Aria's POV
The candidates went through everything. Combat assessments, leadership exercises, crisis simulations, decision-making tests, adherence to pack laws, territorial strategy, and finally, loyalty evaluations.
The training field was crowded on the final day. I stood on the raised platform overlooking the candidates. I watched every bout and every decision made under pressure. One of the rogue wolves kept rising to the top.
Viktor.
He fought efficiently. When the last challenger yielded, Viktor stood in the center of the circle, breathing hard, his head slightly bowed, but his eyes never leaving mine.
I came down from the platform and walked toward him. "Viktor," I said. "You have proven yourself to stand out among many. You have won every assessment, and I have chosen you as my
