Chapter 44

The training yard was alive with energy as the pack gathered for their daily routines. Warriors sparred, the clash of steel echoing across the open space, while others practiced strength drills under the watchful eyes of senior members. The sun hung high in the sky, its warmth beating down on the sprawling estate, but the heat only added to the intensity. Althea stood at the edge of the yard, leaning lightly on her crutches as she adjusted the brace on her injured ankle. Her training with Kaden had been grueling but rewarding, and though she was still far from where she wanted to be, the small improvements she’d made were enough to keep her going. Today was supposed to be another normal session, another step in her slow climb back to strength. But from the moment she stepped onto the training grounds, she felt the shift in the air. The whispers started almost immediately. “Why is she even out here?” someone murmured. “She’s just slowing everyone down,” another voice said. Althea’s shou