The power inside me was no longer something I could ignore.
It was growing.
Fast.
Too fast.
I stood in the training ground, my chest rising and falling as three warriors lay on the ground around me—defeated.
Silence filled the air.
They weren't weak.
But I had taken them down… effortlessly.
"That's enough."
The Alpha's voice cut through the tension.
Everyone stepped back as he walked toward me, his gaze intense, unreadable.
"You're hiding something," he said.
"I'm not," I replied, but even I could hear the uncertainty in my voice.
His eyes narrowed slightly.
"Shift."
The command wasn't loud, but it carried power.
I hesitated.
Then I let it happen.
The transformation was instant—smooth, controlled.
Gasps echoed around me.
My silver wolf stood tall, its fur glowing faintly under the sun.
Even the Alpha went still.
"I knew it…" a quiet voice said.
Elder Rowan stepped forward from the crowd.
"You shouldn't be here," I said, my voice low.
He ignored me, his eyes fixed on my wolf.
"This is no ordinary wolf," he said to the Alpha. "She carries royal blood."
Murmurs broke out.
"Royal?" someone whispered.
The Alpha turned to him. "Explain."
Elder Rowan's gaze returned to me.
"There hasn't been a silver wolf in generations," he said slowly. "They were born to lead… to rule."
My heart pounded.
"No," I shook my head. "That's not possible."
But deep down…
I knew it was true.
The Alpha stepped closer, his presence overwhelming.
"Which means," he said quietly, "you're far more important than you realize."
His hand lifted again—this time, he didn't stop.
His fingers brushed lightly against my arm.
A spark shot through me.
Sharp. Electric.
My breath caught.
And for a second…
I forgot how to think.