The afternoon sun cast long shadows through the leaves as Ethan and Aria practiced with Thorne. Sweat beaded on Ethan's brow as he struggled to focus the swirling air around him, frustration gnawing at him. Thorne, ever patient, chuckled. "Don't force it, Ethan. Think of it like calming a wild beast."
Suddenly, a prickling sensation washed over Ethan. He whipped his head around, scanning the treeline bordering the clearing. Aria stiffened beside him, a flicker of concern in her eyes. "Did you feel that?" she murmured.
A twig snapped, barely audible over the rustling leaves. Red Moon, Ethan's wolf, let out a low growl, his fur bristling along his spine. With a powerful burst of speed, he shot into the undergrowth, a blur of black fur.
