Chapter 1 The girl without a wolf

The sharp scent of sweat and damp earth hung over the training grounds as Aria stood quietly at the edge of the field.

Young wolves sparred in pairs while instructors barked commands across the clearing. Some shifted effortlessly between their human and wolf forms, earning cheers from their families.

Aria watched every movement. Not because she enjoyed it. Because she still believed that one day... It would be her turn.

"Again!" The trainer shouted. The young wolves obeyed immediately. A boy stumbled before regaining his balance.

"Shift!" The command echoed across the clearing. Moments later, a gray wolf stood where the boy had been.

Cheers erupted around the training grounds. The commander offered an approving nod. Aria lowered her eyes. She wondered what it felt like...

To belong. Seventeen years had passed. She still hadn't heard the voice of her wolf.

"She's here again." A whisper drifted through the crowd.

"What does she expect to happen?" Another laugh followed.

"Even an omega is stronger." Aria clenched her hands but kept her eyes forward. Pretending she hadn't heard.

"Aria." Her body stiffened. She turned. Alpha Magnus stood a few steps away. The clearing fell silent. His gaze rested on her without warmth. "What are you doing here?"

"I wanted to train." His expression remained unchanged.

"You have nothing to train." The words stole the air from her lungs.

"I thought if I kept trying—"

"You've been trying for seventeen years." His voice was calm. "You have no wolf. You cannot shift." This field is for warriors." His eyes met hers. "You are not one of them."

A few wolves looked away. Others didn't bother hiding their amusement.

"I only wanted one chance," Aria whispered.

Magnus sighed. "You're only embarrassing yourself." He stepped past her. "Go back inside."

After a brief pause, he added, "And stay out of sight."

Without another glance, he walked away. The training resumed as though nothing had happened. Aria stood alone for several seconds before quietly leaving.

The pack house offered little comfort. Servants hurried through the halls carrying trays and baskets.

As Aria passed, two maids exchanged knowing looks. "Poor thing."

"She's still pretending she'll become a wolf." They laughed softly.

Aria lowered her head and kept walking.

"Well..."A familiar voice stopped her. "If it isn't the Alpha's greatest disappointment."

Damien, the Beta's son leaned casually against a stone pillar. Several young wolves stood behind him smirking.

"You actually went back to the training grounds?"

Aria remained silent. Damien stepped closer. "When are you going to accept the truth?"

She finally looked at him. "What truth?"

His smile widened."That you don't belong here." He brushed roughly past her shoulder as he walked away. The laughter that followed echoed through the hall. Aria didn't look back.

Instead...

She left the pack house and headed toward the forest. It was the only place where the voices couldn't reach her.

The deeper she walked into the woods, the quieter everything became. She made her way to the old oak tree that had become her refuge over the years.

Settling against its thick roots, she drew her knees to her chest. A quiet sigh escaped her lips.

"Why?"The question disappeared into the forest. No answer came.

A twig snapped nearby. Aria looked up.

Lina stepped from between the trees, carrying a small satchel over one shoulder. "I thought I'd find you here."

A small smile touched Aria's lips. "You always do."

Lina sat beside her and handed over a flask. "You forgot this."

"Thank you." For a while, they sat in comfortable silence.

Then Lina spoke. "Alpha Magnus was at the training grounds."

Aria nodded. "He told me to stay out of sight."

Lina's expression tightened. "He shouldn't speak to you that way."

Aria looked down. "I don't think he sees me as his daughter anymore."

Lina gently squeezed her hand. "He's wrong."

Aria's voice cracked. "I don't have a wolf, Lina."

"Not yet."

"What if I never do?"

Lina didn't hesitate. "Then they're the ones who are wrong."

Aria looked at her. "Why do you believe in me when no one else does?"

Lina smiled softly. "Because I've known you my whole life. You've always been stronger than you realize."

Emotion tightened Aria's throat. "I just want someone to believe I belong."

"I already do." A genuine smile appeared on Aria's face for the first time since today.

The two friends remained beneath the old oak until the sun began to set.

Finally, Lina stood. "We should head back." Aria nodded. Together, they walked toward the pack.

Neither of them noticed the figure standing silently among the trees.

Hidden by the fading light...

A pair of golden eyes followed Aria's every step.

Only after the two girls disappeared into the distance did the stranger finally speak.

"So..."She's finally ready."