Chapter 157

ELIZA’S POV The Lunar Guard pilot program had been approved and I couldn’t be happier. I stood tall at the edge of the training field. Behind me, a new banner had been raised—my symbol for the Lunar Guard. A silver moon, cradling a sword. It fluttered against the sky like a promise. I stared at it for a moment longer. I could feel my heart swelling with hope. Then I turned toward the field to see the women. Five. Only five. Five young she-wolves stood lined up in front of me. Their armor didn’t match. Some wore leather, others simple training gear. They shifted nervously under the weight of what today meant. One girl, barely seventeen, tried to hide how much her hands trembled. My smile didn’t falter, but inside… my chest ached. We’d expected dozens for the first day, at least. Something was wrong. I could feel it. But I wouldn’t let them see my disappointment. No. These five had shown up when everyone else stayed back in fear. These five were warriors. The first flames. I stepped forw