The forest trembled with anticipation. Every movement of the cursed wolves was measured, yet unnatural, as if the very shadows obeyed them. Valentine Spade stood at the center of the clearing, her silver energy spiraling outward in rhythmic pulses. Each heartbeat synchronized with the light emanating from her core, each pulse a declaration of her rising power.
Luther Steph watched from a short distance, his arms crossed, jaw tight, and silver eyes reflecting both worry and awe. He had seen strength before, both in his pack and in the battles he had fought, but nothing like this. He had trained his body, honed his senses, faced enemies that would make most warriors cower. Yet the sheer determination radiating from Valentine was something entirely different. Something primal.
“She’s… unyie
