Ravena's POV
The hour came too fast.
The crowd gathered again, lining the training grounds like wolves waiting for blood. The sun was setting now, creating a golden hue over the dusty ground.
I stood still, not blinking as Lucien leaned in close to Astrid and whispered in her ear.
She didn’t react at first. Just looked at me. And then looked again.
I met her stare, cold and steady, like she wasn’t a threat but just another whisper in the wind.
My wolf scoffed from deep inside me, circling under my skin like smoke. “Look at her,” it growled. “Still trying to act like a general when she can’t even walk with dignity. She shouts for respect, but real leaders earn it without raising their voice.”
After Lucien pulled back, Astrid rolled her shoulders, as if trying to shake the nerves off
