Chapter 56

Ash nodded, determination flashing in his gaze. Behind him, the other young wolves watched, their expressions a mixture of respect and wariness. I could sense their unease, the lingering doubt they held toward me despite the trust Elara had placed in me. They wanted to follow, but they weren’t quite sure if I was the wolf to lead them.

I took a breath, steeling myself. I couldn’t change the past, couldn’t erase the mistakes that had led me away from Talon Pack, but I could show them that I was here for them, for all of us.

“Listen up!” I called, raising my voice so every wolf could hear.

“I know some of you still don’t trust me. I get it. You’ve heard stories about me, about why I left. But I’m…”

“Here now, and my only goal is to help each of you become stronger, faster, more resilient. This isn’t about the past. It’s about making sure every single one of you walks away from the next battle.”

They exchanged glances, shifting on their paws, but I could see the spark of curiosity, of willingness, beginning to bloom. They wanted to be ready, to prove themselves, and I was going to make sure they had every tool they needed.

“Pair up!” I ordered, watching as they moved into groups. Ash took his place opposite Reed, a quiet but fiercely focused wolf with sharp reflexes and an eye for detail. They stood across from each other, ready and waiting, while the rest of the younger wolves followed suit.