The air was heavy with steam as we approached the hot tub area, the quiet hum of conversation blending with the occasional splash of water. I followed Audrina, my new floor leader, through the maze of warriors lounging and laughing like they didn’t have a care in the world. For just a second, I felt like the smallest person in the room—probably because I was.

Everyone was bigger, older, and looked like they could break me in half without trying. My wolf, however, wasn’t phased. Size isn’t everything, she purred. You’ve proven that before.

Still, the sudden shout from Audrina startled me.

“Reed! Here’s your shadow. Come get her and show her the ropes.”

A man with wet, tousled hair and a cocky grin jumped out of the hot tub. He was drenched, water running in rivulets down his muscular frame, and he jogged toward me like we were old friends.

“Mighty Midget!” he hollered, throwing his arms around me before I could process what was happening. The hug was quick but firm, and when he pulled back, I was dripping wet. He grinned unapologetically. “How the hell did you manage to get here? Aren’t you, like, twelve?”

I burst out laughing. “First Guy Wyatt, is that really how we’re starting this?”

He gave me a mock bow. “You’re welcome for gracing your presence. And yeah, I’m your tour guide. Lucky you.”

As we walked toward the group gathered around the hot tub, I tried to absorb the rapid-fire introductions Wyatt was throwing at me. Names blurred together—some smiling faces, some neutral, a few openly curious. I recognized one immediately: Lillian, who waved me over with a warm smile.

Grateful for a familiar face, I sat beside her and cautiously dipped my legs into the hot tub. The heat was blissful against my sore muscles, but I couldn’t help noticing some warriors were far less modest with their attire—or lack thereof. I focused on Lillian and Wyatt, determined not to look uncomfortable.

“Alright, First Guy,” I said, grinning at Wyatt. “What are the biggest do’s and don’ts around here? I’m not trying to screw up in my first week.”

“What’s this ‘First Guy’ thing?” a blonde warrior interrupted, raising an eyebrow. His expression was a mix of confusion and amusement.

“It’s a long story,” I said, waving it off.

Wyatt smirked. “She called me that during the trials because I was the first one she fought. It stuck.”

“Bullshit,” the blonde muttered, shaking his head.

Lillian laughed, leaning back. “No, seriously. This little beast dominated our group during the trials. She figured out the challenge, gave orders like a pro, and even fixed some poor guy’s broken nose. And that cargo net—she scaled it, made a ten-foot jump forty feet in the air, and got us all across.”

“You’re kidding.” Another warrior—Nathaniel, I think—sat up straighter. “Wait, you’re the one who dislocated my shoulder? That shit hurt like hell.”

“Wait, wait,” the blonde chimed in, pointing at me. “You’re telling me this is the ‘big dude’ who messed up your shoulder? She’s half my size!”

Wyatt grinned, clapping me on the back. “Believe it. She took on nearly everyone in the squad and held her own. Mighty Midget doesn’t mess around.”

As the banter settled, Wyatt turned to me, his tone softer but no less curious. “So, how’s this going to work? I know you’re still in high school. Warriors don’t usually start until after they graduate. Warrior Hogan must have had a damn good reason to bring you here now.”

My breath caught for just a second. I didn’t want to explain Stacey, the attack, or the mess I left behind at Blue Crescent. This was supposed to be my fresh start, a chance to be free from the drama and the past. I didn’t want pity or judgment, and I definitely didn’t want to be defined by what had happened.

I forced a smile. “Guess I’m just lucky,” I said lightly, dodging the real answer. “Hogan probably thought I’d be bored sitting in school all day. Plus, who could resist this amazing personality?”

Wyatt raised an eyebrow but didn’t push. “Fair enough. Just don’t expect any handouts here. You’re one of us now, Mighty Midget. Sink or swim.”

“Good thing I’m a great swimmer,” I quipped, earning a few chuckles.

The conversation turned to training stories, with Wyatt and Lillian filling me in on the unspoken rules of the compound. Apparently, respect was earned through grit and determination, not rank or status. It wasn’t about being the strongest—it was about showing up, pushing yourself, and having your team’s back.

I liked that. It felt... right.

But as I listened, I couldn’t shake the feeling that some of the warriors were sizing me up, waiting to see if I could prove myself. My wolf bristled, her protective instincts flaring.

Let them watch, she growled. We’ll show them soon enough.

When Wyatt finally escorted me back to my room, I felt a strange sense of relief. For the first time in weeks, I wasn’t just surviving. I was standing on the edge of something bigger, something that could redefine who I was.

And I was ready.