The next two days dragged on. The doctors insisted on waiting until every last trace of silver and wolfsbane had left my system before Kylie could visit. They still wouldn’t tell me what else was in the toxic mix I’d been dosed with, but I suspected other poisons or sedatives were involved, given my body’s intense reaction.

When Kylie finally came, I felt a strange mix of relief and guilt. Her familiar face brought so much comfort, yet I found myself instinctively looking behind her, half-hoping, half-dreading to see the guys. I didn’t realize how much I missed them too.

“They’re here at the Royal Pack, training,” she said with a reassuring smile. “But like you, I’m not allowed to see them much. They’re focused on their own drills, but trust me—they know you’re here.”

Knowing they were nearby was a comfort, though it left me with conflicted feelings. I wasn’t ready to talk to them about the attack or hear what they might have been told. Kylie didn’t elaborate on that night, dodging my questions with a well-practiced avoidance that left me unsure if she didn’t know, couldn’t say, or simply didn’t want to relive it. Instead, she focused on the good news: my upcoming training.

Over the next week, she distracted me with ideas about Elite training, keeping my mind on the future rather than the brutal memories trying to creep in. She even got me to accept my new shoulder-length hair, helping me experiment with different ways to wear it, while I nodded along, already knowing I’d stick with a simple ponytail once she left.

When my wolf finally stirred, I nearly jumped out of my bed in excitement. That first moment of hearing her again was like a homecoming.

Oh, my sweet girl, her voice whispered, tinged with concern. I’ve been trying to reach you for days. It’s all been a foggy haze. What happened?

We were attacked, I replied, feeling an unexpected wave of calm as she connected with me again. It was Stacey, right before the Mating Ball.

My wolf was silent for a moment, then her voice came back, slow and thoughtful. I remember us in the locker room, but not much after that. We didn’t sense anything. It was as if they appeared out of nowhere.

That thought troubled me. I told her about Stacey’s taunts, how they’d attacked without warning. My wolf was horrified and, to my surprise, also amused by Kylie’s parents, nudging me to trust them.

“They’d want to know,” she urged gently. “If they understand everything, they can better help us heal.”

I sighed, brushing off the idea. She’s not worth it.

Two days later, Warrior Hogan and Alpha King Reggie walked in, both looking pleased. Reggie’s eyes twinkled with humor. “Selene, you certainly know how to put on a show. I had no idea you wanted to be in the Elite Warrior training this badly.”

The teasing was well-intentioned, but I could only muster a small smile. “I’ll keep that in mind next time.”

“Well, if you’re up for it,” he continued, “how about a tour of our territory? We’ll get you settled into the training compound, and training begins tomorrow morning.”

“Yes!” I sat up eagerly. “I can’t wait. Being here is starting to feel like torture.”

Warrior Hogan chuckled. “You’ve got quite a list of things that qualify as ‘torture,’ Little One.”

Reggie shot him a look, his smile barely hidden. “I think that joke may still be too soon.”

Hogan only grinned. “She’ll have to get used to it. None of the warriors here will give you any slack, Selene. They know you’re younger, but they’ve also been briefed on the essentials of your... situation. Just be ready.”

“Yes, sir.” A thrill of nervous excitement washed over me. It seemed my reputation had preceded me, and I wasn’t sure how I felt about being labeled the “special case” of the training program.

Doc Sylvia arrived to do my final check, making me promise to let her visit the compound regularly for “routine samples.” It was oddly comforting to know I’d see her again, even if I’d be poked and prodded a few more times. I packed the spare clothes Kylie had brought me into a small bag and followed Reggie and Hogan out of the hospital.

The Royal Pack territory was a dream. Stepping outside was like stepping into a fairy tale: the woods held an ancient beauty, wild yet watchful, as if it protected us all. The buildings, covered in ivy, looked timeless, and the air itself seemed lighter. Everything about this place felt like home and something beyond home—someplace I could finally feel at peace.

Hogan leaned in. “You’ll start with the basics, just like everyone else. No exceptions for rank or previous training.”

I nodded, feeling an exhilarating mix of fear and excitement. I was ready.

As we reached my temporary quarters, Doc Sylvia and Doc Ganon joined us, their faces glowing with a familiar intensity. “Welcome to your new life, Selene,” Sylvia said warmly. “You’ll be surrounded by the best of the best. And, on a more practical note, I’ll be here tomorrow to start regular checks. You’ll be training hard, and we need to make sure you’re not pushing yourself too quickly.”

Hogan added with a smirk, “Everyone in this program faces constant challenges, Selene. You’ll be tested in ways you’ve never imagined. But that’s why you’re here.”

Doc Sylvia added with a glint of excitement, “And remember, no question is too small. We’ll be here to support you, every step of the way.”

My wolf stirred at the edges of my mind, her presence reassuring and strong.

This is where we belong, she whispered.

For the first time, I fully believed her.