The morning came too early.
Calla rubbed her tired eyes as the first rays of sunlight spilled through the small, square window above her bed. The wooden walls of their home creaked softly, as if they were stretching after a long sleep. Their house wasn't large—just two bedrooms, a small kitchen, and a living area—but it was home. The kind of place where every creak, every faded stain on the floor, had a story.
She sat up, her legs dangling over the edge of the bed. The cool floor met her toes like a quiet greeting. Mika had already left—Calla heard her get up before sunrise to help in the healer's hut. Typical Mika, always two steps ahead.
After a quick wash, Calla dressed in a plain but clean shirt and leggings, tugging her boots on tightly before stepping outside. Her eyes drifted toward the tall trees behind the houses. The edge of the forest. Beyond it, the Alpha's mansion.
She always knew where it was. You couldn't miss it. Though the Alpha's house was on the same ground level as the pack, it stood out. Wide and tall, made of stone and dark wood, the mansion had large windows and a front garden filled with strong-smelling herbs. A long porch ran along the front, often used to gather warriors or host meetings. From its rooftop, Alpha Darien could see almost the entire territory of their pack. It wasn't towering like a castle, but its size made it known—this was the Alpha's domain.
Calla shook herself free from the thought.
She didn't belong there.
She turned away and headed toward the bakery. She had morning duty, helping prepare the bread for delivery. But as she crossed the main path, she heard her name.
"Calla!"
She paused and turned.
A young warrior named Eryn—friendly but loud—was waving her over. "Alpha Darien sent for you."
Her stomach dropped. Again?
"Did he say why?" she asked, trying to keep her voice calm.
Eryn shrugged. "Just said you're needed at the clearing near the training grounds."
Calla blinked. "Now?"
Eryn nodded. "Now."
---
Later...
The clearing buzzed with activity. Warriors sparred under the warm sun, their grunts echoing with every hit and block. The younger trainees sat in circles, learning techniques from older fighters. Yet, in the middle of it all, Alpha Darien stood completely still.
Calla approached carefully.
He was dressed casually today—fitted black shirt, sleeves rolled to the elbow, and dark trousers. His short hair was slightly messy, like he hadn't slept. He looked… focused.
"Calla," he said, turning to her. "You're here."
"Yes, Alpha," she answered quietly, eyes cast downward.
"Good. I want you to observe today's training."
She blinked. "Me? Observe?"
Darien nodded once. "Pay attention to their moves. Patterns. Mistakes. I want your thoughts after."
That made no sense.
She wasn't a warrior. She hadn't even trained since she was fourteen, and even then, it was only to learn self-defense.
"Yes, Alpha," she said again, hiding her confusion.
---
Calla's Inner Wolf
Why does he watch us like that? He doesn't know… He can't. The bond is sleeping. You are still hidden.
---
Calla sat under the shade of a tall pine, scribbling notes on a folded parchment she borrowed from the baker. She watched the way one of the trainees lunged too soon. Another kept dropping her left shoulder.
But she felt Darien's gaze on her more than once.
It was like he was… trying to understand her.
Like she was a puzzle he couldn't solve.
---
When the training ended, Darien approached her again. "What did you see?"
She handed him the parchment. "Mostly footwork issues… some overconfidence… two of the younger ones need help with balance."
Darien read it over, then looked at her.
"These are good."
She blinked. "They are?"
"Very," he said. "You see details others don't."
Calla felt her face warm. "I just… pay attention."
Darien's eyes searched hers. "Keep watching. Let me know if anything else feels off."
Calla nodded, then turned to leave.
But just as she reached the edge of the clearing, she felt it again.
That hum under her skin.
Her ring pulsed, just once. The faintest flicker.
She looked down.
The silver band still looked dull, but it felt warm. She rubbed it between her fingers.
What was happening to her?
And why now?