickson watches with arms folded. Silent. Observing.
“You’re dropping your guard on the left,” he says.
Claire exhales. “I know.”
“Then fix it.”
“I am fixing it.”
“You’re thinking about it. That’s not the same thing.”
She shoots him a look. “You could try being helpful instead of annoying.”
A beat.
“I am being helpful.”
She scoffs. “Right.” But she adjusts. Because she knows he’s right. Again.
He steps forward. “Show m
